Must-visit places on North Island, New Zealand- 2024 Edition
North Island, New Zealand
Updated on March 2024
Have you already narrowed down that North Island is the part of the island you want to travel to? Or are you looking for inspiration and deciding which part of NZ to choose from? Then don’t look further, here I’m going to show you the beauty of North Island, New Zealand. Home to the stunning coastlines, beaches; astounding geothermal wonders, and the rich Maori culture and history.
There is so much to visit on the North Island, but if you’re on holiday there might not always be that much time for you to explore everything. Here I’ll narrow down to some most recommended and must-visit places on North Island, New Zealand; so it will be easier for you to make a decision, and to enjoy this part of New Zealand as much as possible.
Click here for the Ultimate Travel Guide to New Zealand, with important information and amazing tips on traveling through the country.
Like many countries, New Zealand has been affected heavily by the COVID situation, especially in the tourism and hospitality industry; this post tries to provide the most up-to-date information, however as things and regulations can change quickly, it is best to directly contact the involved party to get the most accurate and up to date information
IN A RUSH, SAVE IT FOR LATER 🙂
Northland
It is said to be the “birthplace of New Zealand”, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It has a very rich Maori culture, and history and is the largest and long-living Kauri tree in New Zealand, the “Tāne Mahuta”. It is also well known for its beautiful coastline, islands, and magnificent sand dunes.
Consider doing a road trip to fully explore and enjoy the beauty of Northland, or join a day tour to explore the north-most accessible point of New Zealand – Cape Reinga Lighthouse and Ninety Mile Beach. Another highlight of the road trip would definitely be visiting the Te Paki Sand dunes, especially if you’re looking to have some adrenaline rush or have some adventures.
If you love the beaches, and hopping islands; then the Bay of Island is where you want to go. It is made up of 144 small islands. Take a cruise for island hopping, a sailing day tour to relax and explore one or two of the islands, or simply sunbathe on the beach, and go for a swim.
Rotorua
Like Northland, Rotorua is a town that is filled with Maori culture. Also, it is famous for its geothermal activity, and fascinating landscapes from Forrest, rivers, and lakes. Rotorua is also famously known for its “rotten egg” smell due to the sulphur from the geothermal activity but no need to worry; as it is something you can get used to, and to be honest you’ll be too busy exploring to be bothered by it!
One must do when you’re in Rotorua is to explore one of the many geothermal hotspots, you will not fail to find one that suits your liking and interests. Take a walk and boat tour at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, simply relax and soak in the Polynesian Spa in the town center, or experience the unique mud spa and pool at Hell’s Gate.
Go visit the Tamaki Maori Village: a 20-minute drive from Rotorua town center. Immerse in the Maori culture for the night, with the renowned “Hangi”, an award-winning cultural performance to learn about the history.
You’ll never struggle with finding things to do in Rotorua, even at night there’s the Redwood Nightlights Experience, with amazing lanterns hanging across the Redwood trees, where you take a walk around the multiple swing bridges. So if you’re wondering what you should do other than drinking or stargazing at night, this is a unique experience!
↓↓ Explore more of Rotorua’s things to do below ↓↓
Taupo
An hour’s drive from Rotorua. Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in New Zealand; whether you are spending a few nights here or just passing through to get to your next destination. Taupo has it all, suitable for anyone and perfect to unwind, relax, and just enjoy the town.
Huka Falls
Make sure you pay a visit to Huka Falls; known as the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand. With the beautiful turquoise color of the Waikato River, and the strong and phenomenal falls rush down. If you want to make it even more unforgettable, then take a jetboat to get extremely close to the Huka Falls, and have an exhilarating 30 minutes ride.
Taupo is also one of the best places in New Zealand for Skydiving; with the biggest Lakeview, and various mountain ranges. And freefalling down the sky is probably one of the most thrilling things you can experience in life; so why not give it a try and tick off your bucket list here.
If you’re looking for some family fun or a more relaxing type of activity in Taupo. Then don’t look further than the Huka Prawn Park, where you can enjoy various water activities; or get close to the prawns if you’re interested in their lifestyle!
↓↓ Explore more of Taupo’s things to do below ↓↓
Tongariro National Park
For people who love hiking, you must have heard about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing already. It is one of the best one-day tracks of North Island, New Zealand, and I’m sure anyone who’s completed it won’t argue with this. The weather along the track might be unpredictable, and some parts of the track can be very tiring and steep; however, everything is worth it in the end. You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping natural scenery, world-renowned volcanic landscapes, and the famous movie scene from Lord of the Rings.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is perfectly safe to do on your own; with arranged transport by tour operators, as the start and end points are different. Or book a shuttle for your hike here.
However, if you’re planning to do it during Winter time, it is best to go with a guide unless you have alpine experience and are 100% confident.
It is a long one-day hike, can take around 7-9 hours depending on your fitness level and how fast you walk. So bring plenty of water and food to keep your energy up!
Waikato Region
Hobbiton Movie Set
If you’re a movie lover, you’re in for a treat. The famous “Lord of the Rings trilogy” and “Hobbit film trilogy” were filmed here- The “Hobbiton Movie Set” in Matamata.
Even if you’re not the biggest fan of this movie, like me. Haha! Still very fascinating to visit this place, especially cause I’m so short and this makes me feel at home 🙂
It really is like visiting a village, instead of a famous movie set; which is what I loved about this place. It doesn’t have the monetized set feeling, it had the welcoming and cute feeling with a very well-informed guide to take you through the 12-acre set.
Book here for the Hobbiton Movie Set Ticket
Hamilton Garden
Take a stroll at the Hamilton Garden, with different country-themed gardens; you’ll be transformed into different countries within a few minutes. And you will be able to take lots of awesome pictures to share with your friends or family!
From Spring 2024, a $20 entry fee will be introduced. So take your chance to enter for free now!!
Waitomo Glowworms Tour
Glowworms is known to be one of the best natural attractions in New Zealand. And here it runs some of the best tours for people who want to witness this spectacular sight.
There are many other little towns in the Waikato Region that are so worth exploring, all have their own unique atmosphere!
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel has got to be one of the most amazing places to visit on the North Island, New Zealand. The view is so amazingly spectacular it makes you forget about the stress in your life. There’s no better place to unwind, take a step back and rejuvenate. Just by staring at one of the beaches, chilling at your bach (kiwi slang for a holiday home). Or sunbathing, there’s nothing more relaxing than that.
You can’t miss going to Cathedral Cove once you’re here. I went on an overcast day in winter and it was still very amazing. However, the waves were quite strong near the cove so you gotta watch out for that. Nonetheless, you’re going to be rewarded with some incredible sights, photos, and vibes.
One other benefit of going during winter is that you won’t have to share this amazing scenery with many other people. As it is a very popular tourist attraction and it does get cramped up during the summer peak season (Dec- Feb).
Two beaches I really recommend visiting in Coromandel are Hot Water Beach and New Chum Beach.
Hot Water Beach
You can have the unique experience of digging your own little hot pool right on the beach with a shovel; the naturally heated mineral water will come bubbling up if you’re digging in the right spot. The cafes around the beach would usually provide the shovel. Or they might provide it at where you stay, as it is a very popular activity to do in Coromandel!
New Chums Beach
It’s not like the usual beach that you can just find easily with your GPS; it is one of those secluded secret beaches where you’ll have to do some research before you go. I have not personally been there yet, but have heard and been recommended by so many people to visit this beach when I get a chance; so it is definitely on my bucket list of places to go on the North Island.
Mt Maunganui
Mt Maunganui is a very laid-back suburb on North Island, New Zealand. AKA “The Mount” by the kiwis. It has been voted as one of the best beaches in New Zealand. The main streets are filled with restaurants and cafes that are lined up with palm trees leading up to the beach.
Check out here for some of the best cafes in Mt Maunganui
Book a beach house, bach, or hostel and stay a week to soak up the vibe; and allow yourself to be completely laid-back.
Walk the Mt Maunganui Summit track; a 40 minutes track which once you make it up there, you will be overlooking this amazing peninsula. Some parts of the track are a bit narrow and some parts have got some steps; but overall it’s fairly easy and I was wearing sandals when I did this track, which I was perfectly fine. Of course, if you have proper shoes then it’s ideal! All I’m saying is there’s no need to be discouraged if you’re not wearing proper shoes.
Make your way to McLaren Falls Park. It is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your friends, family, or loved ones. There are also multiple walking trails to choose from if you’re wanting to get some exercise in. You could also join the kayak tour which takes place at the park; it’ll take you kayak through the lake into discovering the magical Glowworms cave. Unfortunately, the tour I joined was canceled due to the water level being too low, but I have no doubt it would have been an amazing experience!
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is also known as the wine country of North Island, New Zealand; with amazing wineries, wine experiences, vineyard accommodation, and winery restaurants for you to choose from; it is a literal paradise for wine lovers out there!
Bell Rock Track
If you’re thinking of skipping this place because you’re not a wine lover, then it would be a big mistake!!! Like myself; I’m not a huge wine lover, I prefer to say I’m still too young to enjoy the taste of wine hehe (probably just not mature enough).
But I still enjoy my time there, there are so many other outdoor activities, natural landscapes; and coastal areas for you to explore.
My personal favorite hike is the “Bell Rock Track”, which leads you up to an iconic lookout; and huge rocks that are shaped like a bell lol (as suggested by the name of the track). It is very windy and exposed up top, so bring a light jacket with you and wear plenty of sunscreens to prevent nasty sunburn!!
Read more details about the Bell Rock Walk, Hawkes’ bay!
Also, be mindful that the drive leading up to the start point of this track is not pleasant, it’s about 20 mins drive on a gravel road, but now you know this you can prepare yourself so you won’t feel as affected by it!
Te Mata Peak
If you don’t feel like a hike or are just feeling lazy. Another popular track where people would go is Te Mata Peak; with this track, you have the choice to drive up to the peak and enjoy the spectacular views from every direction. I personally chose to hike up the peak as I was feeling quite energetic and wanted to get some exercise in, and I loved every moment of it 🙂
Bonus Tips
There are so much more things on North Island to explore if you have more time, I didn’t include any of the bigger cities like Auckland or Wellington. It doesn’t mean I don’t recommend them, just that if you’re only in New Zealand for a couple of weeks. I think those smaller and more unique towns are what you should focus on. And usually, you’d have flown into either Auckland or Wellington if you’re traveling internationally. So I would recommend just spending a maximum of two days to explore a bit of the city if you must!
↓↓ BOOK YOUR NORTH ISLAND ACTIVITIES AT GET YOUR GUIDE NOW 🙂 ↓↓
I’ve lived in Auckland for around 4 years now. And yes Auckland has so much more to offer than typical city life! But spend more time outside of the city and you won’t regret it. After all, New Zealand is a paradise of natural wonder.
Drop a comment below and share what you think of North Island, New Zealand. And when are you planning to travel here <3
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