Discover all the must-do things in the North Island/Te ika-a-Māui

*Sand dunes behind 90 Mile Beach, in the far north of the North Island*

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Whenever I hear someone say you can skip the North Island and head straight for the South Island, I bristle.

I always feel the need to defend my home island. To me, the North Island of New Zealand is every bit as beautiful as the South.

I was born and raised in the Coromandel Peninsula, and I still get awe-struck by the beauty of the beaches near where I live.

Sure, the South Island is stunning. But the North Island has things the South doesn’t.

The most famous things to do in the North Island are Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, a Hobbiton tour, swanning around Waiheke Island, and seeing glowworms in Waitomo caves, but the volcanic activity, Maori culture, and kauri forests are what make the North Island truly unique.

A pastel hued sky at sunrise in the Coromandel, New Zealand — *Sunrise at the beach just down the road from where I grew up — the east coast of the North Island has beautiful white-sand beaches and glorious sunrises (as well as lovely gentle surf)*

If you want to get off the beaten track, I recommend exploring the Coromandel, the East Cape, the Far North, or Taranaki. All of these regions are awesome for road trips, beaches, and getting a sense of rural life in New Zealand.

Some of my personal favourite destinations are Cape Palliser, Castle Point, Spirits Bay and Matai Bay in Northland.

If you’re planning a trip around the North Island of New Zealand, the list below includes places and attractions I recommend. This is a selection of my favourite destinations in the North Island, including must-sees and unique places to visit; I’ve tried to include a mix of hidden gems and more popular spots.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of North Island attractions, but a more curated look at what someone who loves food, culture, and the outdoors might enjoy. Places that make the North Island so special.

See oceans collide at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, in the Far North

The Far North of the North Island is a narrow finger of land that is home to some of the most incredible beaches in New Zealand, not to mention places of huge cultural significance.

A woman stands on a beach in New Zealand wrapped in a jacket — *An early morning in Spirits Bay*

One of my favourite road trips in all of New Zealand is the drive up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the northernmost point of the country.

It’s an epic trip for several reasons.

The cape holds spiritual significance for Maori people, who believe that is the point where souls depart for the afterlife once they have passed; the windswept, desolate piece of coastline feels utterly believable as a conduit to the spirit world.

The sandy and wild coastline near Cape Reinga — *A coast track leads down to this beach and along the shore*

It’s a rugged, beautiful area where you can see the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. There are coastal walks near Cape Reinga, and giant sand dunes by 90 Mile Beach. Rarawa Beach has bright white silica sand that squeaks underfoot.

Plenty of spots to get sandy feet.

If you’re camping, the campgrounds in the very far north are hard to beat. Kapowairua/Spirits Bay Campground is a spacious and beautiful campground; wake up early enough and you might be able to greet the wild horses roaming the beach at dawn.

two horses stand together on a new zealand beach at dawn — *Horses on the beach at dawn, Spirits Bay*

Another one of my favourite places (in pretty much the whole island) is the Maitai Bay campsite on the Karikari Peninsula. Maitai Bay might be the best beach in the North Island, it’s so stunning.

FEATURED STAY

My favourite place to stay in the far north was **Endless Summer lodge**, a stunning lodge in a restored kauri villa. It’s right opposite Ahipara Beach, and it’s the perfect place to embrace coastal New Zealand living.

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Explore the Bay of Islands and Paihia

oke bay in the bay of islands, new zealand — *Oke Bay, in the Bay of Islands. The water here was so calm and clear.*

The Bay of Islands in Northland is exactly what it sounds like — a paradise of islands.

There are 144 islands scattered throughout the bay, with turquoise waters, secluded beaches there to discover.

It’s also the epicentre of New Zealand history; here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the country’s founding document.

Unsurprisingly for a place called Bay of Islands, the area is best explored by boat. But, if you’re like me and don’t have a personal yacht, you can still reach some gorgeous beaches by road (like Oke Bay in the photo above), catch ferries out to a couple of the islands, or go on a boat tour.

The Hole in the Rock in Paihia — *The ‘Hole in the Rock’ many of the* *boat tours* *visit*

Cape Brett lighthouse viewed from the water — *Cape Brett hut, seen from a boat*

*The old lighthouse keeper’s cabin at Cape Brett now makes a good destination for a day walk, or an overnight stay*

It’s easy to catch a ferry out to Urupukapuka Island for an epic day walk.

My favourite adventure around there is hiking out to Cape Brett and spending a night in the former lighthouse keeper’s cabin.

You can catch a ferry to a cove not too far from the hut.

Explore Whangarei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast

view from Mt Manaia in Northland — *The view from Mt Manaia*

Whangarei Heads is one of my favourite parts of the North Island.

A narrow, meandering road winds around the coast between Whangarei and Ocean beach, with views of the glittering harbour and lush forested hills.

Volcanic peaks make for great day walks to panoramic views — Mt Manaia is a 2 hour walk to a stunning lookout over the harbour.

A harder day walk is Te Whara/Bream Head, which follows a ridgeline for views up and down the coast.

Shorter walks lead to Busby Head and Smuggler’s Bay, a gorgeous white sand beach.

The Poor Knights Islands are a cluster of small islands off the coast of Northland. The water here is a rich blue, and under the surface are caves, tunnels and cliffs.

I learned to scuba dive at the Poor Knights, and I can recommend Dive! Tutukaka for either diving or snorkelling trips to the islands.

On the dives I completed by the Poor Knights, I saw an electric eel, giant rays, and huge schools of fish which swirled around us in flickering colours.

*Whale Bay is one of my favourite secret swimming spots in New Zealand*

Other gorgeous places to visit in Tutukaka:

Whale Bay is a short walk to a secluded bay, absolutely stunning
Matapouri Beach is gorgeous

Visit Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest and New Zealand's largest kauri tree

If you make the journey north of Auckland, make sure you visit the remote west coast of Northland.

The Waipoua forest is home to the largest remaining kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. The incredible trunk of this surviving tree is fantastic to behold — it’s little wonder Tane Mahuta is considered to be Lord of the Forest by Maori people.

A cottage surrounded by flowers — FEATURED STAY

**Wisteria Way** is a gorgeous place to stay, minutes from Tane Mahuta. A semi circle of cottages sit around a spectacular cottage garden full of blooms — it’s very idyllic. I loved that it’s owned and run by a local ‘retired’ couple who also have a small cafe and gift shop on the grounds.

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WHERE TO SEE MORE KAURI TREES

Our kauri trees used to stand across the upper half of the North Island, but their mighty trunks and beautiful wood meant they were logged almost to complete eradication. There were few survivors.

Seeing some of the trees that were left behind, and that continue to grow, is very special.

One of the most beautiful stands of mature kauri trees I have ever seen is just north of Tane Mahuta. If you like walking, it’s well worth stopping in at the Waiotemarama Waterfall Walk.
Another great one to do is the Trounson Kauri Park loop, which is only 30 minutes.

Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island

A boat floating in green water by Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf, is a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

The island is famous for its gorgeous vineyards, but it also has beautiful beaches, walking trails, and world-class restaurants.

Visiting the island makes for an epic day trip from Auckland, or you can even stay overnight to really soak up the island vibes.

It’s easy to get around Waiheke on public transport.

A wine tasting room overlooking the sea on Waiheke Island — *A wine tasting looking out to sea at Kennedy Point vineyard*

See colourful geothermal pools and swim in thermal springs in Rotorua

The heart of the North Island is where you’ll find all kinds of volcanic activity — thermal springs and mud pools in Rotorua, steaming vents on the volcanoes in Tongariro, rivers that run hot in Taupo.

Rotorua makes the most convenient base for exploring geothermal activity, given that the town itself has hot mud pools bubbling in its parks and along the lakefront.

The geothermal parks in the area are where to go if you want to see colourful silica terraces, bright pools of acid, and geysers shooting out of the earth.

These are the main geothermal parks — they each have something unique, but you can happily just pick one. They all show off the spectacular geothermal activity in the area:

Wai-O-Tapu is home to the Champagne Pool, the famous turquoise and orange pool.
Te Puia is a great option if you want to combine seeing geothermal activity with cultural experiences like eating hangi, traditional Maori food cooked in an earth oven.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is where you will find the pastel blue Inferno Crater
Orakei Korako

You can also visit Kuirau Park in the centre of Rotorua — here you can see steaming vents and hot pools for free.

Kerosene Creek is the most well known place for swim in naturally warm water. It might not be the prettiest creek you’ve ever seen, but it is pretty cool getting to go for a free hot spring swim. Another place you can do this is at Hot Water Beach at the end of the Tarawera Trail, which is a great day walk.

Hike in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is most famous for the one-day Tongariro Crossing, but the whole park is stunning, and in my view one of the most underrated parts of the North Island.

Tongariro National Park is an essential stop on a road trip around the North Island.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its volcanic landscapes, including active craters, emerald lakes, and Mars-like terrains.

The premier experience is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day hike through some of the most striking scenery in the national park.

However, it’s far from the only attraction in Tongariro National Park.

You can walk the entire Tongariro Northern Circuit, which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, walk to the spectacular Taranaki Falls, or hike to the Tama Lakes.

If you plan on walking the Tongariro Crossing, make sure you allow a night in the area before and after. It’s a challenging full day hike and you’ll want to rest and recover afterwards, and not try to push on to your next stop.

WHERE TO STAY

For a treat, check out the Night Sky Cottage in Ohakune.

Or, check out this Airbnb, which is where I stayed one September before visiting the national park (it snowed in the park! So the fireplace in this lodge was bliss.)

FEATURED STAY

I stayed in lovely little **Rua Awa Lodge** one September before visiting the national park (it snowed in the park! So the fireplace in this lodge was bliss). The outdoor bathtub and firepit really make it a special spot to stay.

Go rafting in the Waitomo glowworm caves

glow worm caves in the North Island of New Zealand

The Waitomo area is riddled with cave systems, which are famous for being home to glowworms found uniquely in New Zealand.

There are different ways to explore the caves — if you just want to see the glowworms, you can go on a short walk and boat tour of the caves. I visited with Spellbound and really enjoyed the experience.

The main Waitomo Caves are the main attraction but not necessarily the best.

The more people visiting a cave, the dimmer the glowworms get (they stop shining when disturbed too much). There are less visited caves where you can see brighter glowworm lights, like the ones visited by Spellbound.

Or, for something with a little more of an adventure element, check out the black water rafting trips in Waitomo.

FEATURED STAY

Abseil Inn
Friendly local hosts in a house up on a hill.

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Soak up the vibes in Raglan, a bohemian surf town

Raglan is a laid-back coastal town two hours south of Auckland.

It’s one of my favourite places in the North Island to hang out for a weekend.

Renowned for its world-class surf breaks, Raglan attracts surfers of all levels seeking the perfect wave. The iconic left-hand point break at Manu Bay is a magnet for goofy-footed surfers.

Beyond surfing, Raglan offers coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and striking viewpoints.

Bridal Veil Falls and Mount Karioi provide excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking scenery. The artsy town center is filled with galleries, cafes, and boutique stores, adding to its bohemian charm.

FEATURED STAY

Blackwood Cabin
A secluded family-owned cabin just outside of Raglan.

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See Mount Taranaki from mirror-like mountain pools

Mount Taranaki towers over New Plymouth and the Taranaki region in the southwestern corner of the North Island.

Mount Egmont National Park is the almost perfectly circular wilderness area that encompasses the peak and the thick goblin forests that cloak its lower slopes.

There are a number of excellent short walks in the national park. The Pouakai Crossing and the summit trek present rewarding challenges with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

But one of the best and most accessible walks is the Mangorei Track to the Pouakai Tarns — it’s shorter than walking the full Pouakai Crossing, and as an out-and-back track it’s easier to organise than the one-way crossing.

On a still, clear day, the Pouakai Tarns reflect the impressive peak of Mt Taranaki.

WHERE TO STAY

Ahu Ahu Beach Villas is a truly exceptional place overlooking the wild coast.

Road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel and East Coast are ideal summer destinations, when evenings are long and the perfect place to be is in a campsite by the ocean.

The North Island truly stands out for its incredible beaches. As a general rule of thumb, the east coast has calm, white sand bays, while the west coast is more rugged and wild, with vast black sand beaches.

The Coromandel Peninsula is the best of the east coast; it’s one of the best road trip destinations in the North Island, thanks to its epic beaches.

Visit Cathedral Cove to tick off one of the top day walks in the country, then go and dig your own spa in the sand at Hot Water Beach.

*LONELY BAY — A MUCH QUIETER ALTERNATIVE TO CATHEDRAL COVE*

You can drive in a leisurely loop around the peninsula, taking it slow on the narrow roads lined with pohutawaka trees.

Some of my favourite stops are Otara Bay (and I’m truly giving away a secret with that one), Opito Bay in the far east of the peninsula with a pit stop at Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu on the way, and the Driving Creek Railway near Coromandel Town.

North of Coromandel Town is where things start to get more off the beaten track; or off the sealed road, to be precise. Head to Waikawau Bay to discover the largest DOC campsite in New Zealand, and another sheltered bay good for surfing and swimming.

Just over the hill at the south end of Waikawau Bay is Little Bay, spot that locals have done a great job of keeping secret. There are a few spots in the carpark for self-contained campervans to stay overnight.

If you don’t mind manoeuvring a campervan or motorhome along gravel roads with sheer drop-offs, DOC campsites at Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay will take you properly off the grid. Port Jackson Campsite is set on the very tip of the peninsula, with a vast beach and views of Great Barrier Island.

Neighbouring Fletcher Bay Campground is the starting point for the Coromandel Coastal Track, a highlight of the peninsula that has marvellous views of the craggy coastline, as well as dense bush with the occasional kaka wheeling above the canopy.

an outdoor bathtub at a lodge in the Coromandel Peninsula — FEATURED STAY

**Wairua Rainforest River Retreat**
An exceptional place to stay, I really can’t recommend it highly enough. Tucked away in the forest, with a forest bath, a hot tub under the stars, and a fire pit, Wairua feels like an exclusive little piece of paradise.

Book it now

The best things to do in Wellington and the Wairarapa

Eat your way around Wellington, the capital city

rocks and sea along the wellington coastline — *The dramatic coastline near Wellington*

Wellington is a must-visit place in the North Island.

Tucked between a rugged coastline and steep hills, Wellington is both naturally beautiful and rich in coffee culture, creative arts, and cuisine.

Wellington is often dubbed the culinary capital of New Zealand. Here you’ll find an abundance of cafes and restaurants, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and chefs determined to explore modern Pacific cuisine.

To make the most of Wellington, stroll around the waterfront, explore the chaos of Cuba Street, and dine at some of Wellington’s exceptional restaurants.

Where to stay: I love staying at the QT in Wellington. The rooms have the most delightful bathtubs.

A tip: If you plan on catching the ferry down to the South Island, make sure you book well in advance. Spots for vehicles go quickly, especially in the summer months!

Another tip: Don’t go to dinner at Bellamy’s — I went because the restaurant is inside the Beehive, so it’s very unique. But the food was terrible. Cannot recommend.

FEATURED HOTEL

The Intrepid Hotel
An independent, one of a kind hotel, with oodles of character and a vibe that fits the capital city’s cool nature.

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Cycle around Martinborough wineries

the entrance to poppies vineyard in martinborough

Martinborough is a picturesque wine village near Wellington.

The town is famous for its boutique wineries and vineyards, many of which are walking or cycling distance from the town centre.

A highlight of Martinborough is exploring the numerous cellar doors, meeting passionate winemakers and savouring a wide array of wines.

The region is famed for producing elegant Pinot Noirs, and some of the vineyards offer decadent lunches to go with your wine.

It’s a small town, and you can walk to a few vineyards if you like. But a more popular way to explore is on a bicycle, which is an idyllic way to spend an afternoon.

DON’T MISS

The most famous lunch spot in Martinborough is Poppy’s, known throughout the island for decadent platters.

Castlepoint

Castle Point has a special kind of magic.

The lonely lighthouse on its tower of rock, the sandy shores around the lagoon, and the jutting lump of Castle Rock make this section of the wild Wairarapa Coastline unique.

Blissfully, there’s not much to do here other than stroll the beach and walk to lookout points.

Fishing boats sit pulled up onto the sandy shore. Occasionally, someone bobs past on a horse. Other than a local shop, which also serves as a coffee place and takeaway joint, there’s not much here other than simple baches hunkering against the hills.

Walk up to Castlepoint Lighthouse, a monolith atop a craggy limestone knoll lashed by waves.

First lit in 1913, it's the tallest lighthouse in the North Island and one of the last two remaining lighthouses in New Zealand with a rotating beam.

A boardwalk scales the fossil studded ridge of the headland to reach the lighthouse, then climbs beyond to an epic lookout.

For an alternative vantage point, follow the Deliverance Cove Walking track from the carpark. It curves along a pine-covered ridge above the beach, eventually leading to the mighty Castle Rock.

Scramble up through golden grass and until you reach the lofty peak. At 162 metres high, it looms over the coast and gives impressive views in all directions. Walk back to the carpark along the half moon of the lagoon, where surfers catch waves rolling in through a narrow gap in the rock.

Where to stay: Castle Point Holiday Park has parking spots right by the water, and a single store doubles as a cafe for your morning coffee.

Cape Palliser lighthouse

I love visiting Cape Palliser; it feels like reaching the end of the world. In some ways it is. This is the southernmost point of the North Island.

The road to Cape Palliser follows the pebbled coast around the southern Wairarapa.

It’s dotted with one-way bridges, slowing you down in preparation for the pace of life in Ngawi, a quirky fishing village wedged between a cliff and gravelly beach.

Bulldozers tinted orange from salt spray sit in a haphazard line along the water’s edge, their rusted hulks waiting to drag homecoming fishing boats from the ocean.

Rogue sheep trot across the road, unbothered by passing cars.

Continuing past Ngawi, the road becomes narrow and potholed, dipping in and out of fords and clinging to the rocky cliff in places.

On the way to the lighthouse is the largest fur seal colony in the North Island.

The seals are everywhere, hopping between bushes and lugging themselves over rocks, wafting pungent smells as they go. They are often sprawled right by the parking area, so take care and make sure you keep at least a 20-metre distance.

The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the last stop on the road. Boldly candy striped in red and white, it has stood at its fantastic vantage point since 1897.

Climb the 253 steep steps to enjoy views of the harakeke-covered hills and surf surging onto shingle beaches below.

DON’T MISS:

For Lord of the Rings fans, make sure you stop by the Puntangira Pinnacles on the way to Cape Palliser (check the DOC website for track status, as it was closed in early 2024 due to a slip).

This was the location for Dimholt Road in the Lord of the Rings films. You might recognise it as the place where Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas enter the Paths of the Dead.

North Island road trips and itineraries

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time for a road trip around the North Island. This gives you enough time to experience the top things to do in the North Island, while not having to rush, skip places, or have long driving days.

If you only have one week in the North, you can still hit the highlights.

Three weeks gives you ample time to explore off the beaten track. I personally find less visited regions like Taranaki, Northland, and the East Cape, to be just as beautiful and rewarding as top destinations like Rotorua and Taupo.

Of course, it depends how you like to spend your time. If you like hiking, camping, and enjoying landscapes, you’ll love Taranaki. If you want to see geothermal attractions and do a lot of jet boating, bungy jumping, and zip lining, Rotorua and Taupo make more sense.

Here are a few of the road trips and itineraries I have put together, for exploring the North Island’s best places.