Rotorua:
If you want to get out of town and get the adrenaline pumping then the central North Island is the place to go. As the main tourist hotspot in the North Island "Roto-Vegas" has something for everyone - from wild white water rafting to beautiful serene lakes, from bubbling mud craters to relaxing natural hot pools. Rotorua is a happening destination, save some cash for this one and get into it.

Taupo:
Looking for another adventurous weekend then try Taupo. Located at the centre of the North Island Taupo is the home of New Zealand's largest lake, a massive waterfall and the best (and cheapest) sky diving in the North Island. Taupo is definitely the place to go if you want to jump. Why? Read on!

Tauranga:
On the East Coast South of the Coromandel Peninsular lies the twin towns of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Due to a pleasant climate and handy location Tauranga, one of NZs largest ports, is rapidly developing as one of the places to live. Named after the impressive Mt Maunganui the Mount is a popular summer destination, with fine surf beaches and a resort type atmosphere.

Bay of Islands:
With 150 islands, beautiful beaches and clear water the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s must see destinations. However the “Bay” is only a small part of Northland, a diverse area that extends north of Auckland and all the way to the top of the country.

Coromandel:
Quite possibly the perfect weekend away – sand, surf and surprises. The Coromandel is a beautiful peninsular within a couple of hours of Auckland.

Tour De Coromandel:
This fantastic weekend trip is a great way to get out of town without needing a car. Why not spend the weekend cycling to the Coromandel. This 160 km cycling mission includes a train ride, a ferry ride, great scenery, quiet roads and hot pools. Why not see the country and get fit at the same time.

Raglan:
Situated on the West Coast south of Auckland is the chilled out destination of Raglan. World famous for it’s surfing this quiet little town is one relaxing place.

New Zealand Snow Tours:
Want to get to the snow this winter? These guys run awesome tours that cater to beginners looking to build up their snowboarding or skiing skills, through to the advanced who want fresh snow, speed and big air. They also run surf tours in the summer! 10% discount for GOOT Passport holders.

Waitomo:
Waitomo is the home of the magnificent Waitomo Caves. This region is riddled with limestone caves and makes for an interesting and unique weekend destination.

Tongariro:
The first National Park in NZ Tongariro is an iconic landscape of active volcanoes and beautiful lakes amidst a harsh lunar like landscape. But the central plateau is actually so much more than this - with mountains, forests and rivers it really is the place for adventure.

Party in Hamilton:
The city of Hamilton gets a bad name among most Aucklanders but if you want to do something different one weekend why not check it out. Hamilton is one of the fastest growing places in NZ and has a large University population. And what do students do best? They party!

Pinnacles Hike:
Here’s a great little weekend trip. A ‘relatively easy’ hike through the Coromandel Forest Park, the chance to stay in a remote hiking hut and the opportunity to climb the jagged Pinnacles...

Kaimai Hike:
This is a good hike for the intermediate level hiker. Just South of the Coromandel Peninsular the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park is a long thin area of rugged native forest. The hike into Waitawheta Hut is the best walk in the park and offers a little bit of everything; river crossings, kauri trees, a 70 metre water fall, a little NZ logging history and a quality hut.

Kaimanawas Hike:
This is a great little hike for the more experienced hiker. East of Tongariro National Park lies the Kaimanawa Forest Park. While everybody heads to Tongariro the Kaimanawas offers something different. If you are looking for a real backcountry experience without the people then this two-day hike is a good one. It offers a variety of terrain (beech forest, open tops and river travel) and the chance to really get away from it.

Anyone who lives in Auckland will tell you we can only survive by escaping to the coast every now and then. There are plenty of great spots close to the city.

Still within the North Island there is so much to see and do. With 3 days or more your really getting somewhere.