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Destinations to Visit in New Zealand (North Island)
19
items Went to NZ in March 2025 and December 2025! Two weeks total, had a rental car. When we went in March, we jumped around hotels in Auckland, Tauranga, and Rotorua in order to be closer to the destinations we wanted to see. In December, our trip was sli...
I'd love to go back someday and see the lupines in full bloom but that has to be a whole other trip because they bloom on the South island!
I'd love to go back someday and see the lupines in full bloom but that has to be a whole other trip because they bloom on the South island!
Sections
3
Auckland City
1-4 hours from AK
Rotorua
Auckland City
Stayed in the Avani Metropolis Hotel across University of Auckland. Many good food options and close to the Sky Tower + Harbor. Most of what we did was outside of Auckland so this part will be small!
A crater that has turned into a popular hiking spot in the city! It overlooks downtown Auckland which is really cool.
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
MIGHT BE AN UNPOPULAR OPINION, it wasn't great. I was expecting an extensive fish market so this didn't live up to my expectations, although there are still good food options as long as you go early in the day.
Auckland Fish Market
It was cool to do a walking tour of the campus from our hotel right across the street (Avani Metropolis). The hills aren't for the weak but I'm used to it since I attend uni in Seattle.
The University of Auckland
There are some cool activities here but we mostly went for the food. Huami, on the ground floor, has really great dim sum :)
Sky Tower
Highly recommend doing so. There are some other cool exhibits in the same building that are for younger children as well (like childish monsters, idk). It gave off the vibe of Vegas strip where there's a ton of indoor exhibits/shows all in the same c...
All Blacks Experience
1-4 hours from AK
These locations are 1-4 hours away from Auckland by car. We had to pace ourselves on these outings because it was a huge trek and there was always more walking involved once we got to those destinations. Limited food options if you are Celiac like me...
This photo doesn't do it justice as a black sand beach and popular surf spot. The drive there is beautiful, going through the rainforest and mountainous terrains. Hard to find parking though!
Piha - Things to see and do - North Island - New Zealand
There are a few ways to access this beach. Do your research, go at low tide.
Cathedral Cove
Cool places to check out, especially with the world's coolest McDonald's there.
Lake Taupō, Huka Falls
Yes, it's a real plane. Gets a little stuffy to sit inside of, but a really great experience. My dad served in the International Guard so he was really enthusiastic to make the drive here from Waitomo.
McDonald's Taupō
We stayed in a small hotel in Tauranga to get in walking distance of a view of Mt. Maunganui. The beach at low tide was great for shelling, but beware of quicksand!
Mount Maunganui
A magical experience guided by the most knowledgeable tour guides. Photography is NOT allowed in these caves in order to preserve the integrity of the area. It was such a unique experience to see these worms myself, while our tour guide sung us a Māo...
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Being next to a live working farm, I found it special that a herd of sheep came right through our area. Even as someone who's never watched anything Hobbit-related, it was a great tour with a beautiful landscape and many stories shared about the movi...
Cool to see the gardens that were growing!
Cool to see the gardens that were growing!
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
Definitely a unique experience to hang out with alpacas!!! When I visited, there was a pregnant mama laying down and you could see her stomach moving around from the baby kicking inside.
Shamarra Alpacas
Accessible by ferry from Auckland Harbor. All I can say from this experience is, WOW. I ended up bringing local olive oil + herbal spread back into the States, even did an olive oil tasting for less than $10 USD!
Did the western explorer bus tour. When purchasing tickets in person, make sure to ask about the weather or any island closures. We were initially sold eastern explorer tickets but due to bad weather most of the eastern side was closed. The workers o...
Did the western explorer bus tour. When purchasing tickets in person, make sure to ask about the weather or any island closures. We were initially sold eastern explorer tickets but due to bad weather most of the eastern side was closed. The workers o...
Waiheke Island
Rotorua
We stayed in Rotorua for a few days in order to be closer to some of the farther tourist attractions, such as the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Taupō. Heads up about Rotorua is that if you are staying in a lodge near the geothermal...
About a 2 hour drive from Auckland, but closer to Rotorua if you are staying there. This includes a 1 hour walk one-way for beautiful views! I've never been here but it was on my bucket list. My family didn't want to do the walk!
Putaruru Blue Spring
The colors aren't even exaggerated in these photos, although the sulfuric odor is strong! Great attraction. It's a little scary that there are no guardrails on the pathways though.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Highly recommend! Lots of activities to do including the sky canal. Amazing view of the lake from above.
I even saw wild animals from above, including deer/potentially jack rabbits.
I even saw wild animals from above, including deer/potentially jack rabbits.
Skyline Rotorua
Did the tractor tour AND the sheep demo! It was cool to see the herding dogs in action :) Also got to see some unique animals like a highland cow and other large ones. Fed some sheep and alpacas.
Agrodome
Very cute name for the food district :) lives up to its hype!
Eat Streat