North Island [2017]

In contrast to the South Island, New Zealand's North Island has a more subtropical laid-back vibe. White sand beaches and turquoise waves were just what we needed after a week exploring mountains and fjords.

Mar 2017

© Kevin Yao, 2026

Hot Water Beach. The slow-rolling waves left quite the reflection.

Hot Water Beach. The slow-rolling waves left quite the reflection. (1 of 12)

Hey buddy.

Hey buddy. (2 of 12)

Tree-covered islands in the distance.

Tree-covered islands in the distance. (3 of 12)

Cathedral Cove at sunset with a random couple.

Cathedral Cove at sunset with a random couple. (4 of 12)

It was such a short hike that we came in the morning again for sunrise.

It was such a short hike that we came in the morning again for sunrise. (5 of 12)

Te Hoho Rock stack from above.

Te Hoho Rock stack from above. (6 of 12)

Hahei Beach, surprisingly empty. I guess beaches are a commodity here.

Hahei Beach, surprisingly empty. I guess beaches are a commodity here. (7 of 12)

Entrance to the Waipu Caves. We could only take the darkness for so long.

Entrance to the Waipu Caves. We could only take the darkness for so long. (8 of 12)

Close-up shot of some glow-worms. The silk threads hanging down have sticky droplets on them used for catching prey.

Close-up shot of some glow-worms. The silk threads hanging down have sticky droplets on them used for catching prey. (9 of 12)

On the drive to Auckland. Sheep butts interlude.

On the drive to Auckland. Sheep butts interlude. (10 of 12)

The pink-colored Nelson Street Cycleway draws you to the heart of the city.

The pink-colored Nelson Street Cycleway draws you to the heart of the city. (11 of 12)

Mount Eden overlooking Auckland.

Mount Eden overlooking Auckland. (12 of 12)

Hot Water Beach. The slow-rolling waves left quite the reflection.
Hey buddy.
Tree-covered islands in the distance.
Cathedral Cove at sunset with a random couple.
It was such a short hike that we came in the morning again for sunrise.
Te Hoho Rock stack from above.
Hahei Beach, surprisingly empty. I guess beaches are a commodity here.
Entrance to the Waipu Caves. We could only take the darkness for so long.
Close-up shot of some glow-worms. The silk threads hanging down have sticky droplets on them used for catching prey.
On the drive to Auckland. Sheep butts interlude.
The pink-colored Nelson Street Cycleway draws you to the heart of the city.
Mount Eden overlooking Auckland.