Those who follow me know that New Zealand is a country that I particularly like. Indeed, I had the chance to do a New Zealand PVT a few years ago which allowed me to discover the country for more than a year and a half. After recently talking to you about things to do on the South Island in New Zealand as well as giving advice on preparing for your road trip in New Zealand, let me now tell you about the North Island.
The North Island, although smaller, is also the most populated of New Zealand's two islands. Indeed, nearly 75% of the New Zealand population lives on the North Island. The economic capital of the country is located there: Auckland, as well as the political capital: Wellington.
Although the South Island is often cited as having the most beautiful landscapes in the country, the North Island is not left out on this side and is also home to some of the most beautiful panoramas in New Zealand. .
We will start this article by giving you some advice on preparing for your stay in New Zealand before moving on. the must-sees on the North Island of New Zealand.
We will finally end with the ideal routes for visiting the North Island and see that, unlike the South Island, they can be very varied.
Summary
- Preparing for your trip to New Zealand
- What to do and see on the North Island of New Zealand?
- North Island Tour Itinerary
Preparing for your trip to New Zealand
Before getting to the heart of the matter, a few words about preparing for your trip to New Zealand.
- When to travel to the North Island in New Zealand?
- How long to visit the North Island?
- In which cities of the North Island to arrive?
- Where to rent a vehicle on the North Island?
When to travel to the North Island in New Zealand?
The best times to visit the North Island in New Zealand are broadly the same as for the South Island.
Summer in New Zealand takes place during the months of December-January-February, these months are the best time to travel.
Nevertheless, the North Island enjoys a milder climate than the South Island, especially to the north in the Northland region where there is a subtropical climate. The east coast, the region of Tauranga and Napier, also benefit from a mild climate.
The winters, although rainy, are milder and the shoulder seasons sunnier. All this makes the North Island visitable almost all year round depending on the activities you want to do.
In winter, it will be potentially difficult to do some hikes such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or Mount Taranaki.
How long to visit the North Island?
It all depends on the things you want to visit, do and see on the North Island. A week is, for me, a minimum to discover the essence of the North Island. Two weeks is a good amount of time, although three weeks will allow you to see most of the places we'll cover below.
You will find at the end of the article ideas for itineraries for visiting the North Island.
In which cities of the North Island to arrive?
If you want to visit the North Island (or even the whole country but want to start with the North Island), several places of arrival on the island will be possible depending on your point of departure.
Auckland will undoubtedly be the main point of arrival on the North Island and indeed the whole country. It is to this city that you will find most flights to New Zealand. The choice will be wider and the prices potentially more attractive.
The other city in which it will be possible to arrive is Wellington, the capital. This smaller city is less well served by very long-haul flights. It will, however, make a good base if you are arriving from Australia or New Caledonia, for example.
Where to rent a vehicle on the North Island?
Important question that you will have to ask yourself before visiting the North Island, but very simple answer. The lack of options in terms of arrival cities makes the choice in terms of where to pick up your vehicle limited. Auckland and Wellington will be the two main locations for picking up a rental vehicle although it will be entirely possible to rent a vehicle from cities like Rotorua, Taupo or Tauranga.
When renting a van, the choice will be much smaller in this case. Auckland and Wellington seem to be the only two viable options. If you want to benefit from the widest possible choice and a lower price, then Auckland will be, by far, the best solution.
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What to do on the North Island in New Zealand?
Now let's move on to things to do and see in New Zealand's North Island.
We have divided this list into tourist "regions" and thus grouped together the activities of the same geographical sector.
What to do on the North Island?
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Cape Reinga et 90 Mile Beach
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Hobbiton
- Waitomo Caves
- Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu
- taupo
- Tongariro National Park
- East Cape
- Napier et cape Kidnappers
- Mont Taranaki et New Plymouth
- Wellington and Palliser cape
Auckland
Auckland is none other than the largest city in the country. True gateway to New Zealand, Auckland is the economic capital of the country although it was, in the past, also the political capital. Auckland is an essential stage of a stay in New Zealand even if it does not reflect the true nature of the country according to New Zealanders. Auckland is a big city that lives at 100 per hour and bustles every hour of the day. However, nature is omnipresent in this city built on more than 50 volcanoes.
Things to do in Auckland are numerous but you will have to be careful not to spend too much time in the city, the North Island has a lot to offer in addition to Auckland.
Some essential activities to do in Auckland:
- Sky Tower: An emblematic monument of Auckland and New Zealand, the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, awaits you with its 328m height. The activities in this tower are numerous: climb to the top, on the observation platform to contemplate the city and its surroundings, eat in its rotating restaurant or opt for one of these two thrilling activities, the Sky Jump or the Sky Walk!
- Queen Street: This is Auckland's shopping street, the city's main artery with all its shops, bars and restaurants. Going down this avenue to the port is a must!
- Harbor Viaduct: Once down Queen Street, continue on the quays towards Harbor Viaduct. This small district revolves around the marina, Viaduct Bassin. Here you will find a large number of trendy bars and restaurants. Continue towards Wynyard Quarter, for even more restaurants and bars! It is from this small port that the dolphin watching cruises of the Hauraki Gulf depart.
- Auckland Domain: This is the largest park in Auckland. There is the botanical garden, many sports fields but also and above all the Auckland Museum. If you have the time and the possibility, don't hesitate to go there, you will learn more about the history of this country.
- Ponsonby: A trendy area of Auckland with many entertainment venues, bars, restaurants.
- Auckland Zoo and Aquarium: For local wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to the Auckland Zoo or Aquarium can be a good idea, especially if you want to see real kiwis (a bird endemic to the country).
- Devonport: A district located opposite the business district of Auckland, 10 minutes by boat. In this village-like district, you will have a breathtaking view of Auckland and its skyline! Climb to the top of Mount Victoria or enjoy beautiful Cheltenham Beach.
- Rangitoto: The most recent of the region's volcanoes, Rangitoto is a small uninhabited volcanic island, on which it is possible to take a short hike to climb to the top and enjoy a nice view of the city.
- Waiheke Island: Located a little further, about 40 minutes by boat, it is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf, but also the most beautiful. A few years ago, this island was elected as one of the most beautiful in the world! There are luxurious residences belonging to rich Aucklanders but also very beautiful beaches. The island is also home to many wineries to visit as well as many art galleries.
To book in Auckland:
- Sky Tower Ticket
- Whale and dolphin watching excursion
- Auckland Museum Ticket
- Excursion à Waiheke Island
Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands is located in the Northland region, a region that is part of the peninsula that extends north from the city of Auckland. Bay of Island, the Bay of Islands in French, is a region located on the east coast of this peninsula. This region has played a role of the greatest importance in the history of the country. There is the small town of Russel, the first capital of New Zealand, as well as Waitangi, the emblematic place of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, governing the status of New Zealand vis-à-vis the Queen of England.
In addition to historical sites, it also includes the town of Paihia, a particularly popular seaside resort. Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful spots in the country to try parachuting!
It is a region that enjoys a particularly mild climate.
Main activities in Bay of Islands:
- Russel: First capital of New Zealand, Russel is a particularly pleasant little town, far from the pirate port that it could have been at the time. There are some of the oldest buildings in the country.
- Waitangi: It was here, in 1840, that the agreement between the Maori peoples and the English crown was signed. This place can be visited, the Waitangi Treaty Ground and its museum are among the must-sees in the Bay of Islands region.
- Paihia: Very close to Waitangi is the small seaside resort of Paihia. A pretty beach, nautical activities such as padel, kayaking or parasailing.
- Kerikeri: Inland, KeriKeri is home to the country's oldest stone house, the Stone Store. This small town looks like a village and is particularly pleasant.
To book in Bay of Islands:
- Ticket to the Waitangi Treaty Ground
- Hole in the Rock Tour and Bay Dolphin Watching
- Cape Reinga Day Trip
Cape Reinga et 90 Mile Beach
Let's go even further north to reach the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island: Cape Reinga. This cape is one of the most famous in New Zealand. With its appearance at the end of the world, Cape Reinga is one of the mythical places for the Maoris. It is from this place that the souls of the deceased fly away and leave the earth.
From the lighthouse, a few short hikes are possible, one of which will take you to the huge deserted beach below. It is at the cape that the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.
- 90 Mile Beach :
A few details on the road that will take you to the cape, it is possible to take the 90 Mile Beach. This (real) road stretches over approximately 90 kilometers of sand!
Although it was used a lot in the past, today it mainly attracts tourists and locals. Be careful all the same, if some portions are perfectly passable and present little risk, others are a little more dangerous. It is not uncommon to see vehicles get stuck as the tide rises… This is why rental car insurance will not cover you on this road! - Dunes de Te Paki:
Not far from the cape are the dunes of Te Paki. These huge sand dunes are ideal for sandboarding!
Coromandel Peninsula
Let's leave this beautiful region of Northland in the direction of another peninsula, more touristy this one, the Coromandel Peninsula. It is home to some of the most famous and popular spots on the North Island, especially in summer: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
The peninsula is famous for its beaches but also for its hikes in the Coromandel Forest Park.
What to do in the Coromandel Peninsula?
- Cathedral Cove: Let's start with the most famous place on the peninsula: Cathedral Cove. This beach, one of the most beautiful in New Zealand (but also one of the most touristic), has the particularity of having an impressive stone arch. This beach became famous a few years ago following the filming of a scene from one of the episodes of the trilogy: The Chronicles of Narnia. A walk of about 45 minutes will be necessary to get to this beach.
- Hot Water Beach: Much more accessible: Hot Water Beach. Located about 10 kilometers from Cathedral Cove, this beach is also one of the most famous in the country. His particuliarity ? It houses hot springs a few tens of centimeters below its ground. Take a small shovel and dig your hole. The water that will fill it will be hot, but be careful in some places it can be very hot!
- Whitianga: The main town on the peninsula. You will find accommodation there, hotels, campsites, bars and restaurants.
To book in the Coromandel peninsula:
- Excursion to Cathedral Cove from Whitianga
Hobbiton
Let's continue a little further south of the Coromandel peninsula towards Matamata. A name that may not mean anything to you, but the city is home to what is perhaps one of the most touristic places in the country and which has helped to highlight New Zealand in the world: Hobbiton.
This place is none other than one of the filming locations of the most famous Lord of the Rings trilogies. Hobbiton is the village in which the Hobbits live.
Destroyed after the filming of the first trilogy, the village was later built and used for the filming of “The Hobbit” trilogy. It is now one of the must-see places in the North Island of New Zealand.
Its visit is one of the "must-do" in New Zealand. It is only possible to visit this place via a guided tour, to be booked online a few days before your visit (during busy periods).
To book :
- Ticket to Hobbiton
Waitomo Caves
Let's continue our tour of the North Island towards the town of Waitomo to discover the most famous caves in the country: the Waitomo Caves. What made these caves so famous are its inhabitants: millions of glowworms that illuminate the cave with the small light they emit to attract their prey.
Several ways to discover these caves, the most popular is the Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour which includes a small boat ride on an underground river.
To book :
- Waitomo Caves Ticket
Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu
Any good road trip on the North Island of New Zealand cannot overlook the city of Rotorua and its region. Rotorua attracts many tourists who come to discover the North Island for various reasons. First of all Rotorua is a Mecca for Maori communities. There are many Maori villages here, some inhabited, some used to allow visitors to learn more about the ways and customs of New Zealand's first inhabitants.
The second reason is the amazing geothermal activity in the Rotorua region. Several parks have been created in the most geothermal areas of the region, the most famous of them being Wai-O-Tapu.
What to do in and around Rotorua?
- Visit the city of Rotorua: The city conceals places of interest such as the Government Garden, Kuirau Bay or even the surroundings of Lake Rotorua, which are particularly pleasant. Don't miss Eat Street and its many bars and restaurants.
- Redwoods forest: A few minutes from the center of Rotorua, there is a forest of Sequoias equipped with a “treewalk”: a path where you can walk several meters high.
- Visit a Maori village: There are many of them and each has its own particularity: Te Puia, Whakarewarewa, Ohinemutu, Mitai or even Tamaki. To learn more about Maori culture, it is customary to take part in a dinner-show evening in one of the villages.
- Visit a geothermal park: Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu are the most famous geothermal parks in the Rotorua region. These parks are unique to the North Island and the volcanic region that stretches from Mount Taranaki to White Island, passing through Tongariro National Park and the Rotorua region. These parks are impressive because of the lakes that are there, the geysers or the fumaroles that escape from the ground.
To book in Rotorua:
- Rotorua Hot Springs Ticket
taupo
South of the city of Rotorua, about an hour's drive away, is the town of Taupo. Located on the edge of the lake of the same name, the city is the gateway to the Tongariro National Park, which we will discuss below.
The city has some attractions such as its lake, its Hukka Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in New Zealand or even its McDonald's!
If you wish, you can take a short cruise on Lake Taupo towards the Maori Rock Carving, impressive Maori sculptures carved out of rock.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is certainly New Zealand's number one North Island must-see. It is the oldest national park in the country. It is notably composed of 3 volcanoes: Mount Ruapehu, the largest; Mount Tongariro; and Mount Ngauruhoe. Even if these names do not speak to you, it could be that this last mountain is not unknown to you since it is the famous “Mountain of Destiny” of the Lord of the Rings trilogies.
Its discovery is done in several ways but the most famous is to cross it via a 19,4 kilometer hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It's quite simply THE most famous hike on the North Island. it will allow you to appreciate the beauties of the national park.
Besides the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, there are many other hikes like the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a 3-4 day Great Walk through the park measuring just over 40 kilometres.
Even though hiking is the main activity offered by the park, note that if you are traveling in winter, it is possible to ski in the national park, on Mount Ruapehu.
East Cape
East Cape is clearly located outside the most traditional tourist routes. This cape is located at the extreme east of the North Island in the Gisborne region.
In addition to the undeniable beauty of the place, its particularity is that it is reputed to be "the first sunrise in the world". This is due to the fact that if we continue our course towards the East, we pass the line of change of day. This statement is not entirely true since in reality the islands are located east of this point and therefore see the "first sunrise" before East Cape.
Nevertheless, the SH35, this road that runs along the east coast of the North Island from Whakatane to Gisborne, is absolutely beautiful.
Napier et cape Kidnappers
Let's continue our journey south of East Cape along the east coast of the North Island to arrive in the Hawke's Bay region. A pretty region which enjoys a particularly pleasant climate. Hawke's Bay is renowned, among other things, for its vineyards but also for its main town: Napier, the capital of art-deco.
It is also home to Cape Kidnappers which is home to the largest continental gannet colony in the world.
What to do in Napier?
- Visit Napier: Almost completely destroyed in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the style of the time: the Art-Deco style. Today it is the capital of Art-Deco. Its town center is filled with buildings of this style and visiting Napier takes us back in time. Every year an important Art-Deco festival is held there with period costumes and cars. The city is also home to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
- Cape Kidnappers: Another must-see in the region, Cape Kidnappers. This cape is home to the largest continental gannet colony in the world! To observe this colony, several solutions are available to you: opt for a tractor excursion or join the colony via a 6km walk on the beach. Be careful if you opt for the latter solution, you will have to check the tide times.
- Hawke's Bay Wineries: The area is also known to be home to many wineries. A visit to one of them will delight wine lovers.
To book in Napier
- Visit to a vineyard in the Napier region
Mont Taranaki et New Plymouth
Now let's cross the North Island to reach the westernmost region of the island, the Taranaki region. Like the Haweke's Bay region, the Taranaki region is not the most touristic on the island. Indeed THE tourist route of the North Island tends to take travelers from the Tongariro National Park to Wellington directly without detour and then take the direction of the South Island.
The Taranaki region is famous for its mount, which is commonly referred to by its Maori name, Mount Taranaki, although in reality it is called Mount Egmont.
What to do in the Taranaki region?
- Mount Taranaki: Often compared to Mount Fuji in Japan for its near "perfect" shape, this volcano is the second highest peak in the North Island after Mount Ruapehu. This culminates at nearly 2m. Its circle of vegetation around the volcano has made its reputation. Many hikes are possible, around the volcano but also towards its summit. A difficult hike of about 500 to 7 hours.
- New Plymouth: Main city on the west coast of the North Island, New Plymouth is a pleasant city with many museums and art galleries.
Two events punctuate the city: the first is a world famous music festival, the WOMAD; the other takes place in the summer in the city park, the festival of lights.
Wellington and Palliser cape
Let's end our article dedicated to things to see and do on the North Island of New Zealand with the southernmost region of the island, the Wellington region.
It is a region that one visits quickly with relatively little to do.
Wellington, the capital, is of course one of the must-sees of the North Island, and has plenty to do. Apart from Wellington, we can mention the region of Martinborough, a region known for its vineyards and finally Cape Palliser, the northern tip of the North Island, famous for its impressive colony of seals.
What to do in the Wellington area?
- Wellington: Capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a particularly pleasant city to live in. It very regularly rises in the top 5 of the most pleasant cities to live in the world. It is a city on a human scale with only 200 inhabitants.
There are many things to do there, one can, for example, mention the impressive and unmissable Te Papa museum, the largest museum in the country. There is also a famous botanical garden, a nature reserve, Zealandia, and the Weta Cave film studios. - Martinborough: A charming little town that is home to many vineyards, mostly Pinot Noir. A short detour to this town can be a good idea for wine lovers.
- Cape Palliser: Besides its pretty lighthouse, the road leading to it, the Cape Palliser Road, is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. You can make a stop there at one of the Lord of the Rings filming locations, the Putangirua Pinnacles, but it is above all the colony of seals that comes near the lighthouse that attracts tourists passing through the region.
Book in Wellington
- Admission to Zealandia
North Island Tour Itinerary
The itineraries for visiting the North Island are numerous. Unlike the South Island where the number of roads and the layout of the places of interest limit the number of itinerary possibilities, it is quite different on the North Island.
You will find here a "complete" itinerary or almost, which will take you to discover the main places to visit on the North Island. It is based on a 21 day trip to and from Auckland. It is therefore to be adapted according to the duration of your stay, your place of arrival and departure.
The steps below having a background « Rose » are, for me, the essential stages of a route on the North Island. Those in " Blue " are to be integrated according to your desires and the duration of your stay. Some stages will be more suitable for people who prefer hiking and wide open spaces, while others will be more suitable for history or architecture enthusiasts.
- Day 1 & 2: Auckland
The largest city in the country must be visited. There are many activities, whether “city” (museum, shopping, restaurants) or “nature” (hiking, wildlife observation cruise) oriented. - Day 3 & 4: Bay of Islands
If time permits, head for Northland and its magnificent “Bay of Islands”. A place steeped in history where activities abound. - Day 5: Cape Reinga
Here too, depending on the length of your stay, a day "at the end of the world" at Cape Reinga can be a nice surprise. - Jour 6 : Bay of Islands > Coromandel
The road being long before the next stage, a stopover in Bay Of Islands or even in Auckland can be wise before going to the Coromandel Peninsula. - Day 7: Coromandel
Pretty beaches, each one more mythical than the other, not to be missed! - Day 8: Coromandel > Hobbiton > Rotorua
On the road that will take you to Rotorua, fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy cannot miss this short detour to visit Hobbiton, the hobbit village. - Days 9 & 10: Rotorua> Taupo
Rotorua, its geothermal parks, its Maori villages, its thrilling activities and its forest... - Day 11: Taupō > Napier
Taupo will be on your way if you want to reach Napier or Tongariro National Park, so why not stop there? - Day 12: Napier
Capital of Art Deco, the city of Napier is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. Don't forget the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. - Day 13: Napier > Tongariro National Park
Direction one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. - Day 14: Tongariro National Park
A day to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or one of the many others the park has to offer. - Day 15 & 16: Wellington
Remote, Wellington will be difficult to visit for short stays. If you are heading for the South Island, do not hesitate to spend a day or two there. - Day 17: Wellington > Taranaki
Return to Auckland via the West Coast and the Taranaki region. - Day 18: Taranaki
A day devoted to taking small or larger walks around Mt. - Day 19: Taranaki > Waitomo
On the return to Auckland, a stop at the Waitomo Caves is a must! - Day 20 & 21: Waitomo > Raglan > Auckland
Depending on the length of your stay, a detour to Raglan, a small seaside town and paradise for surfers, may be a good idea.
Do not hesitate to send us your questions or your ideas for itineraries in the comments of this article.
