15 best things to do in North Island, New Zealand: our top picks

Delivering a richly rewarding blend of Maori culture, geothermal activity, and coastal beauty, New Zealand’s North Island is a dream destination for travelers who want to enjoy a range of the country’s best experiences. Add to that world-class wine, hikes and beaches, and it’s easy to see why deciding whether to visit North or South Island, New Zealand is such a tricky conundrum. To help you make up your mind, read on to discover the best things to do in North Island, New Zealand.

1. Explore Māori culture in Rotorua

Located in the central North Island, Rotorua is the cultural heart of New Zealand’s Māori heritage, with places like Te Puia enabling visitors to witness the likes of traditional carving and weaving, and attend powerful kapa haka performances. 

In addition, experiences at Tamaki Māori Village and Mitai Village showcase traditional storytelling and singing, and offer the chance to partake in a hāngi meal — tasty food slow-cooked underground in earth ovens.

How to get to Rotorua

Rotorua is a 3-hour drive or short flight from Auckland. 

Intercity buses and tours also connect Rotorua with major cities.

When to visit Rotorua

Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer (December to February)is best for cultural events and festivals.

In the early stages of planning your New Zealand itinerary? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to New Zealand.

2. Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

One of the world’s best day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses 19.4 km of volcanic terrain.

Physically demanding, this challenging hike is incredibly rewarding as it serves panoramic views of Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings), emerald crater lakes, steam vents, and surreal lava fields.

Shuttles operate one-way services to trailheads, and guided walks are available for safety in unpredictable weather.

How to get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

To get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, base yourself in National Park Village, Turangi or Taupō. 

From these towns, you can drive to one of the trailheads or, more conveniently, take a shuttle service that drops you at the Mangatepopo car park (start point) and picks you up at Ketetahi (end point).

When to visit the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

November to April is best for the safest conditions and longer daylight. 

Into adventurous hikes? Discover the best alternative treks in New Zealand.

3. Visit the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata

Nestled in the lush hills of the Waikato countryside, Hobbiton is a must-visit for Tolkien fans, and arguably the ultimate best of the best things to do in North Island., New Zealand

Here, the 12-acre movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit presents 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree, all surrounded by idyllic farmland. 

Guided tours are required and include stories from the filming and behind-the-scenes details.

Meanwhile, evening banquet tours come with a hearty Hobbit-style meal 

How to get to Matamata

Matamata is a 2-hour drive from Auckland or 1 hour from Rotorua. 

When to visit Hobbiton, Matamata

Year-round, though spring and summer offers blooming gardens.

Undecided about where to include in your itinerary? Read our guide to whether to visit North or South Island, and wise up on the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand.

4. Bliss out in the Bay of Islands

Boasting over 140 islands, the Bay of Islands is a subtropical paradise of Northland.

Think pristine beaches (among them some of the best beaches in New Zealand), turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. 

From Paihia, you can take cruises to see Hole in the Rock, Urupukapuka Island, and go dolphin-watching and sailing. 

It’s also the perfect springboard from which to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where modern New Zealand’s founding document was signed, and to explore Russell, New Zealand’s first capital.

How to get to the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands can be reached via 3-hour drive, or 45-minute flight from Auckland. 

Regular bus services also operate.

When to visit the Bay of Islands

December to April is best for warm beach weather and marine tours. Also note that fall is quieter, and still pleasant.

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the best time to visit New Zealand.

5. Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Visiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a magical underground experience, not least if you’re visiting New Zealand with kids.

The highlight is a boat ride through glowworm-lit caves. Here, thousands of bioluminescent larvae create a starry sky effect on the cave ceiling. 

In addition, you can also try adventure activities like black-water rafting, abseiling and or spelunking, with the nearby Ruakuri Cave offering walking tours, replete with spiral staircases and impressive limestone formations.

How to get to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves can be reached via a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland or Rotorua. 

Tours are best booked in advance.

When to visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Year-round — the caves maintain consistent temperatures, and glow worms are always visible. 

6. Wander Wellington’s Te Papa Museum

Wellington — one of the best cities in New Zealand, and its capital — is home to one of the most innovative and engaging museums in the world. Namely, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Offering an immersive journey through Māori culture, colonial history, geology and natural wonders, highlights include the Earthquake House, which simulates seismic activity. 

Outside the museum, Wellington boasts a walkable harborfront, vibrant café culture, and the historic Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens.

How to get to Wellington

Wellington is well-connected by air from Auckland, Christchurch, and internationally, and the museum is centrally located on the waterfront.

When to visit Wellington

Year-round, though spring and summer (October to March) offer the best weather for exploring the wider city on foot.

7. Soak up Wai-O-Tapu’s geothermal wonders 

Near Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is one of the most colorful geothermal areas in the world. 

Boasting vividly colored hot springs, boiling mud pools and the enchanting Champagne Pool, with its orange and green edges and rising steam, well-maintained walkways lead through a surreal landscape of sulfur-rich craters and steaming vents. 

As such, visiting is one of the very best things to do in North Island, New Zealand, if you’re into nature and photography

How to get to Wai-O-Tapu

Wai-O-Tapu is a 30-minute drive south of Rotorua — easily accessible by car or on a guided tour.

Want more transport context? Read up on getting around New Zealand.

When to visit Wai-O-Tapu

Year-round — note that morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better light for photography.

8. Surf at Raglan

A laid-back surf town on the North Island’s west coast, Raglan is most famous for Manu Bay, which offers one of the longest left-hand surf breaks in the world. 

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or trying it for the first time, Raglan’s beaches like Ngarunui offer excellent conditions. 

In addition, beyond the surf, Raglan has a thriving arts scene, boutique shops, great coffee and offers access to stunnig natural attractions.

For example, you can hike to the nearby Bridal Veil Falls — 55-meter cascade that rushes through lush forest.

Into surfing? Discover the best surf spots in New Zealand.

How to get to Raglan

Raglan is 2-hour drive from Auckland, or 45-minute-drive from Hamilton. 

When to visit Raglan

November to April is best for warm weather and reliable surf. 

9. Discover the Coromandel Peninsula

Known for its unspoiled beaches, hiking trails and coastal forest, the Coromandel Peninsula is a North Island treasure that offers opportunities to relax and enjoy adventure.

A real must-see highlight is visiting Cathedral Cove — a rock archway located on a picturesque beach, accessible via a 45-minute walk or kayak from Hahei. 

Another highlight in Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand during low tide. 

Meanwhile, the Pinnacles Track offers a challenging hike through ancient kauri logging routes with panoramic views from the summit. 

How to get to the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula can be reached via a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland to Hahei or Whitianga. 

When to visit the Coromandel Peninsula

December to April for beach weather. Spring and autumn are quieter and still pleasant.

10. Go to Hell’s Gate

At once Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve and a culturally significant site for the local Māori people, Hell’s Gate park features steaming fumaroles, erupting hot springs, bubbling mud pools.

Oh, and it also boasts the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. 

After exploring the site’s walkways, you can soak in a mud bath or sulphur spa — a tradition that dates back back centuries. 

Meanwhile, guided tours offer insights into Māori legends and the spiritual significance of the land.

How to get to Hell’s Gate 

Hell’s Gate is 15-minute drive from Rotorua. Tours and shuttles available if you’re not driving.

When to visit Hell’s Gate 

This is a year-round attraction.

11. Amble vibrant Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, delivers a truly dynamic mix of culture, nature and excellent dining. 

Among the city’s must-do activities are exploring Viaduct Harbour, climbing Mount Eden for views of the city’s volcanic landscape, and enjoying panoramic views from the Sky Tower (if you have a head for heights).

Meanwhile, culture vultures will want to spend time in the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

While in town, we also suggest taking a ferry to Waiheke Island, where wineries and beaches await. 

How to get to Auckland

Auckland international airport is the main entry point for most travelers, and also served by lots of domestic and regional flights.

When to visit Auckland

Head here in November to March for warm weather and to enjoy stacks of lively outdoor events.

12. Hike to Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the northernmost accessible point in New Zealand — where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. 

A sacred site for Māori, Cape Reinga is believed to be the place where spirits depart for the ancestral homeland.

Here, a short walk leads to a historic lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs, with nearby attractions including Te Paki Sand Dunes (great for sandboarding adventures) and the splendid Ninety Mile Beach.

How to get to Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is a five-hour drive from the Bay of Islands. You can also take guided day trips from Paihia or Kaitaia.

When to visit Cape Reinga

October to April is the ideal period — think pleasant weather and long daylight hours.

13. Cruise Lake Taupō

Located in a massive volcanic crater, Lake Taupō is the largest lake in New Zealand, no less. 

While the lake itself invites cruising, fishing and swimming fun, you can also book a guided boat tour to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay

Nearby, you can relax in thermal hot springs, and visit Huka Falls, where the Waikato River funnels into a thundering cascade

How to get to Lake Taupō

Drive from Rotorua (1 hour), Napier (2 hours) or Wellington (5 hours). 

When to visit Lake Taupō

December to April are best for lake activities, while fall is great for hiking.

14. Discover art and history in Napier

Located in the Hawke’s Bay region, and rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, Napier boasts a beautiful coastal setting.

That said, Napier is best known for being home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco buildings around the world.

It also has a strong Māori history, and the nearby Hawke’s Bay is a premier wine region.

When to visit Napier

Excited to visit New Zealand? You will be after discovering the best things to do in New Zealand, with practical planning tips to be found in our New Zealand travel advice.

Not keen on planning? Check out our customisable New Zealand itineraries, and contact our local New Zealand travel experts, who can plan and book every detail of your trip.