These unforgettable things to do in the North Island, New Zealand, will make you want to visit
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
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.
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, Hobbiton, Waiheke Island, and Wellington, but the volcanic activity, Maori culture, and kauri forests are what make the North Island truly unique.
Early morning sunlight at Matai Bay, in Northland. I have seen in the New Year several times at this beach — camping here is a quintessential New Zealand summer experience.
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, these are places and attractions I recommend. This is a list 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.
To try and make it easier, I have divided this list up by region, going from the top to the bottom of the island. If you roughly know where you’re going, you can skip to those areas.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase something via those links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
The best things to do in Northland and the Bay of Islands
An early morning in Spirits Bay
The region north of Auckland is a long, 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.
Most of the things to do in Northland involve beaches, or camping, but there are some great opportunities for Maori cultural immersion too.
See oceans collide at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, in the Far North
If you like driving until you reach the end of the road, head to Cape Reinga.
Cape Reinga, located at very the northern tip of the North Island, is a place of significant cultural and natural importance.
For Maori people, this is where spirits depart to the afterlife.
The iconic lighthouse overlooks the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. You can see the currents colliding.
You can also visit the Te Paki sand dunes and climb the golden peaks for coastal views, or sand board back down again.
DON’T MISS
Stop by Rarawa Beach, which has bright white silica sand that squeaks underfoot.
CAMPING IN THE FAR NORTH
The far north is a great camping destination. Kapowairua/Spirits Bay Campground is a spacious and beautiful place to camp or park a campervan.
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.
Matai Bay is where I have seen the best moon rises of my life. If you happen to stay in the campground on a night when there’s a full moon, check the moon rise time and head down to the beach to watch the moon rise from the water.
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.
Explore the Bay of Islands and Paihia
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.
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) or catch ferries out to a couple of the islands.
WHAT TO DO IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS
Catch a ferry out to Urupukapuka Island for an epic day walk, or stay in an old lighthouse keeper’s cabin at Cape Brett for an overnight hike.
Another must-see is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, a key document in New Zealand's history.
My favourite adventure around there is hiking out to Cape Brett and spending a night in the former lighthouse keeper’s cabin.
Explore Whangarei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast
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.
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.
FEATURED STAY
Wisteria Way is the most gorgeous little place to stay, just minutes down the road 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.
See more and book Wisteria Way >>
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.
Dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Islands
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.
Jacques Cousteau famously rated this spot as one of the top ten dives in the world.
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.
DON’T MISS
Other gorgeous places to visit in Tutukaka:
Whale Bay is a short walk to a secluded bay, absolutely stunning
Matapouri Beach is gorgeous
WHERE TO STAY
The Tutukaka Coast is one of my favourite places to camp.
Woolley’s Bay isn’t as good for swimming, but it’s one of my favourite campsites in the North Island.
The best things to do in and around Auckland
Auckland is the main entry point into New Zealand. It makes sense to spend a night or two in Auckland, especially if you enjoy urban activities like eating or shopping.
But if nature is your priority, by all means skip straight out of town and head south.
Go wine tasting on 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.
FURTHER READING
It’s easy to get around Waiheke on public transport.
WHERE TO STAY ON WAIHEKE
You can’t beat a stay at the Mudbrick Cottages, which have stunning sea views and handy proximity to Mudbrick’s restaurant and cellar door (Mudbrick is probably the prettiest vineyard on Waiheke, and has the best sunset views).
There are no big hotels on Waiheke, so if you’re looking for places to stay opt for a holiday home. Search on VRBO
FEATURED STAY
AWAY Treehouse and Forest Spa
A peaceful and remote option on Waiheke.
Go vintage shopping on Karangahape Road, Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, so serves as an arrival point for most visitors to New Zealand.
It’s worth spending a night in Auckland to adjust to New Zealand. It’s not the most exciting city in the world — and I say that as an Aucklander — but you can find great bars and restaurants, as well as great beaches and day walks.
Many people skip straight through, but if you enjoy food and shopping, you might find a lot to love in Auckland.
My favourite part of the city is Karangahape Road, often called K Road, a mile long road following a ridge south of the city centre. This iconic street is a hub for vintage and second-hand shopping, attracting thrifters looking for unique retro finds.
Check out Crushes for a selection of vintage clothing sourced from within New Zealand (unlike many other vintage stores who import their wares from overseas) or Smoove for funky reworked vintage items.
While you’re on a shopping spree, it’s worth checking our Nick Von K Jewellery for uniquely New Zealand designs, and TUR for a gallery-esque store with items from makers around the country.
There are also plenty of great restaurants to try along Karangahape Road — try Cotto, Coco’s Cantina, or Candela.
WHERE TO STAY
Central Auckland is the most convenient area to stay while in Auckland, but I recommend trying to avoid Queen Street and staying closer to Britomart or Ponsonby.
A TIP
If you fly into Auckland on your first day, and don’t plan to leave town until the second day, pick up your rental car on the second day and head straight out.
This will save you the pain of driving in Auckland traffic and trying to find parking in the city centre.
Visit Auckland’s black sand west coast beaches
The gannet colony at Muriwai is one of the most beautiful things to see near Auckland
The North Island features distinctive black sand beaches along the West Coast, thanks to the volcanic vomit of Mount Taranaki.
Piha, Karekare and Muriwai are all easily visited from Auckland.
The rich, black sands along the west coast creates a dramatic contrast with the wild blue ocean. The rugged beauty of the North Island’s western coastline, often framed by lush greenery and rocky formations, is worth discovering.
If you have a day in Auckland, and a car at your disposal, head out to Piha to get a coffee from the local store and go for a stroll on the beach.
Or head to Muriwai, where a short walk takes you past an impressive gannet colony. It stinks, but suffering the stench is worth the epic sight of the birds swooping around the rocks.
Visit Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is possibly New Zealand’s best hidden gem.
Located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, is an adventure into unspoiled natural beauty and a true escape from urban life. It’s like a time capsule; there are no big supermarkets or chain stores over here, no major towns.
It’s just small town island life at its best.
This remote island is home to some of Auckland’s best beaches, incredible birdlife with kaka parrots frequently whirling overhead, and the Aotea Track, one of New Zealand’s best overnight hiking trails.
The island is also a haven for stargazing due to its dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Spectacular things to do in the Central North Island
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.
Swim in a hot river, or lake, in Rotorua
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland in the heart of the North Island, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rivers that run naturally hot.
It’s worth having at least one full day in Rotorua. The town itself isn’t particularly exciting, but there are multiple Maori villages and geothermal parks to visit.
WHAT TO DO IN ROTORUA
Head to Kerosene Creek to 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.
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
You can also visit Kuirau Park in the centre of Rotorua — here you can see steaming vents and hot pools for free.
Lake Taupo
Taupo feels a little bit like the Queenstown of the North Island.
The town is right on the lakefront, and with the lake, river, and waterfalls nearby, there are dozens of adventure activities to do in the area.
The town of Taupo is much like most other New Zealand towns — disappointingly, much of the lakefront is lined with fast food joints like Burger Fuel and KFC.
But it’s still a nice place to stop on a road trip though. On clear days you can see across to Mount Ruapehu from the lakefront in the centre of town.
I think Taupo is fine for a night, especially if you plan on heading down to the Tongariro Crossing the following day.
WHAT TO DO IN TAUPO
The mighty Waikato river flows into Lake Taupo, and one of the main attractions in the area is Huka Falls, where the intense blue water of the river rushes through a narrow gorge before plummeting into a pool below. You can walk to viewpoints of the falls — just be warned that it’s quite busy, so you will be milling around in crowds.
Or take a jet boat ride for something more high octane.
If you love swimming, check out the stunning swimming hole at the Hipapatua Reserve. The river here is incredibly clear and blue; this was my personal favourite thing to do around here.
Hike through Tongariro National Park
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.)
Visit the Waitomo glowworm caves
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.
FEATURED STAY
Abseil Inn
Friendly local hosts in a house up on a hill.
Discover the best things to do on the West Coast of the North Island
The West Coast of the North Island stretches from Raglan south to Taranaki.
This is very unofficial.
Officially, these are separate regions, but I think it makes sense to group them together. You have similar, surfy vibes, black sand beaches, and funky towns all along this stretch of coast.
This is one of my favourite parts of the North Island to go on a road trip.
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.
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.
Visit Whanganui, an arty little river town
On a recent road trip around the North Island, the place that surprised me the most was Whanganui.
It’s a pretty little town with an interesting history.
It’s also famous for being New Zealand’s hub of glass art. You can visit the Glassworks centre and watch artists sculpting hot glass from the mezzanine floor.
The Whanganui River Journey
There are three Great Walks in the North Island — as well as Lake Waikaremoana and the Tongariro Circuit, there is the Whanganui Journey.
Whanganui is unique as it’s not a hike, it’s a canoe trip down the impressive river.
The Whanganui River has been granted personhood, which means it has the same rights as a legal person. The same status is given to Mount Taranaki and the Te Urewera Forest, where the Lake Waikaremoana hike is located.
You can choose to paddle the river in 3 or 5 days — my friends and I opted for the shorter 3 day paddle and don’t regret it. If the wind is against you (as it was for us) you could be in for some long and gruelling paddle days, especially if you’re not used to captaining a canoe.
The Coromandel Peninsula and the East Coast
Road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula
Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel — photo credit Miles Holden
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.
You can drive in a leisurely loop around the peninsula, taking it slow on the narrow roads lined with pohutawaka trees.
Make sure you take your time driving — the Coromandel is infamous for narrow, winding roads.
One of my favourite beaches is Opoutere. Set a few kilometres off State Highway 25, and filtered from the road by a tall stand of pines, Opoutere Beach is resolutely remote.
It’s likely you’ll find yourself sharing the stretch of white sand with only oystercatchers and endangered dotterels, which breed on the Wharekawa sand spit at the north of the beach.
As you walk around the estuary, you might also hear the screech of kaka and spot the parrots overhead.
From the southern end of the beach, climb the steps to reach the top of an old Māori pa - defensive ditches are still visible - and enjoy views back across the bay.
On the other side of the peninsula, 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.
DON’T MISS:
One place I always stop when driving past is Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.
If the essence of the Coromandel could be distilled into one spot, it would look a lot like Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.
It’s worth making the detour over the true-to-Coromandel-type (steep, twisty, and gravel in patches) hill from Kuaotunu to get a glimpse of secluded Opito Bay. The long scythe of honey-coloured sand is backed by golden hills and contrasts delightfully with the bright blue water.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE COROMANDEL
The Coromandel is an idyllic destination for campervans. Here are a few of my favourite camping spots:
Opoutere Coastal Camping for a pretty spot caught between a stream and pine forest. Or, head to the beach carpark which also doubles as a freedom campsite for self-contained vehicles.
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.
Road trip around the East Cape
The East Cape of New Zealand is one of the most remote and beautiful road trip destinations in the country.
It’s a long drive out to the East Cape, but there are plenty of places to stop and camp along the way — this makes it particularly wonderful for anyone travelling in a campervan.
The drive from Opotiki to Gisborne around the coast will take you through small towns, past pebbled beaches, and past the easternmost point of the island.
The best things to do in Wellington and the Wairarapa
Eat your way around Wellington, the capital city
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.
Cycle around Martinborough wineries
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
The windswept, rocky coastline at Castle Point
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.
New Zealand essentials
SIM CARDS: I recommend getting a Skinny SIM card when you arrive
FIND WALKS AND HIKES: The DOC website is the best resource for all trails, scenic campsites, and mountain huts
BEST APPS: Campermate for finding campsites, Gaspy for saving money on petrol
LANGUAGE: English but be prepared for some local quirks
Thanks for reading this far! I hope I’ve managed to convince you to visit the North Island. I’m biased, but I think it’s an incredible destination.
If you’re just in the early stages of planning your trip to New Zealand, you might also find these articles helpful:
AUTHOR BIO
I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.
I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my recommendations for the best places to visit in New Zealand.
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