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Kiwi Adventures: Things to See & Do Outdoors in the North Island 🥾
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items These are some of my favourite outdoor adventures in the North Island of New Zealand that I’ve done myself, starting from the bottom of the North Island and working up. Most of the adventures listed are completely free making them ideal for anyone wa...
Sections
9
Wellington / Kapiti Coast
Wairarapa
Manawatu
Hawke’s Bay
Taupō
Ruapehu / Tongariro
Wellington / Kapiti Coast
Things to see & do outdoors in the Wellington Region
A stunning half-day, 9 km one-way coastal walk from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, with sweeping views of the Kāpiti Coast and Kapiti Island. Most walkers return by train from Pukerua Bay, located near the track’s endpoint, back to Paekākāriki.
Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, Kāpiti Coast
Wairarapa
Things to see & do outdoors in Wairarapa
A scenic adventure at the bottom of the North Island! Explore this remote coastal area, spot the seal colony, and climb the staircase up to the lighthouse for sweeping views. A perfect mix of wildlife and coastal scenery.
Cape Palliser, South Wairarapa
A peaceful escape and great day out. Pack a picnic and your togs. Best visited after rain for the full waterfall flow.
Waihi Falls, Paeroa
A 3-hour adventure mostly through the river, winding past native bush, a limestone chasm, and hidden waterfalls. Expect a bit of climbing up and down ropes, descending a ladder and plenty of accidental splashes into the water! You’ll get soaked and l...
Patuna Farm, Ruakōkoputuna
One of my favorite nearby escapes! Stroll along Castle Point Beach, take a walk up to the lighthouse, and explore Castle Rock for stunning coastal views. Perfect for a scenic adventure.
Castlepoint Beach, South Wairarapa
Manawatu
Things to see & do outdoors in the Manawatu
The Manawatū Gorge track is a native bush walk with lookout points over the Manawatū River, surrounded by the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges. The loop track is shorter and has a few steady climbs, but it’s a rewarding walk for a quiet break in nature.
Manawatū Gorge Walk
Hawke’s Bay
Things to see & do outdoors in Hawkes Bay
Peaceful forest walk, and breathtaking lakeside views. Choose from shorter day walks or the full multi-day circuit.
There are huts/campsites on the track that require bookings and fees.
Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera
Dramatic coastal cliffs and gannet colony near Napier. Walk or take a guided 4WD tour along the beach and enjoy stunning ocean views.
Cape Kidnappers
Taupō
Things to see & do outdoors in Taupō
New Zealand’s largest lake. I love it here in the summer! Enjoy lakeside walks or bike rides, with restaurants and bars near the lakefront.
Lake Taupō
An iconic natural spot and a must-stop when passing through Taupō!
Huka Falls, Taupō
It’s a short, 45-minute loop walk along boardwalks and paths, where you can safely explore steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and craters that create an otherworldly, lunar landscape.
Small fee to enter.
Craters of the Moon, Taupō
Ruapehu / Tongariro
Things to see & do outdoors in Ruapehu / Tongariro
New Zealand’s highest active volcano, great to visit in every season! Ride the Sky Waka gondola to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, one of New Zealand’s highest cafes for stunning panoramic views, enjoy scenic walks, or hit the slopes in winter.
Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park
A must-do once-in-a-lifetime experience! Trek 19 km through volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and enjoy views of Mount Ngauruhoe, famously known as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings, on one of New Zealand’s most iconic day hikes.
Recommend bo...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park
Taranaki
Things to see & do outdoors in Taranaki
Located in the heart of Egmont National Park, Mount Taranaki offers lush forests, stunning alpine scenery, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls.
Choose your track from short scenic walks to challenging summit hikes.
Mt Taranaki, Egmont National Park
A magical nighttime outdoor stroll through Pukekura Park, filled with enchanting light displays.
This is a free summer event that runs from December through January. They have a free concert also every New Years!
TSB Festival of Lights, Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Waikato
Things to see & do outdoors in Waikato
The beautiful Blue Spring, famous for its crystal-clear water, is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural attractions.
Te Waihou Walkway / Blue Spring, South Waikato
You will feel like you are stepping into another world when you visit the Hobbiton movie set. Wander through the Shire and soak up the atmosphere, surrounded by natural landscapes that bring the magic to life. The café is open to everyone.
Plan and ...
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
An amazing, unforgettable and adventurous experience! Climb, raft and float through a glow worm-lit cave!
Pre-booking is essential.
Black Water Rafting, Waitomo
Bay of Plenty
Things to see & do outdoors in Bay of Plenty
Take a walk up Mount Maunganui, right beside the beach, and enjoy pristine views.
Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
A natural hot water creek and waterfall located about 35km south of Rotorua and 65km north of Taupō. The road in is unsealed and can be quite bumpy, so take care with your vehicle. This is a completely natural spot with no facilities or changing room...
Kerosene Creek, Old Waiotapu Rd, Rotorua Region
Explore towering redwoods in Rotorua! Take the paid day or night tree walk for an immersive treetop experience, or enjoy the free forest walk along scenic trails on the forest floors.
Rotorua Tree Top Walks/Redwoods Treewalk