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Cool Things to do on the North Island of New Zealand ✨🤩
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items Are you planning a bucket-list trip to the North Island? That’s exactly what I was doing when I first traveled to New Zealand, and I found so many unique and flat-out cool activities here that I couldn’t tear myself away. Now I call it home! 😍
When I first visited, I couldn’t believe how beautiful these glow worms were. It looks like a starry night sky! Visiting Waitomo is even more fun because you have to take a boat to reach the glow worms. Plus, Waitomo is a beautiful cave system, made ...
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
I’m not exactly sure how many people travel to New Zealand solely for Lord of the Rings attractions, but I know it’s a lot. So, while you’re on the North Island, stop by the most popular thing to do here – visit the Hobbiton movie set!
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest
Raglan is a super cute surf town on the western side of the North Island, about 2 hours from Auckland. My full guide on Raglan has tons of info, but this town is basically made for anyone who loves the outdoors and surfing truly rules as king here!
Raglan Day Trip - Auckland
Raglan is a super cute surf town on the western side of the North Island, about 2 hours from Auckland. My full guide on Raglan has tons of info, but this town is basically made for anyone who loves the outdoors and surfing truly rules as king here!
Raglan Day Trip - Auckland
This is certainly one of the coolest items on this list of things to do on the North Island. Hot Water Beach is located on the Coromandel Peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Auckland. Here, you can dig your own hot water spa on the beach! So I guess it’s...
Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove Day Tour From Auckland 2025 - BOOK NOW
Would you believe that one of the most visited places in New Zealand is a museum? The Te Papa Museum is actually really neat to explore. Located in Wellington CBD, this museum has had over 34 million visitors throughout its lifetime, so I’m not the o...
Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa), Wellington
Waiheke Island is a gorgeous part of the North Island and makes for an incredible day trip from Auckland. It’s well known for its pristine beaches with impressive cliffs and white sand. But more famously, Waiheke is known for its wine – which is the ...
All Waiheke Island Tours & Excursions in 2025
I spent three hours in the village and couldn’t believe how much I learned and enjoyed myself. I think it’s an essential addition to anyone’s North Island trip. This Māori cultural experience in Rotorua is $260 NZD and includes transportation, dinner...
Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Muriwai Beach easily makes my list of the best day trips from Auckland. Not just because it’s a beautiful beach, but because there’s a massive gannet colony here! If you’re not sure what a gannet is (you’re not alone), it’s a big white bird, similar ...
Private Tour - Muriwai Beach & Wine Tasting
I’m not the only one who loves this experience – this rafting tour has over 1,300 5-star reviews! You can join this same tour and catch a thrill on the Kaituna River, in a quick 2.5-hour experience. The rafting adventure starts with some calmer rapid...
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna
For even more of a challenge, you can summit Mount Taranaki itself. I only recommend this if you’re a confident hiker and have previous experience, as it’s a very difficult vertical climb. But, the views are worth it!
Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Taranaki, New Zealand - 537 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is even more impressive with the Champagne Pool. It got its name because of the bubbles, not the color or flavor (don’t drink it!). You’ll also find the Lady Knox Geyser here, which erupts every day at 10:15 am – she nev...
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua | Book Now Tickets & Tours ...
The North Island is full of volcanic activity, and that extends to the gorgeous beaches on the West Coast. You’ll find black sand beaches and rugged rock-filled coasts, paired with lush greenery from all the volcanic minerals in the soil. It is stagg...
Piha Beach, Auckland | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
I’ve said the North Island has the best beaches in New Zealand, but the best of the best are in Northland! Located at the tip-top of the island, Northland has hundreds of kilometers of stunning coastline. My personal favorite area is the Bay of Islan...
Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife
I couldn’t make this list without my absolute favorite hike on the North Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. I’m not the only one who loves this hike, it was rated as the best day hike in New Zealand and as one of the top 10 day hikes in the entir...
Tongariro National Park, North Island | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
If you love wine as much as I do, you can’t miss a Napier wine tour! There is great wine all over New Zealand, but the coastal city of Napier in the Hawke’s Bay region has some of my favorite wineries. This is also home to some of the oldest vineyard...
THE TOP 10 Wine Tastings in Napier (w/Prices)
If you didn’t visit Te Mata Peak on a Napier wine tour, you can still visit on your own! It is a stunning mountain peak and you can get some of the best views from the top. It sits 399 meters (1,309 feet) above sea level and the best part is you don’...
Te Mata Peak, Hastings | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
Located In Wellington, you can visit the Cave without a tour (for free) and see lots of props, figures, and costumes. But the best part is taking a tour of the Workshop so you can see how the movies come to life!
Wētā Workshop Unleashed - Tour
I went on this Ultimate Canopy Tour, one of Rotorua’s best zipline experiences. It’s made up of 6 ziplines that reach 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) in total. The longest one is a 400-meter (1,312-foot) tandem zipline so you and your BFF can experience ...
Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk
Ready to hike a volcano? I’m happy to tell you that it isn’t as difficult as it sounds! Located right in Auckland, Mount Eden is a dormant volcano that is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I love climbing to the top to expl...
Mt. Eden, Auckland | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
Don’t go chasing waterfalls, just head to Huka Falls! This is the largest waterfall on the longest river in NZ – the Waikato River. With a title like that, you won’t be surprised to see how powerful and dramatic this waterfall is. It’s also really co...
Huka Falls, Taupo | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
New Zealand is such a beautiful country, I couldn’t say no when the chance to see it from the clouds came up! I wanted to skydive for such a long time, and I truly think New Zealand is THE best place to do so! With all of its natural beauty, incredib...
THE TOP 10 Skydiving in New Zealand (w/Prices)
I also love exploring the Redwoods from the treetops on the Treewalk! This is a 28-suspension bridge course, situated 20 meters (65 feet) above the trees. The coolest part is that it’s designed not to interfere with the natural environment, so enjoy ...
Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa, Rotorua | Book Now Tickets & Tours ...
This area is one of the top spots in the whole world, and you can actually go year-round. There are more than six different species of whales that reside in the marine park. The most famous are the Bryde’s whale and the Humpback whale, and I was luck...
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
This was an incredible and truly unique experience. We upgraded to include the geothermal pools—absolutely worth it. The mud baths and hot tubs were both relaxing and a lot of fun, and the whole setup feels special from start to finish.Highly recomme...
Hells Gate Mud Bath and Spa
A wonderful experience! The show was really cute and entertaining. The lady animating was so funny and nice The kids had an amazing time, and so did we!
Agrodome Rotorua Family-Friendly Sheep Farm Show and Tour 2025
It was a wonderful day out which took us to amazing places and allowed us to have some great experiences
Shore Trips and Tours NZ
—This unforgettable place is where spirits are said to leap off on their final journey, across the swirling waters where two oceans meet.✨
Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands | Book Tickets & Tours Online - 2025
—Visit Te Puia to see Māori cultural performances and art, as well as unique experiences such as enjoying a steam hāngi. You can Learn also about Māori culture in Rotorua. The Enjoyable and memorable place🤗❣️
Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua
—The unique biodiversity of this marine reserve make it an excellent diving or snorkelling location. I really enjoyed to explore around the poor knight island lie caves, arches, cliffs and tunnels, and more on...
Poor Knights Dive Charter 2025 - North Island - BOOK NOW
—Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, you will find the vineyards, olive groves and white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island.
Auckland to Waiheke Island Ferry Ticket
—Perfect location close to Taupo to get a feel for nature’s power when it comes to geothermal activity. The entire trail is very walkable and can be done in little more than an hour if necessary
Waiotapu or Orakei Korako with Taupo Tour
—Had a great experience, would do it again in a heart beat! Had the best driver Scott great sense of humour and did some meke donuts for us.
Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo
—Perfect for summer weather. Perfect vibes!! It was the most amazing experience ever.✨
Tandem Skydiving Experience in Taupo
—Sky Tower in Auckland is an absolute must-visit! The breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and beyond are simply unforgettable, especially at sunset. The observation decks are well-designed, offering clear sights of landmarks like the harbor and...
Tours and Tickets to Experience Auckland Sky Tower
We really enjoyed our visit to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. It’s a great spot for families , our kids had so much fun and learned a lot at the same time. Everything was easy, relaxed, and really interesting. Definitely worth a visit if you’re i...
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium Ticket in Auckland