20 Things to Do in North Island, New Zealand

Activities to Do in North Island

Visit Mount Doom in Tongariro National Park, Explore Waitomo Caves, Visit Cape Reinga, Explore the Hokianga Harbour, Visit Hobbiton, Snorkel at Poor Knights Islands, Indulge on Waiheke Island, Chase Waterfalls in Taup, Bathe in Rotorua's Healing Geothermal Waters and many more.

You're never going to be bored or run out of options of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island since there is a lot vying for your attention. You can take up water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling at Poor Knights Islands, where marine life is bound to leave you mesmerized. Bargain your way through trinkets and knick-knacks at Rotorua Night Market that has tons of stalls situated on both sides of the street.

If you're looking for the best things to do in North Island you can brace yourself for wading through water, crawling from cavity to cavity, and squeezing through tight spots at Waitomo Caves. You can also have a hypnotic experience by seeing Huka Falls, where the water emerges from a cliff and falls into Lake Taupō. Spend your mornings dipping your toes in clear waters and your midnights dancing in trendy nightclubs on your New Zealand trip.

Here is the list of some activities to do in North Island:

Best Selling New Zealand Tour Packages Explore All (34)

6ahor7f0299cyx12ei5g7drrgjt9 shutterstock 1025960785 min

13D/12N

30 Ratings

Best of Australia and New Zealand

₹ 416,000 ₹ 300,120 per adult

The amazing fjords in Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park

7D/6N

131 Ratings

Glimpse of New Zealand | Discover Fjords, Forests and Hobbit Homes

₹ 199,800 ₹ 178,200 per adult

Panoramic view of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, New Zealand

12D/11N

124 Ratings

All-in-One New Zealand Tour

₹ 295,400 ₹ 256,052 per adult

8D/7N

126 Ratings

North & South New Zealand with FREE Redwood Tree Walking Experience

₹ 244,300 ₹ 203,175 per adult

10D/9N

122 Ratings

Scenic New Zealand | All Inclusive Tour Package

₹ 318,200 ₹ 285,000 per adult

15D/14N

126 Ratings

Wonders of New Zealand & Australia | FREE Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

₹ 573,962 ₹ 431,550 per adult

Q6jswruj7mtp6efmdngucaf42gvf shutterstock 590390942

12D/11N

25 Ratings

Charms of Australia

₹ 185,515 ₹ 165,308 per adult

X5z72cbjz7urk5kflzde9fzz21ld shutterstock 1629367996

13D/12N

25 Ratings

Australia & New Zealand Honeymoon Tour with FREE Trip to Lake Tekapo

₹ 401,333 ₹ 300,999 per adult

Explore All (34)

01

Visit Mount Doom in Tongariro National Park

Image Credit : Daniel Chen

For the ones who find solace in natural wonders, visiting Mount Doom in Tongariro National Park should be an ideal option. In Peter Jackson's film trilogy Lord of the Rings, the volcano Mount Ngauruhoe was used as Mount Doom in some scenes. This fictional volcano is approximately 4,500 feet high, and it is the site where the One Ring was forged by the Dark Lord Sauron.

You can take a hike through Mt Doom and feel like bringing the scenes of The Lord of the Rings movies to reality.

Location: Tongariro National Park, Turangi New Zealand

02

Explore Waitomo Caves

Get ready for a unique caving adventure by visiting Waitomo Caves, where millions of glow worms live and radiate an extremely vibrant light from their body. These caves were formed over thirty million years ago as limestone formations at the bottom of the ocean. The caves have two levels, the lower level that includes a beautiful river running through the cave chamber, and the dry upper level that includes the cave entrance.

As you enter this galaxy of living lights, you'll see stunning stalagmites and stalactite formations. You can enjoy here zip-lining, abseiling, and black water rafting adventures.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour | Book Now @ Flat 15% off

26 Ratings

Rotorua

Starting from ₹ 2,412 ₹ 2,050

03

Walk the Pouakai Crossing

Get ready for an epic day walk on Mt. Taranaki that starts at North Egmont and finishes at Egmont National Park boundary. While winding across the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki, you'll discover a mighty waterfall, towering cliffs, and a sphagnum moss swamp.

The track is rough, wet, and muddy at places, and there are deep muds in sections across Ahukawakawa Swamp. The track is 18.5 km long, and you'll be greeted with breathtaking views throughout the journey.

Location: Egmont Road, Egmont National Park 4391 New Zealand

04

Visit Cape Reinga

Image Credit : Ashish Ansurkar

One of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island, is visiting Cape Reinga, which is a quiet fishing town that holds cultural significance to the Maori tribes. The rugged tip of Cape Reinga is filled with untouched beaches, endless hikes, and many more awesome natural wonders. It is home to a picturesque lighthouse, Taputaputa Bay, Te Paki Coast Track, and Te Paki Sand Dunes.

Being a sacred site, you're not permitted to eat at Cape Reinga

Location: 0484 New Zealand

05

Explore the Hokianga Harbour

One of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island, is exploring the Hokianga Harbour that is renowned for its coastal landscape. It houses a large number of indigenous species and is the oldest site of human settlement in New Zealand. Many artisans and artists live in Hokianga, showcasing their splendid work in the local galleries.

You can explore Hokianga by sandboarding, fishing, cycling, kayaking, swimming, walking, and horse riding

Location: 251 Hokianga Harbour Drive, Omapere

06

Marvel at Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel

End your search for the best things to do in North Island by marveling at Cathedral Cove that is a famous rock formation on the Coromandel Peninsula. Cathedral Cove was a film location in the movie Narnia, and since then, several films have been shot here.

Walking to Cathedral Cove is considered to be one of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island as this beautiful trail follows rocky coastlines and passes through stunning lookouts and beautiful bays.

Location: 65 Grange Rd S, Hahei 3591 New Zealand

07

Visit Hobbiton

Image Credit : hobbitontours.com

One of the most exciting things to do in New Zealand, North Island, is visiting Hobbiton, a significant location for filming The Hobbit film trilogy and The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It is a Tolkienian tourism destination located on a family-run farm about eight kilometers west of Hinuera and ten kilometers southwest of Matamata. Indulge in a Weta Workshop to know about the first-hand work that goes on backstage to make the epic, The Lord of the Rings.

You can also spot thirty-seven Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Pub, Mill, the famous Party Tree, and a double-arched bridge.

Location: 501 Buckland Road Matamata, Hinuera 3472 New Zealand

Price: INR 6456 per adult

Timings: 10 am- 5 pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour | Book Now @ Flat 12% off

36 Ratings

2H
Rotorua

Starting from ₹ 3,977 ₹ 3,499

08

Snorkel at Poor Knights Islands

If you're mulling over heading out for an adventurous and thrilling experience, you must try snorkeling at Poor Knights Islands. An abundance of breathtaking scenery, marine animals, and the world's largest sea cave make Poor Knights Islands one of the best sites for snorkeling in the world.

Explore the volcanic islands, tunnels, and wall arches as you snorkel through its crystal clear water.

Location: Whangarei, North Island

Price: INR 1450 per adult

09

Indulge on Waiheke Island

If you're looking for one of the best things to do in North Island, you can explore the Waiheke island's trails and cool enclaves of native forest. Waiheke Island is a haven of breathtaking beaches, olive groves, and beautiful vineyards. You can lounge on the warm sand, stay in awe by its shimmering turquoise waters and towering limestone formations or grab a bite at a beach-front restaurant.

Location: Hauraki Gulf, Auckland Central, Auckland 1081 New Zealand

10

Chase Waterfalls in Taup

Image Credit : Aachal

Get away from the trappings of daily life and enliven your senses by chasing the beautiful waterfalls in Taup?. Huka Falls is one such thunderous waterfall where nearly a million liters of water bursts through the natural gorge. Another spectacular waterfall in Taup? is O'Tupoto Falls, where the water emerges from a cliff and falls into Lake Taup?.

The giant torrent of water in these waterfalls is a testament to the immense power of nature.

Location: North Island, New Zealand

11

Bathe in Rotorua's Healing Geothermal Waters

If you wish to get rid of physical ailments and stress, bathing in Rotorua's healing geothermal waters should be one of the best things to do in New Zealand, North Island. Rotorua is a hotbed of spots that offer the most authentic and best of geothermal experiences. Hells Gate Rotorua is one of the most renowned landmarks in Rotorua, filled with natural hot springs, mud pools, sulphur rocks, and the most active thermal parks in New Zealand.

You can also enjoy a serene bathing experience in the Polynesian Spa that is a geothermal bathing retreat consisting of twenty-eight mineral pools fed by two natural springs.

Location: southern shores of Lake Rotorua, New Zealand

12

Experience Natural Spas at Polynesian Spa

Relaxing and unwinding on Lake Rotorua's shores at Polynesian Spa is considered one of the best things to do in North Island. Polynesian Spa is New Zealand's iconic geothermal bathing retreat where you can enjoy Aix spa therapies, body wraps, facials, and massage.

Combining modern techniques with ancient healing practices, Polynesian Spa is recognized as one of the world's top ten spas.

Location: Hinemoa Street, 3010, North Island

Price: INR 1051

Timings: 9 am-10:30 pm

13

See Huka Falls

Feel the power of nature as you see Huka Falls giant torrent of water flowing through the rocks. Huka Falls is the largest and the most visited waterfalls on the Waikato River on New Zealand's North Island.

You can witness here the phenomenon of hydropower with more than two lakh twenty thousand liters of water per second barreling over an eleven-meter high waterfall.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand

14

Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro

One of the most adventurous things to do in North Island is walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing that is a tramping track and the most popular day hike in New Zealand. It is a 19.4kilometer-long trek with steep climbs, awe-inspiring scenery, and unpredictable weather.

You'll be greeted with the dramatic contrast of steaming vents, vivid crater lakes, and ancient lava flows while trekking through the Alpine Crossing.

Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

15

Experience Maori Culture

One of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island is experiencing Maori culture that is the cornerstone of the national identity influencing everything from customs to cuisines, and language of the people of New Zealand. Meeting M?ori people, joining in their cultural activities, and learning about their history can be the most rewarding part of a trip to New Zealand. You can visit The Bay of Islands that is home to Maori history and culture.

You can see here Maori culture shows, and get information about New Zealand history.

Location: Bay of Islands Airport, 182 Wiroa Road, Kerikeri

16

Cycle or Walkthrough Redwoods Forest, Rotorua

Cycling through the world-renowned Redwood Route in Rotorua is considered to be one of the best things to do in New Zealand, North Island. It has eco-suspended platforms and bridges and is dotted with Redwood trees. Regarded by many as the best treetop walk in New Zealand, cycling through Redwoods Forest gives you a chance to discover about the forest floor and surround yourself with sweeping silver ferns and native fauna.

Location: Cement Creek Road, Warburton, Victoria 3799 Australia

Price: INR 2176

Timings: 10 am- 7 pm

17

Try White Water Rafting

Travel through jungle-enshrouded gorges, waterfalls, and remote canyons as you enjoy white water rafting in New Zealand at Tongariro River. Starting in Tongariro National Park and flowing into Lake Taupo, the lower part of Tongariro River offers exciting Grade 3 rapids.

In two hours, you'll navigate over sixty roller coaster rapids with a professional Kiwi raft guide.

Location: State Highway 1, North Island

Price: INR 7791

18

Go Sailing Around the Bay of Islands

Sailing in the blue waters around the Bay of Islands is considered to be one of the best things to do in North Island. Sit on the bow of a ship with the turbulent wind blowing through your hair and the magical sound of the surf crashing against the hull.

Visitors also get the chance to see fur seals and other marine animals while sailing around the Bay of Islands.

Location: Paihia, New Zealand

Price: INR 3658

19

Walk Under a Natural Bridge

If you're looking for the best outdoor experience, you should walk under the Mangapohue natural bridge. It is a 17m high bridge formed by 2 ancient limestone arches created over thousands of years.

When you're at Mangapohue Natural Bridge, you can also find the twenty million-year-old fossilized oysters exposed in the limestone outcrops.

Location: Te Anga Road, Waitomo Caves New Zealand

Price: INR 2941

20

Visit Wineries at Hawke's Bay

One of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island is visiting wineries at Hawke's Bay that is an ultimate paradise for wine lovers. Hawke's Bay is home to excellent wine tourism culture, and regular wine and food festivals are organized here. With more than two hundred vineyards, more than seventy wineries, and thirty cellar doors, you can have guided and detailed wine tasting experiences here.

Location: East Coast of New Zealand's North Island

New Zealand Top Attractions

Places To Visit In New Zealand

Explore New Zealand

Bay Of Islands

Tucked neatly on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Islands, Bay Of Islands is an iconic destination known for its lush green landscape and sparkling turquoise waters. With more than 140 subtropical islands spread across the Bay, here you may get unmatched opportunities for adventure and exploration.Travellers visiting the Bay Of Islands may cruise through the iconic Hole in the Rock or unwind on the golden sands of Paihia Beach. Explore the stunning Bay of Islands with New Zealand packages, offering beautiful beaches, marine adventures, and rich Maori culture.You will be introduced to the Māori culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on your trip. If you are an adventure seeker seeking a major adrenaline rush, head to the Bay Of Islands and indulge in all adventure activities such as snorkelling, hiking, diving, wildlife exploration and more. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, the Bay Of Islands is known to captivate every traveller with its rich heritage and natural beauty. The place promises a major adrenaline rush if you are an adventure seeker.

More New Zealand Attractions

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, new zealand Otorohanga Kiwi House, new zealand Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, new zealand Stirling Falls, new zealand Puzzling World, new zealand Hamilton Gardens Lake Pukaki, new zealand Waimangu Volcanic Valley, new zealand

New Zealand Travel Guides

Christmas in New Zealand

Top 10 Stunning Waterfalls in New Zealand

10 Glow Worm Caves in New Zealand

20 Things to Do in South Island

15 Things to Do in Bay of Islands

Southern Lights in New Zealand

15 Things To Do in Franz Josef Glacier

30 Beaches in New Zealand

10 Things to Do in Fox Glacier

10 Glaciers in New Zealand

New Zealand Reviews

Bhisham Gandhi 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Excellent

It was really a nice, beautiful and unforgettable trip!! New Zealand is such a beautiful place with lots of amazing attractions and different experience, I booked this tour with my friends and we really enjoyed a lot on this tour. We have a guide with us who was very knowledgable, friendly and helpful took us to all the main attractions with proper details of each... It was really a full fun trip... I never forget the tours at Agordome the show there is about different kinds of sheep which was very lovely and cute it was very entertaining and the audience was full really it was the hightlight of the place and our tour. We had many different activities on this trip, the transfer on the SIC basis was very comfortable and enjoyable with the other traveler. Accommodations were really good with good service and breakfast the entire stay, Full support we get from the team the entire trip, The tour went so perfect as we expected... I highly recommend this tour to everyone who is looking for the best tour in New Zealand this is the best package... I love this tour would like to return again one day...

Anilabh Bharadwaj 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Excellent

This is my first-time using this service...I had a knowledgable, friendly, and helpful agent who was happy to assist me before planning, during the trip, and even after I returned back from the trip we are kinda good friends now... Thoughtfully they planned my trip with detailed about everything which was easy for me to follow the itinerary and it went well... they keep in touch the entire trip and tried their level best to give the possible service to me...I enjoyed every bit of this trip. Great stay, great transport, great activities...Literally I was blown away with this trip

Achintya Malik Scenic New Zealand North-south Island with Glacier Region

Excellent

The longest international trip I took this time with Thrillophilia that is for 12 days in New Zealand. Yes, I've been getting a good experience with this company in which I have no doubt to booked any tour from this portal... The trip I had was very well-planned and very-executed especially the itinerary was very fulfilling right from the beginning till the end of the trip, the service we get from Thrillophilia and the entire team who was looking towards us the entire trip was truly amazing, we found no issues at all the whole time on real-time they took action and solved all the problems...The hotels and the transport they provided as per what we choose on the time of booking which was outstanding, luxurious and at a prime location, the guide they assigned to us was very informative, knowledgable and friendly too shared all the interesting fact of the place like culture, religion, and history... We really had a great sightseeing tour, amazing activities, and explored the place like a local... I am so happy that I got all exactly on the itinerary... This is really amazing... I would definitely recommend this to all who loved to travel.

Chandrani Pothuvaal 10 Nights New Zealand Tour: North South Island Special

Excellent

Absolutely amazing experience, the planned of the trip was amazing from the beginning to end. The team always answered and available for us whenever we need any kind of help and everything arranged seamlessly which we had nothing to worry about... The hotels they booked for us was truly great, the transfers excursion was great, Our guide was very knowledgable and informative about the place... Each place we arrived really took our breath away... Especially at Willington, Queenstown and, Christ Church... We had all the activities mentioned on the website... It was a very executed trip... We are totally satisfied...

Kamala Saini Exotic New Zealand with Fiji Islands Holiday

Excellent

I've never used any travel agency before for planning my trip, This is the first time, I was nervous at first but just after I experienced it with them I found out that the trip was truly great and this platform was completely genuine as what they have been promised since the time of planning the itinerary and booking we completely get everything as promised, The team was responsive and helpful throughout the trip...The sightseeing happened as the time schedule, on-time picked-up, and dropped-off, hotels were the best, Our highlights were Fiji Island...I was completely satisfied with this amazing trip

Suryakanta Marar New Zealand Tour Package From India

Excellent

I would start from how wonderful the place the environment and the surroundings were. We loved the way the tour was executed including mostly every type of the activities possible. We were mermerised in all the way possible. Just it!!

Dhana Ganaka 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Superb

I was always attracted and wanted to travel to New Zealand for a long time... I am so happy that I am getting this chance to make it happened this year and I am so glad also that I choose the right website for my trip. Very professionally they plan my trip as per my needs. I 100% very satisfied...with the itinerary, the service, arrangement of accommodations, transport, guide, and everything... Altogether made my trip memorable... Really appreciate everything...Worthy Experience.

Gorakhnath Sethi 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Superb

Any trip I plan directly I connected with my booking platform ( Thrillophilia ) I don't need to do any research and all I just informed them of the destination I would like to visit and the team took care of everything... As always I had a great trip whenever I traveled with them... The services, arrangements and the itinerary met my expectations... It was a smooth tour... Thoroughly I enjoyed every bit of it... With lots of blessings to the team...Thanks

Chaaruchandra Dwivedi 14 Days Family Extravaganza New Zealand Tour

Excellent

My experience in New Zealand was superb. Everything was because of the well-planned trip done by Thrillophilia. From day 1 till the last day of our trip it went so smooth and unforgettable which was beyond our expectation, The Itinerary was very fulfilling and we even get more than what is mentioned on it... The package is mixed with a unique experience of activities... We truly enjoyed the whole tour throughout. Even we had a great stay, nice adventure, new tastes of amazing foods, met wonderful people, and get close to nature... Lovely organized we missed nothing on this tour.

Shakti Arora 8 Days New Zealand Tour Package: North Island Exclusive

Superb

The team was responsive and gave us great service, the trip itself was enjoyable and fulfilling, It was our first international trip but we felt safe the entire trip... The planned of the trip was simple and rich, we get everything promised to us since the time of booking that the best of the best... The activities were fun especially Agrodome, Te Puia, and Kiwi wildlife Park and lots of amazing experience... The trip was less to describe in words...