10 Fun Things To Do In North Island, New Zealand

I’ll admit this right away: I fell head-over-heels for New Zealand’s North Island. You think you’re just going to “do a few sights,” maybe tick off Hobbiton, grab a photo or two, and call it a day.

But the North Island? It doesn’t let you off that easily. It’s messy and unpredictable, the kind of place that makes you say “oh wow, why didn’t I bring my hiking shoes” moments.

And while everyone’s queuing for Hobbiton (don’t get me wrong, it’s a must), I found myself just as obsessed with the in-between moments — soaking in the steaming Hot Water Beach pools after a long coastal walk, stumbling onto Piha Beach on Auckland’s wild west coast where the black sand burns underfoot, or sitting in Rotorua, listening to a local elder tell Māori legends about how the lakes were formed by ancient love and fire.

If you’re into that kind of travel where you don’t just see the highlights but really feel the place, these things to do on the North Island are for you. They’re the perfect pair for bigger adventures in Queenstown if you’re headed south.

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The Only 2-Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary You’ll Ever Need!

 

10 Best Things You Can’t Miss In North Island, New Zealand

1. Step Into Hobbiton, New Zealand

I’ll start with the obvious because, well, how could I not? Hobbiton in Matamata is that one attraction you might roll your eyes at and think “so touristy, right?” until you actually go. Then suddenly you’re snapping 200 photos of round green doors and wishing you could shrink yourself down to hobbit-size.

The guided tour takes about 2 hours, and tickets are around USD 60 / NZD 95. Trust me, do it even if you’re not a Tolkien fan. The set feels alive with gardens bursting with colour, smoke curling out of chimneys, and laundry strung up as if Bilbo himself just forgot to collect it.

Pro tip: Book the Evening Banquet Tour if you can. It is more expensive, but you actually get to feast like a hobbit inside the Green Dragon Inn with roast meats, platters of bread, and mugs of ale.

Bring stretchy pants. Before you leave, swing by the Hobbiton gift shop — it’s packed with quirky treasures like Green Dragon mugs, hand-drawn maps, and exclusive souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere in New Zealand.

Matamata itself is worth a peek too. The visitor centre is shaped like a Hobbit house (yes, you’ll take the photo), and the town has cosy spots for food and wine, like Osteria Matamata or Redoubt Bar & Eatery.

If you’ve got energy to spare, Wairere Falls is a short drive away with a two-hour hike and sweeping views. Or slow it down in Cambridge, a leafy town known for horse studs and farmers’ markets. It’s the kind of place you could imagine living. Both make easy add-ons if you’d like to turn your Hobbiton visit into a full day out.

Book your Hobbiton Tour here

2. Walk Up Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

Now with one of my absolute favourites. Mount Maunganui, or “The Mount”, is a coastal town with an iconic little mountain right on the beach. It’s not just a mountain. Locals treat it like a proper legend.

Just a quick drive from Tauranga, this place somehow feels like a full-on beach town and a tiny slice of paradise all at once.

The sand? Golden and soft. The water? Turquoise enough to make you wonder if someone’s secretly Instagram-filtering it in real life.

The vibe is weirdly perfect, relaxed but alive at the same time. Surfers catching waves, joggers in the early morning glow, people sipping lattes like nothing else exists. Honestly, I could have stayed a whole week and still not gotten bored.

You’ve got to start with the Mauao hike. That iconic volcanic cone sits smack in the middle of town like it owns the place. It’s steep, yeah, your legs will probably whine after 45–60 minutes, but the view from the top? Completely worth it, trust me.

Then there’s Main Beach. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the waves, or testing out surfing if you’re feeling brave, which, let’s be honest, I sometimes am and sometimes am not.

Book a guided audio tour walk for Mount Maunganui here

3. Explore Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua doesn’t exactly ease you in. The first thing you’ll notice is the smell — sulphur everywhere, sneaking into your clothes, your hair, your rental car vents. It’s not… pleasant. But give it 5 minutes, and you’ll forget about the stink because this is where the earth actually performs.

Steam vents hiss like dragons, mud bubbles away like some witch’s potion, and geysers shoot water into the air as if they’re showing off.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is the famous one (entry NZD 48 / USD 28). You follow wooden walkways past pools so neon-green and burnt-orange you’d swear someone dropped paint in them.

Half the time I was craning my neck trying to capture it in photos, the other half I was genuinely wondering, “should the ground be this hot under my shoes?”

If you’re short on time in Rotorua but don’t want to miss the geothermal highlights, I put together a guide covering the 5 unmissable things to do in Rotorua that’ll help you hit the top spots efficiently — including Wai-O-Tapu, local Māori experiences, and more. 

For a mix of geothermal craziness and Māori culture, Te Puia is the spot. Same surreal landscapes, but here you also get the haka performance.

I still remember sitting in the carved meeting house, goosebumps running down my arms while the floor vibrated with stamping feet. It wasn’t just a performance; it felt like an invitation to understand the land differently.

And then, because Rotorua likes to spoil you, there are the spas. Imagine slipping into a steaming pool while the lake glows pink at sunset. The Polynesian Spa is the go-to, and yes, it’s touristy, but you won’t care when you’re floating under the open sky.

I also signed up for the Mud Spa and had the chance to cover myself in the warm, silky mud and then sinking into the sulphur pools, and honestly?

I felt like a brand-new human — totally relaxed and a little giddy from the whole experience.

How to get there: Rotorua is about a 3-hour drive from Auckland. You could bus it, but a car means detours for pies in tiny towns. (You haven’t lived until you’ve had a steak-and-cheese pie from a random NZ bakery.)

Pro tip: Don’t wear silver jewellery in the pools unless you like it turning black. Trust me.

Check out Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tour here 

4. Drift Through Glowworm Galaxies In Waitomo, New Zealand

On the surface, Waitomo looks like another sleepy green countryside town, but underground? It’s a whole other world.

Visit Waitomo Caves and join a boat tour through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms light up the cave ceiling like stars the tours are around NZD 65/ USD 40, and they’re worth every cent.

If you’re up for something wilder, I highly recommend black water rafting. I got into my wetsuit, clambered through the caves, and then floated down the underground rivers with just my headlamp and thousands of glowworms lighting the way.

I was soaked from head to toe, freezing at points, but grinning the entire time — it’s one of those adventures that sticks with you. You can read about my full black water rafting experience here.

How to get there: Waitomo is about 2.5 hours from Auckland by car, or an easy detour if you’re heading to Rotorua.

Pro tip: It’s chilly underground — even in summer. Bring a warm layer or at least a dry change of clothes for afterwards.

Book Your Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour Here

5. Explore Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland often gets shrugged off as “just another city,” but honestly? It’s got a surprising amount going on.

First stop: the Sky Tower. Tickets are around USD 23 / NZD 38, and trust me, watching the sunset over the harbour from 220 metres up is one of those moments that makes you go “wow, city life can be beautiful.”

After that, you take a stroll to Viaduct Harbour or Wynyard Quarter for dinner. Whether you’re digging into fresh seafood at Saint Alice or devouring tacos at Hello Beasty, you’re eating right by the water — always a win.

But Auckland’s best bits, in my opinion, are when you escape the centre. Piha Beach is my favourite — wild, black sand that gets scorch-your-feet hot in summer, and dramatic cliffs that make surfers look tiny.

Pack snacks, because there’s not much out there beyond sea spray and endless horizons.

How to get there: Chances are you’ll land here anyway, since Auckland is the main entry point into the country.

Pro tip: Public transport is fine, but if you want to chase hidden beaches or food trucks outside the centre, hire a car.

Book your guided tour to Auckland here

6. Day Trip To Waiheke Island, New Zealand

If you’ve got a full day to spare, catch a ferry to Waiheke Island. It’s only about 40 minutes from Auckland, and the moment you step off the ferry, it feels like vineyard heaven with stunning sea views.

I spent the day hopping between wineries, tasting everything from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to rich, full-bodied reds. Mudbrick, Cable Bay, or Tantalus Estate each had its own vibe — Mudbrick felt romantic with gardens perfect for a picnic, Cable Bay was all about sleek modern vibes and sweeping views, and Tantalus had a relaxed, earthy charm that made lingering over a glass of rosé irresistible.

Taking a guided wine tour was honestly the best way to do it — I didn’t have to worry about driving, and the guides shared quirky local stories and insider tasting tips that made the experience way more memorable.

You can read about my full experience and get all the tips for booking a wine tour.

Book your Waiheke Wine Tour here

7. Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands is one of those “is this real life?” places. Turquoise water, dozens of little green islands scattered around, dolphins flipping like they know they’ve got an audience. If you’ve ever doodled your dream beach in a notebook, this is it.

Most people do a cruise (around USD 70 / NZD 115) that includes dolphin spotting and a pass through the dramatic Hole in the Rock.

You can also kayak between bays, snorkel in water so clear you’ll swear it’s filtered, or just flop on the sand with a book and let the day melt away.

Evenings are lazy here — golden sunsets, local seafood (try the mussels, they’re huge), and a pace of life that makes you forget emails exist.

How to get there: About 3 hours north of Auckland by car.

Pro tip: Stay overnight. Day trips from Auckland are doable, but it’s the sleepy evenings and quiet mornings that really make this place shine.

Book your Sightseeing and Island Exploration Cruise here

8. Conquer Tongariro National Park (Or At Least Pretend To)

Now, this is for the hikers. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is famous for being New Zealand’s best one-day hike.

It’s 19.4 km long (yeah, my legs hurt just remembering) and usually takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath or take photos.
The trail takes you past volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and views that look straight out of another planet.

It’s free to hike, but you’ll need about NZD 40 / USD 25 for a one-way shuttle to the trailhead. Bring layers — the weather changes faster than you can say “where’s my raincoat?”

Confession: I did the Tongariro Crossing with a guided tour — and honestly, thank god I did. They handled all the logistics, kept the pace steady, and dropped just enough volcano trivia to distract me from my burning calves.

By the time we hit the Emerald Lakes, I was exhausted, freezing, and completely obsessed.

Pack layers, because the weather here changes faster than you can say “oops, forgot my raincoat.”

How to get there: Most people base themselves in Taupō and take a shuttle from there.

Pro tip: Start early. Not just for cooler weather, but because you’ll beat the big groups that clog the trail mid-morning.

Book Your Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike Here

9. Chill Out In The Coromandel

The Coromandel is pure Kiwi charm. Golden beaches, green hills, and hot water bubbling through sand. At Hot Water Beach, dig your own spa pool at low tide and sink into your personal hot tub while waves crash nearby. Weird, fun, and very, very New Zealand.

Then there’s Cathedral Cove, which you’ve probably seen on Instagram — a giant rock arch framing a perfect beach. The walk down takes about 45 minutes (wear proper shoes, I underestimated it), but when you finally step onto that sand? Worth it.

How to get there: About 2 hours from Auckland, though the roads wind more than you’d expect. Take it slow.

Book Your Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise Here

10. Wellington: Quirky, Windy, And Cool

Wellington is small, but it’s got a big personality. Coffee culture is serious here, and if you order badly you’ll get the side-eye. The food scene is punchy too. Everyone told me to expect wind, and yeah, it’s relentless. Hold onto your hat (literally). But it also gives the city this fresh, restless energy.

The Te Papa Museum is a must, and it’s free. It’s one of the best museums I’ve ever been to, with hands-on exhibits, Māori history told with heart, and a giant squid that’s equal parts fascinating and gross.

Take the little red Wellington Cable Car up the hill, and wander back down through the Botanic Gardens. The city feels like it’s hugging the hills, and the views make you pause mid-step.

Evenings are best spent hopping between craft beer bars or tucking into dumplings in hidden laneways. It’s got that “cool kid who doesn’t try too hard” vibe.

How to get there: It’s at the southern tip of the North Island — buses, flights, or the long scenic drive will get you there.

Pro tip: If you’re road-tripping, Wellington’s where you catch the ferry to the South Island. Build in an extra day so you can explore before sailing off.

Book Your Te Papa Museum Here
Book Your Wellington Cable Car Tour Here

Must Eat In The North Island, New Zealand

Food surprised me here — it’s not just fish and chips (though you should definitely try those at least once).

2 must-tries:

Hāngī in Rotorua — a traditional Māori meal cooked in the ground with hot stones. Earthy, smoky, and filling.

Green-lipped mussels in Coromandel — they’re massive, cheap, and taste incredible steamed with garlic and white wine.

Where To Stay In North Island If…

If You’re On A Budget

Rotorua is great for budget travellers. Hostels like Base Rotorua and Rotorua Central Backpackers put you close to geothermal parks, lakes, and the city centre. Cafés and casual eateries are everywhere, perfect for a cheap bite or flat white.

Bay of Islands (Paihia) is another wallet-friendly spot. Small motels or Base Backpackers Paihia Hostel let you explore beaches, islands, and local cruises without overspending.

Travelling With Family

Auckland is ideal for families. With Auckland Zoo, Sky Tower, beaches, and family-friendly hotels, everyone stays entertained. Viaduct Harbour and Mission Bay are perfect for meals where no one gets hangry.

Rotorua also works well — geothermal parks, Maori experiences, and lakes for kayaking or stone-skipping make it fun for all ages.

If You Love Nightlife

Wellington is the hub for night owls. Cuba Street and Courtenay Place are packed with bars, live music, and late-night eats. Hotels like QT Wellington or Nomads Capital Backpackers keep you in the action.

Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour has rooftop bars and waterside restaurants, ideal for cocktails and people-watching.

For Easy Access To Transport

Auckland CBD keeps ferries, buses, and trains close. Day trips to Waiheke Island, Piha, or Rotorua are easy. Hotels like Cordis Auckland or Grand Millennium Auckland are comfy bases.

Wellington City Centre is another transport-friendly option — near Lambton Quay and Te Papa, it’s easy to explore the southern North Island or catch the ferry to the South Island.

On A Work Trip

Auckland and Wellington are best for business travellers. Coworking spaces, business hotels, and cafés with solid Wi-Fi make life easier. Cordis Auckland and Rydges Wellington offer comfort and connectivity, with options for sneaky post-work drinks.

Best Hotels To Stay In North Island, New Zealand

Auckland

Luxury: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, Cordis Auckland
Mid-range: Grand Millennium Auckland, Auckland City Hotel
Budget: Kiwi International Hotel, Haka Lodge Auckland

Rotorua

Luxury: Pullman Rotorua, Regent of Rotorua
Mid-range: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Rydges Rotorua
Budget: Rotorua Central Backpackers, Base Rotorua

Bay of Islands

Luxury: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
Mid-range: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands, Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Budget: Base Backpackers Paihia Hostel

Coromandel

Luxury: The Church Accommodation, Manuia Beach Resort
Mid-range: Anchor Lodge Motel
Budget: Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, The Shakespeare Lodge

Wellington

Luxury: InterContinental Wellington, QT Wellington
Mid-range: Rydges Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Budget: The Cambridge Hotel, Nomads Capital Backpackers

Best Time To Visit North Island, New Zealand

Summer (December–February)

Summer is peak Kiwi holiday season, and honestly, it’s buzzing everywhere. Hit Mount Maunganui for sun-soaked beaches, try surfing or paddleboarding, or catch a festival in Auckland or Wellington. Everything’s lively, but expect bigger crowds and pricier hotels. Perfect if you want that full-on summer vibe.

Autumn (March–May)

Autumn is my favourite. Fewer people, golden light, still warm enough to swim. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing without the crush of summer tourists, or wander Rotorua’s geothermal parks at a relaxed pace. Sunsets in Bay of Islands are unreal, and the vineyards on Waiheke Island feel almost empty — ideal for long, lazy lunches.

Winter (June–August)

Winter is surprisingly magical. Ski Mount Ruapehu, then warm up in Rotorua’s hot pools while steam curls around you. The beaches are quiet, which makes Piha perfect for stormy-wave walks. Just bring a jacket — it gets crisp.

Spring (September–November)

Spring is unpredictable but gorgeous. Wildflowers explode across Coromandel hikes, waterfalls in Waitomo are raging, and you might even spot baby lambs in the countryside. Quick showers happen, but they make the scenery ridiculously green — great for photos, and even better for a spontaneous road trip.

How To Get To North Island, New Zealand

Most people land in Auckland International Airport, which is the main gateway. From there you can either rent a car or take domestic flights to places like Wellington, Rotorua, or Napier.

If you’re coming from the South Island, you can take the Interislander Ferry between Picton and Wellington. It’s about 3 hours, and the views sailing through the Marlborough Sounds are incredible.

Book Your Ferry From Picton to Wellington Here

How To Get Around North Island, New Zealand

Driving is the best way, hands down. Public transport exists, but it won’t take you to all the scenic spots. I rented a car straight from Auckland and road-tripped south — no regrets.

Just note: roads here can be winding and narrow, especially around the Coromandel and Northland. But take it slow, and you’ll be rewarded with insane views around every corner.

Sample 10-Day North Island Itinerary, New Zealand

If you’re planning to road trip through the North Island, here’s a 10-day route that hits all the good stuff — from Hobbiton and hot springs to beaches, volcanoes, and wine.

Day 1 – Arrive In Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, check into your hotel, and stretch your legs along Viaduct Harbour or head up the Sky Tower for sunset views over the city.

Dinner at Depot Eatery or Amano is a great way to start your Kiwi food journey. Both are local favourites with seasonal dishes that showcase New Zealand produce.

Day 2 – Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island (about 40 minutes) and spend the day doing what Waiheke does best — wine, views, and lazy lunches.

Join a guided Waiheke wine tour and stop at vineyards like Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Tantalus Estate, each with stunning sea views and gourmet platters.

If you’d rather go at your own pace, rent an e-bike or hop on the local wine bus to explore.
Return to Auckland in the evening.

Day 3 – Auckland To Rotorua (3 hrs)

Drive south toward Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture.
Make a detour in Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, easily one of the most iconic attractions in New Zealand.

Once you reach Rotorua, explore Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll see bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful mineral terraces that feel straight out of another planet.

Day 4 – Rotorua Adventures

Spend a full day exploring Rotorua’s outdoor fun. Go ziplining through native forests, mountain bike the Redwoods trails, or simply relax in the Polynesian Spa overlooking Lake Rotorua.

In the evening, join a Māori cultural performance and traditional hangi dinner at Tamaki Village — it’s touristy, yes, but honestly, it’s one of the most moving cultural experiences you’ll have in New Zealand.

Day 5 – Rotorua To Taupo (1 hr)

Drive to Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand. The road there is scenic, with lake and mountain views the whole way.

In Taupō, try skydiving over the lake (like I did), kayaking to Māori rock carvings, or visiting the thundering Huka Falls.

End the day with a lakeside dinner and craft beer as the sun dips behind the mountains.

Day 6 – Tongariro National Park

Take a day trip to Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often called the best one-day hike in New Zealand.
It’s about 19 km long and takes around 6–8 hours, depending on your pace.

The trail passes emerald lakes, volcanic craters, and panoramic ridges that look straight out of Middle-earth.

If a full-day hike isn’t your thing, explore the shorter trails and waterfalls nearby.
Stay overnight in Taupō or National Park Village.

Day 7 – Taupo To Napier (2.5 hrs)

Head east toward Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand and the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country.

Spend your afternoon visiting vineyards like Craggy Range, Mission Estate, or Church Road, and stroll along the seaside promenade lined with palm trees and pastel architecture.

Evenings here are slow and sunny — grab a glass of Syrah and watch the world go by.

Day 8 – Napier To Wellington (4 hrs)

Drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s creative and quirky capital.
Visit Te Papa Museum (it’s free and genuinely one of the best in the world), wander down Cuba

Street for cafés and vintage shops, and head up to Mount Victoria Lookout for sweeping city views.

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack or Logan Brown is the perfect way to end the night.

Day 9 – Wellington Adventures

Spend your last full day exploring Wellington’s artsy side.
Take a Weta Workshop tour to see how props from The Lord of the Rings were made, then wander through Zealandia Sanctuary to spot native birds and forest wildlife.

Finish your evening with a craft beer tasting or live music along Courtenay Place.

Day 10 – Depart By Ferry To South Island

Depending on your plans, fly out from Wellington or catch the Interislander Ferry to Picton (about 3 hours) to continue your adventure through the South Island.

Top Tips To Know Before Visiting North Island, New Zealand

Rent A Car

Public transport technically works, but having your own wheels is the real Kiwi way to do it. You’ll want to pull over at random lookouts (especially along the Thermal Explorer Highway between Rotorua and Taupō), grab a mince pie from a petrol station in Matamata, or detour down some gravel road just because it looks pretty.

Compare Car Rentals in New Zealand here

Stay Connected

Grab a New Zealand eSIM card before you land — Airalo and Nomad eSIM both work great. Google Maps will be your best friend.

Check out the Best eSIM For New Zealand

What To Pack

A windproof rain jacket — even if the sky looks perfect. The weather flips fast, especially around Taupō and Wellington.

Insect repellent — because sandflies at places like Cathedral Cove or Hot Water Beach are tiny demons with no mercy.

And don’t forget a swimsuit and hiking shoes. You’ll use both more than you think.

FAQs About Things To Do In North Island New Zealand

1. How Many Days Do You Need For North Island?

Ideally, 7–10 days. You could rush it in 5, but you’ll miss hidden gems like geothermal hot springs, secret black-sand beaches, and charming towns.

2. What’s Better — North Island Or South Island?

Trick question. Both are incredible. North Island gives you culture, Māori legends, beaches, and geothermal wonders. South Island? Mountains, fjords, and adrenaline adventures. Do both if you can.

3. Is It Expensive To Travel Around?

Yes and no. Hostels start around NZD 40 / USD 25, meals at casual cafés NZD 16–25 / USD 10–15, and car rentals are your biggest expense — but totally worth the flexibility.

4. Can You See Snow In North Island?

Yes! Head to Mount Ruapehu in winter (June–August) for skiing or snowboarding without heading south. Bonus: fewer crowds than Queenstown.
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Exploring New Zealand’s North Island is truly a journey full of unforgettable experiences at every turn from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the black-sand beaches of Piha and the vineyards of Waiheke Island.

Whether you’re chasing epic hikes, indulging in local cuisine, or just soaking up the scenery, there’s always something unexpected around the corner.