Cruise the Bay of Islands, go blackwater rafting, spend a day on beautiful Waiheke Island, go sandboarding, hike the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, see glowworms and kiwi birds, visit Hobbiton, and explore the geothermal areas around Rotorua and Taupoโฆthese are all things to do on the North Island of New Zealand.
There is something here for everyone.
Sample some of New Zealandโs best food and wine at the vineyards and small towns that dot the North Island.
Kids will love exploring Hobbiton, the geothermal wonderland near Rotorua, and seeing the glowworms in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Those in search of adventure can hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, go blackwater rafting, and leap from the Sky Tower in Auckland.
And for those who like scenic drives and stunning landscapes, donโt miss a cruise or helicopter flight at the Bay of Islands, a few days exploring the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, and a visit to Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula.
In this guide, we will introduce you to the many amazing things to do on the North Island of New Zealand.
Letโs get started.
Best Things to Do on the North Island
In no particular order, here are the best things to do on the North Island of New Zealand. At the end of this section, you can see all of them on a map.
1. Spend the Day on Waiheke Island
Letโs get started with one of our favorite experiences on the North Island of New ZealandโฆWaiheke Island.
This small island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, not far from Auckland. It is home to long stretches of beautiful beaches and coastlines, olive oil and gin distilleries, hiking trails, and restaurants.
But for many people, the biggest draw are the wineries. Waiheke Island is covered in vineyards, so wine tastings or a wine pairing with lunch or dinner are one of the best things to do on Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island
Lunch at Man O’ War Vineyards
Mudbrick
How to Visit Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is an easy day trip from Auckland. Ferries between Waiheke Island and Auckland run throughout the day. Once on the island, you can get around by car, bus, or bicycle.
One day on Waiheke Island gives you enough time to visit a few wineries, have a leisurely lunch and/or dinner, and add in some activities such as olive oil tasting, gin tasting, ziplining, time at the beach, or the walk out to Stony Batter Historic Reserve.
Waiheke Island Day Trip: Things to Do & One Day Itinerary
Learn how to plan your day trip to Waiheke Island.2. Enjoy the View from Cape Reinga
Journey to the very top of New Zealand and visit Cape Reinga.
In Maลri, Te Rerenga Wairua means the leaping off of spirits. The Maลri believe that Cape Reinga is the point where spirits of the dead enter the underworld.
A lighthouse is perched at the end of the peninsula. From this point, you can watch as the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Cape Reinga
How to Visit Cape Reinga
To get here, drive State Highway 1 until it ends at the Cape Reinga parking area. From the parking lot, it is an 800-meter walk to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. It is worth walking all the way out to the lighthouse because the views from the walk and the lighthouse are incredible.
3. Explore the Geothermal Areas
The center of the North Island, near Taupล and Rotorua, contains one of the most active geothermal areas in the world. Exploring this land of geysers, steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud is one of the most interesting things to do on the North Island.
In this area, you have several geothermal parks to choose from.
Te Puia
At Te Puia, which is located in Rotorua, not only can you tour the geothermal pools and geysers, but you can also see kiwi birds, visit an arts and crafts institute, and watch a Maลri cultural performance. One of the highlights of the visit is seeing the Pลhutu geyser (the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere) which erupts twice an hour.
Pลhutu geyser
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
On June 10, 1886, a volcanic eruption of Mount Tarewera created the worldโs youngest geothermal valley. This long, narrow valley is home to Frying Pan Lake (the worldโs largest hot spring), the Inferno Crater (a brilliantly blue lake), and Lake Rotomahana. It is located near Rotorua.
Inferno Crater at Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
This geothermal area is located south of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, about 30 km south of Rotorua. It is often called New Zealandโs most colorful geothermal area.
Watch as Lady Knox Geyser erupts (usually around 10:15 am daily), walk the boardwalk trails to see steaming thermal pools and colorful hot springs, and see the largest mud pool in New Zealand.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park is a 30-minute drive north of Taupล. From the parking area, you will board a ferry for a short trip across Waikato River to the geothermal area (the ferry fee is included with the entrance fee). Boardwalk tracks lead to geysers, bubbling pools of mud, and steaming, colorful pools. It is one of the North Islandโs most interesting places to visit.
Get hours and pricing on the official website.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Relax in the healing thermal waters, have a massage, and walk the short trails to the natural silica pools. This is one of the prettiest places in Taupล to lounge in the naturally heated waters, and these pools are adult only. For pricing, hours, and spa treatments, visit the official website.
Wairakei Terraces Thermal Spa
Hellโs Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
At Hellโs Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa, take a geothermal walk and then bathe in the healing geothermal mud and sulfur waters. Itโs one of the most unique โhot poolโ experiences in New Zealand.
Hellโs Gate is located outside of Rotorua, about a 20-minute drive from town.
4. Visit Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is one of the most picturesque places to visit on the North Island. This iconic beach is located on the Coromandel Peninsula. You can get to it by boat and by hiking. Taking a boat tour of the cove and the surrounding islands and coastal scenery is a great way to explore this part of New Zealand.
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
What to expect on a boat tour of Cathedral Cove.
Cathedral Cove | DmitrySerbin/shutterstock.com
5. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are one of the most important historical sites in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is where the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed. This treaty is Aotearoa New Zealandโs founding document and it is a written agreement between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown to share power in New Zealand.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Te Whare Rลซnanga
How to Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are located near Paihia and the Bay of Islands.
At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn more about the Treaty of Waitangi at the Museum of Waitangi and the Museum of the Price of Citzenship, see Te Whare Rลซnanga (a beautifully carved meeting house), visit the Treaty House, see the Ngฤtokimatawhaorua (the worldโs largest ceremonial waka (canoe)).
6. The Bay of Islands
Consisting of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its beautiful blue water, dramatic shorelines, and picturesque coves.
Popular places to visit in the Bay of Islands include Hole in the Rock, Urupukapuka Island (the largest island in the Bay of Islands), Otehei Bay (one of the bays at Urupukapuka Island), Russell, and Motuarohia Island (the original landing site of Captain Cook).
Bay of Islands | Best things to do on the North Island
Sheep on Urupukapuka Island
How to Visit the Bay of Islands
You can visit the Bay of Islands on a boat tour or a helicopter tour. A boat tour is more affordable but a helicopter tour gives a birdโs eye view of this stunning archipelago. Learn about the various tour options and how to have the best experience in our guide to the Bay of Islands.
7. See the Glowworms in Waitomo
Seeing glowworms is one of the top experiences to have in New Zealand. Thereโs no better place to do this than in Waitomo.
In Waitomo, there are two caves to choose from.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves is the most popular option. Tours of this cave run all day, last about 45 minutes to an hour, and it is the best option if you want to see some glowworms on a quick visit.
At Ruakari Cave, just down the street from Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you can take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the cave, see and photograph the glowworms, and/or go blackwater rafting.
If you are visiting New Zealand with kids, this is an experience not to be missed. This was one of Tyler and Karaโs favorite activities in New Zealand when they were kids.
Glowworms
8. Go Blackwater Rafting
Blackwater Rafting is one of the most adventurous things to do on the North Island of New Zealand.
Blackwater rafting is tubing down underground rivers in the semi-darkness. This experience also includes hiking, jumping off of waterfalls, army crawling through tunnels and openings, and in some cases, abseiling.
Since this is done in Ruakari Cave, you also get to see the glowworms and it is magical.
So, if you want to see the glowworms with a side of adventure, put blackwater rafting on your list. Learn all about it in our Guide to the Waitomo Caves โ
Waitomo Caves: Glowworms, Blackwater Rafting & the Best Tours
How to see the glowworms in Waitomo Caves and what it is like to go blackwater rafting.
Blackwater Rafting, photo courtesy of Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
9. See the Putangirua Pinnacles
This geological formation, with its hoodoos and badlands appearance, slightly resembles Bryce Canyon or Badlands National Park in the USA. This was a filming location for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Putangirua Pinnacles | Victor Lapaev/shutterstock.com
The Putangirua Pinnacles make a nice day trip from Wellington.
Before you go, check the DOC website for updates. At the time that I am writing this, the Putangirua Pinnacles are closed.
10. Drive the Twin Coast Discovery Highway
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is an 800 km/500-mile driving loop in Northland (the northernmost region of New Zealand).
On this drive, you will visit several other places that show up on this list, including Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, and Waipoua Forest. You can add on places like the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
It takes several days to drive the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Learn more in our Guide to Northland.
View from the Signal Station Walk in Northland
The Koutu Boulders, one of the sights on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway
11. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Labeled as the best single day hike in New Zealand, some people even consider this hike to be best single day hike in the world.
Here is your chance to hike in the shadow of Mt. Doom, walk through an almost lunar landscape, and watch as semi-dormant volcanoes smoke not too far off in the distance.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Best things to do on the North Island
Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom
How to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This hike is 19.4 km (12 miles) point-to-point, moderate to strenuous in difficulty, and takes 6 to 8 hours. Learn more about the hike, and see a lot more photos, in our Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing โ
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, A Step-By-Step Guide to New Zealand’s Best Day Hike
Everything you need to know to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.12. Eat and Drink Your Way through Wellington
Wellington is home to a huge number of coffee shops, craft beer breweries, gourmet restaurants, and cocktail bars, making it an excellent place to visit in New Zealand for foodies.
This city is famous for being the craft beer capital of New Zealand. Touring the Craft Capital Beer Trail is one of the best things to do here.
There is also a long list of highly rated restaurants in Wellington. Shed 5 Bar & Restaurant is located on the waterfront and serves amazing seafood. We had excellent Italian at Nicoliniโs. Logan Brown (European), The Old Quarter (Asian), Ortega Fish Shack (seafood), and Ombra (Italian) also get great reviews.
For more information about what there is to see and do in Wellington, check out our guide to Wellington.
Wellington | Best things to do on the North Island
13. See New Zealandโs Largest Tree
Kauri trees are native to New Zealand. By volume, these can grow to be the largest trees in the country. Their trunk diameters can become a massive 5 meters in diameter and they can grow to be 40 to 50 meters tall.
Tฤne Mahuta is the largest tree in New Zealand. To see this tree, visit the Waipou Forest, which is located near the west coast of Northland.
Tฤne Mahuta
Park at the parking lot on State Highway 12 and it is a 5-minute walk on a boardwalk trail to see this ancient tree. According to the sign that stands next to the tree, Tฤne Mahuta is over 2,000 years old and over 50 meters tall.
14. Photograph Mount Taranaki
Mount Taranaki is a dormant stratovolcano that is located on the southwest corner of the North Island. This is a popular photography and trekking location in New Zealand.
Mount Taranaki | Janice Chen/shutterstock.com
This mountain was named after Rua Taranaki, the first ancestor of the Maลri tribe (iwi) called Taranaki. On maps, it appeared as Mount Egmont (the name given to the volcano by Captain Cook) until 1986, when the name officially became โMount Taranaki or Mount Egmont.โ
This volcano sits within Egmont National Park. In the summer, itโs possible to climb to the summit of Mount Taranaki in a day, for those who are fit, fast, and experienced. In the winter, this volcano becomes a skiing destination. All year round, photographers photograph Mount Taranaki from all angles.
15. See Huka Falls
According to the Love Taupล website, Huka Falls is New Zealandโs most popular natural attraction.
Huka Falls sits just outside of the Taupo city center. You can drive here, cycle here, mountain bike here, or take a cruise or jetboat ride to the base of the falls.
Huka Falls
16. Explore the Shire at Hobbiton
Hobbiton just may be the cutest place to explore on the North Island of New Zealand.
Hobbiton was constructed in 1999 for the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and then later rebuilt as a permanent structure for the filming of the The Hobbit trilogy. Now the owners of the farm, the Alexanders, run tours to see the movie set.
It is amazing the level of detail that went into designing this set, everything from the scale of the houses to the landscaping to prop design. Being here almost made Tim and I feel like kids again, wanting to explore these tiny hobbit houses and hideaways. You donโt have to be a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan in order to enjoy a visit here, but it helps to be a kid at heart.
Hobbiton
How to Visit Hobbiton
The only way to see Hobbiton is with a tour. Tours run several times a day starting at 9:30 am and go all day. You can also take an Evening Banquet Tour, a Second Breakfast Tour, or book a tour in Chinese.
Journey through Hobbiton in photos and make your reservation in advance on the official website.
17. Watch a Maลri Cultural Performance
For an authentic Maลri experience, watch a cultural performance and take part in the hฤngฤซ, a traditional Maลri meal.
Maลri cultural performance at Mitai Maลri Village
The hฤngฤซ is traditionally cooked Maori food. Chicken, meat and kumara are cooked in an earth oven and then served in a buffet.
There are several places on the North Island to watch a Maลri Cultural Performance. We did this at the Mitai Maลri Village in Rotorua. This 3-hour experience includes a welcoming ceremony, watching as warriors paddle a canoe on the Wai-o-Whiro stream, a buffet hangi dinner, and a cultural performance.
In Rotorua, you can also attend a Maori cultural experience at Te Puia. A similar experience is also offered at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
18. Visit the Historic Town of Russell
Russell, also called Kororฤreka, is famous for being the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand.
This small coastal town is located in the Bay of Islands. It is a delight to stroll through, with a charming waterfront area and collection of restaurants.
While in Russell, have dinner at the Duke of Marlborough, enjoy the view from Flagstaff Hill, and see Christ Church, New Zealandโs oldest church.
Overlooking Russell and the Bay of Islands from Flagstaff Hill
19. Go Wine Tasting in Martinborough
Martinborough is one of New Zealandโs top wine regions. There are over 20 cellar doors to visit as well as a sprinkling of gourmet restaurants. You can day trip to Martinborough from Wellington or spend the night here in a boutique hotel.
This small group 5-hour tour takes care of your transportation and includes a visit to three wineries.
This is a longer tour (about 10 hours) but includes a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, a visit to a few wineries, and a drive along the coastline to see the Ngawi seal colony.
20. Go Zorbing
Step inside a giant inflatable ball and bounce and roll downhill.
Zorbing is similar to sliding down a water slide. The inside of the zorb is filled with a thin layer of water. You sit inside the ball, in your swimsuit, and as the zorb rolls downhill, you slide on the bottom of the ball, bouncing around a bit, but never tumbling upside down.
ZORB Rotorua is the only place in New Zealand where you can go zorbing. Learn more on the official website.
ZORB Rotorua
21. See a Kiwi
The kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird that is native to New Zealand. There are several different species of this bird and most of them are threatened. Deforestation and the introduction of predators have contributed to the huge decline in the number of kiwis in New Zealand.
Kiwi | Harvepino/shutterstock.com
Itโs very rare that you will see a kiwi in the wild, both because their numbers are low and because they are only active at night.
On the North Island, the best place to see a kiwi is the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua.
The National Kiwi Hatchery is one of the largest and most successful kiwi hatcheries in the world. When you visit the hatchery, 100% of your entrance fee is put back into their program. The only way to visit the hatchery is on a guided tour.
Learn more about the National Kiwi Hatchery and make your reservation on the official website.
22. See the Mฤori Rock Carvings
Take a cruise on Lake Taupo, New Zealandโs largest lake, to see the Ngฤtoroirangi Mine Bay Mฤori Rock Carvings. These rock carvings look like they are ancient, but they were carved by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970โs.
Mฤori Rock Carvings
To see the carvings, you can take a 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Taupล with Chris Jolly Outdoors, which also included a cruise along the east side of the lake, with views of the hot water beach and the town of Taupล. You can also view the carvings on this helicopter tour.
23. Spend a Day or Two in Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. With its beautiful setting on the Hauraki Gulf, its parks and walking trails, vibrant food and wine scene, and endless day trip options, the list of things to do in Auckland is relatively long.
While in Auckland, enjoy the view from the Sky Tower, go whale watching, visit the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum, have dinner in Viaduct Harbour, and enjoy the view from Mount Eden. Our favorite experience here was day tripping to Waiheke Island.
Auckland Travel Guides
Auckland | Best things to do on the North Island
24. Drive Ninety Mile Beach
For one of the most unique driving experiences in New Zealand, drive Ninety Mile Beach from Ahipara to Scott Point.
This 88 km beach is used as a โhighway.โ It is located along the northernmost stretch of the North Island, ending near Cape Reinga.
To drive on the beach, you must have a 4WD vehicle. If you donโt have a 4WD vehicle, you can get views of this long expanse of sand from the town of Ahipara and the Te Paki Sand Dunes.
25. Walk or Mountain Bike Amongst the Redwoods
Sitting beside Rotorua is the Whakarewarewa Forest, a forest of 100+ year old coastal redwoods. Some of these trees are now 75 meters tall.
Mountain biking on the trails that weave through the forest is a very popular thing to do here. Our favorite experience is the Redwoods Treewalk, which is a series of 28 suspension bridges that hover 20 meters above the forest floor. These bridges form a 700-meter loop and along this walk you get an incredible view of the Redwood trees.
Whakarewarewa Forest
Redwoods Treewalk
We did the walk during the daytime, which was very nice. But for an even more memorable experience, you can also do the treewalk in the evening, when the forest is illuminated, creating a magical experience.
The walk takes about 30 minutes. Get pricing and hours on the official website.
26. Go Sandboarding at Te Paki
Sitting on the remote north end of New Zealand is an unexpected landscape. Giant sand dunes rise from the oceanโs edge, creating the perfect spot to go sandboarding.
The Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes sit on the north end of New Zealand, next to Ninety Mile Beach and a short drive from Cape Reinga.
Te Paki Sand Dunes
How to Visit the Te Paki Sand Dunes
To get here, turn onto Te Paki Stream Road from State Highway 1. This road ends at the parking lot for the Te Paki Sand Dunes. At this parking lot are several stands renting sandboards.
To get out onto the dunes, you will first have to cross Te Paki Stream and then it is a short but tiring hike onto the dunes.
A visit here lasts anywhere from an hour to half of a day, depending on what you plan to do here. The sand dunes are free to visit.
27. Go Scuba Diving at Poor Knights Marine Reserve
The Poor Knights Islands is a small archipelago that sits of the east coast of Northland. This is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling spot. You can take a cruise to the islands or join a scuba diving or snorkeling tour. Learn more here.
28. Visit the Waitฤkere Ranges
Not far from Auckland, on the west coast of the North Island, is a stretch of beautiful coastline. There are several unique beaches here to visit.
Karekare Beach is a gorgeous black sand beach. We visited this beach on a Sunday morning in May and almost had the entire beach to ourselves.
Karekare Beach | Best things to do on the North Island
Piha Beach is another picturesque beach. For a good view of it, make a quick stop at the Tasman Lookout.
Piha Beach | Emagnetic/shutterstock.com
Farther north, Anawhata Beach is smaller but more remote. Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Muriwai Beach are two more gorgeous beaches to visit.
29. Relax at Hot Water Beach
Bring a shovel, dig a hole, and relax in the warm waters that bubble up from the ground.
Hot Water Beach is located on the Coromandel Peninsula. This is a great activity to combine with a visit to Cathedral Cove, mentioned earlier on this list.
Overlooking Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach | Naruedom Yaempongsa/shutterstock.com
30. Visit the Castlepoint Lighthouse
For photographers and beach lovers, this is not to be missed. Sitting on the east coast of the North Island is the Castlepoint Lighthouse. This lighthouse overlooks a gorgeous beach and rugged coastal scenery, making this another excellent photography location in New Zealand.
Castlepoint | SkyLynx/shutterstock.com
Map of the North Island of New Zealand
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Our Recommendations
Top 10 Things to Do on the North Island of New Zealand
To narrow down the list, here are the must-have experiences on the North Island.
- Day trip to Waiheke Island
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Visit Cape Reinga
- Go sandboarding at the Te Paki Sand Dunes
- Go blackwater rafting
- See the glowworms in Waitomo
- Visit Hobbiton
- Explore the geothermal areas near Taupo and Rotorua
- Visit the Whakarewarewa Forest
- Cruise the Bay of Islands
Best Things to Do with Kids
- Visit Hobbiton
- Tour the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Go sandboarding at the Te Paki Sand Dunes
- Go zorbing
- Visit the Whakarewarewa Forest and walk or bike amongst the redwoods
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (older kids)
- Explore the geothermal areas near Taupo and Rotorua
- Visit the Waitakere Ranges
- Visit Weta Cave in Wellington
- Cruise the Bay of Islands
Best Adventurous Things to Do
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Go blackwater rafting
- Go scuba diving at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve
- Leap from the Sky Tower in Auckland
- Go sandboarding at Te Paki
- Climb Mount Taranaki
- Hike to Cathedral Cove
- Go skydiving at the Bay of Islands
- Drive Ninety Mile Beach
- Go mountain biking at Whakarewarewa Forest
Interesting Facts about the North Island (Te Ika-a-Mฤui)
The North Island of New Zealand, which is also called Te Ika-a-Mฤui, is the smaller of the two main islands in New Zealand.
According to a Maลri legend, New Zealand was created by the demigod Mฤui. Mฤui caught an enormous fish from his canoe (the South Island) and pulled it from the sea. This fish became the North Island of New Zealand, or Te Ika-a-Mฤui, or โThe Fish of Maui.โ
The North Island is more populated than the South Island, with about three-quarters of New Zealanders living on the North Island. Auckland and Wellington (the capital of New Zealand) form the largest urban areas.
Sitting within the interior of the North Island is an active geothermal area. Volcanos rise from the center of the North Island and are surrounded by geothermal springs, hot pools, and bubbling mud. Exploring this geothermal wonderland is one of the best things to do on the North Island.
If you want to visit the spot that holds the Guinness Book of World Record’s longest place name in the world, the put Taumata-whakatangi-hangakoauau-o-tamatea-turi-pukakapiki-maunga-horo-nuku-pokai-whenua-kitanatahu on your list. This name is Maลri for โthe place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, and played his nose flute to his loved one.โ It is often shortened to Tamatea or Taumata Hill. This 1,000-foot hill is located along the southeast coast of the North Island. Weโve marked it on our map above.
New Zealand North Island Itinerary
Learn how to put all of these things to do on the North Island into an epic road trip. In our New Zealand North Island Itinerary, we list 5 different itineraries, ranging from 5 days to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need on the North Island of New Zealand?
At a minimum, plan on spending 5 days on the North Island. This gives you just enough time to visit Auckland or Wellington, and either venture north to Northland and the Bay of Islands, or visit Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and the geothermal areas around Taupo and Rotorua.
It takes 2 weeks or longer to road trip through the North Island of New Zealand. If you want to visit everything listed on our North Island Bucket List, plan on spending at least 2 weeks on the North Island.
When is the best time to visit the North Island?
Summer (December through February) is generally the best time to be here, with warmer, drier weather. However, it is also the busiest time of year to be here.
In autumn (March through May), temperatures cool off, as do the crowds, but rain chances increase. Fall colors make an appearance.
In the winter (June, July and August), the temperatures continue to cool. Snow will fall on the highest peaks but for the most part, the North Island doesnโt get snow like the South Island does. The North Island tends to stay a bit warmer, especially the farther north you go.
And finally, in the spring (September through November), temperatures warm up and flowers begin to bloom. In late spring, rainfall goes down but crowds start to rise.
Is the North Island of New Zealand worth it?
With glowworm caves, giant sand dunes, wineries, stunning coastal landscapes, black sand beaches, geothermal areas to explore, Hobbiton, cultural experiences, forests of redwoods and kauri trees, and small towns and large cities to visit, there is something here for everyone. The North Island is well worth visiting on your trip to New Zealand.
If you have any questions about the best things to do on the North Island of New Zealand, or if you want to share your favorite experiences, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to New Zealand
We have TONS more information about New Zealand in our New Zealand Travel Guide, including Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Franz Josef, Christchurch, Wellington, Taupล, Bay of Islands, and the Milford Sound.
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Taking a day trip to Waiheke Island is one of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand. This small island is home to long stretches of beautiful beaches and coastlines, olive oil and gin distilleries, hiking trails, and restaurants. But for many people, the biggest draw are the wineries. Waiheke Island is covered […]
The Ultimate 3 Week New Zealand South Island Itinerary
Cruise the Milford Sound, hike Royโs Peak in Wanaka, go kayaking in Abel Tasman, spend a few days in Queenstown, drive the Southern Scenic Route, go wine tasting in Marlborough and Central Otago, soar over the glaciers from Franz Josef, and go on one of best road trips in the world. On this 3-week New […]
20 Epic Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka is one of our favorite places in New Zealand. Lake Wanaka is a gorgeous lake, surrounded by mountain peaks, waterfalls, lavender farms, vineyards, and forests. On a visit to Wanaka, take your pick from some of New Zealandโs most famous day hikes, go wine tasting, climb a via ferrata, and eat freshly baked chocolate […]
Queenstown Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the best places in New Zealand to engage in heart-racing, thrilling adventures. Paragliding, bungy jumping, jet boat riding, skydiving, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking all make the list of the best things to do in Queenstown. But you can also keep your feet firmly on the ground and go hiking, shopping, […]
How to Plan a Milford Sound Day Trip (+ Key Summit Track)
The Milford Sound (also called Piopiotahi), one of New Zealandโs most popular sights, is located just a few hours away from Queenstown and Te Anau on the South Island. In 2008, the Milford Sound took the #1 spot on TripAdvisorโs Travelersโ Choice World Destinations. And nearby Queenstown took second place. That just goes to show […]
Two Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary: 3 Road Trip Routes
If you are planning your two week South Island New Zealand itinerary, we have three exciting road trip routes to share with you. Two of these are done point-to-point from Queenstown to the Cook Strait, perfect for those who also plan to visit the North Island on the same trip. The main difference between these […]
Roys Peak Track: Stats, Photos, Hiking with Kids
Roys Peak Track is one of the best hikes to do on the South Island of New Zealand. Located in Wanaka, this trail takes you high into the mountains for breathtaking panoramic views over Wanaka and Lake Wanaka. The hike itself is not all that exciting, but the main reason for hiking Roys Peak Track […]
10 Countries We Would Travel To Again
We are lucky. We have been to a lot of places. 71 countries, to be exact. There are a few countries that stole our hearts, countries worth visiting again. Typically, we do not return to many places. There are just too many new places in the world to explore. But if we ever did go […]
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