Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand’s North Island

Often overlooked by the star power of the South Island, North Island’s got a few tricks up its sleeves.

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New Zealand is truly one of the most incredible places in the world that draws a lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” everywhere you go.  The country is broken into two parts.  While the South Island gets a ton of attention with the likes of Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the glaciers, there’s a ton not to be missed in the North Island.

Having explored New Zealand for 3 weeks, we got the chance to really get up-close to some of the highlights that we didn’t expect to see.  It’s an island of dramatic contrasts that blew us away.  From the perfect cone shaped mountains to picturesque golden beaches, inspiring coastlines, rolling green fields, stinky geothermal activity, and just as many Lord of the Rings-inspired locations that are must-do, to say there’s not much to do in the North Island would be a lie.

With so many things to do, what we’ve done is put together a list of our top favorite places and activities that you have to do to check off your bucket list.  Make your New Zealand itinerary a memorable one and better yet, travel with Flying Kiwi to do it all in one shot.

Things To Do In New Zealand’s North Island

The North Island of New Zealand is packed with experiences that range from thrilling adventures to moments of pure relaxation. You can explore bubbling geothermal wonders and geysers, dig your own hot pool on a sun-soaked beach, or dive into vibrant underwater worlds. Along the way, immerse yourself in Maori culture, hike stunning trails, and discover hidden corners that will make you fall in love with this island over and over again.

Here’s a roundup of the must-do experiences that showcase the best of the North Island.

#1 – Black Water Rafting In Waitomo Caves

If you’re looking for an adventure that you can only do in New Zealand, Black Water Rafting in the famous Waitomo Caves has to be at the top of your list. At first we didn’t get it, how can water be black? Then we did it and realized “ohhh…it’s dark!”.

Located about two and a half hours south of Auckland, this experience combines caving, tubing, and glowworm gazing into one unforgettable underground journey.

Run exclusively by the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co., tours take you deep into the limestone cave system where you’ll float along an underground river in a rubber tube. Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll also scramble over rocks, jump into streams, and even abseil down into the cave.

The real magic, though, comes when you switch off your headlamp and look up. Thousands of glowworms light up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, making this one of the most surreal natural sights in New Zealand. Self-proclaimed legendary, it is legit one of the top experiences in New Zealand for a couple of reasons.

1. Tubing in a cave – We can only think of another place that has this which would be Kauai but what an adventure it is to float down a subterranean river
2. Hiking in a cove – Not only do you tube underground but you also get to hike around which is why they give you those
3. The glow worms – I mean this makes it all come together.  You link up together in your tube in “eel formation” and you look up at the twinkling stars above in pure darkness

There are a couple of different tours on offer:

• The Black Labyrinth (3 hours) – A great introduction with tubing, small waterfalls, and glowworm viewing.
• The Black Abyss (5 hours) – The more extreme option with abseiling, ziplining, climbing, and tubing.

#2 – Scuba Diving The Rainbow Warrior Wreck

Image via Flickr by Matt Salmond

Yes, New Zealand has scuba diving, and one of its most unique dive sites is the Rainbow Warrior, the famous Greenpeace flagship that was sunk off the coast of the Cavalli Islands in 1987. After being sabotaged in Auckland Harbour, the ship was later scuttled here to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s considered one of the world’s top wreck dives, with an incredible mix of history and marine life.

The wreck lies at a depth of around 26 meters (85 feet), making it accessible to advanced divers. As you descend, you’ll see how the ocean has transformed the ship into a thriving ecosystem, with schools of fish, vibrant corals, and even the occasional stingray or moray eel gliding through its corridors. The combination of exploring a historic wreck and being surrounded by such abundant aquatic life makes this a must-do experience for divers visiting New Zealand.

If you don’t yet have your advanced certification, this dive can also be used as one of your PADI Advanced Open Water training dives, which is exactly what we did. It’s a great way to build your skills while experiencing something unforgettable.

Not into diving? You don’t have to miss out. From the nearby town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, you can join a dolphin – watching cruise or explore the stunning island waterfront scenery by boat.

#3 – Cathedral Cove On The Coromandel Peninsula

One of the most photographed spots in New Zealand, Cathedral Cove is a natural rock arch on the Coromandel Peninsula that perfectly frames golden sand, turquoise waves, and the dramatic sea stacks beyond. If you look at the North Island of New Zealand, it almost looks like your left hand trying to make a U-shape. Your thumb is roughly what is called the Coromandel Peninsula. 

It’s an area that is often overlooked by travellers road tripping through New Zealand because you have to make your way out to the western coast but let me tell you, it’s totally worth it. Featured in movies like The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, it’s an instantly recognizable landmark and a highlight of any North Island trip.

The cove is part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, about a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland, ideal for a day trip. Most visitors reach it via the Cathedral Cove Walk, a scenic 45-minute track from Hahei that takes you along coastal cliffs with stunning views before descending to the beach itself.

Once you arrive, you can stroll through the natural rock tunnel connecting two coves, swim in the sheltered bay, or just relax and soak in the scenery.

If you’d like a different perspective, kayaking tours and boat cruises are also available from Hahei Beach, letting you approach Cathedral Cove from the water and avoid the hike.

The Coromandel Peninsula is often skipped by those rushing through a New Zealand road trip, but it’s absolutely worth the detour. Cathedral Cove is not only one of the most iconic beaches in New Zealand, but also a place where you can slow down and enjoy the best of the North Island’s natural beauty.

#4 – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour In Matamata

Whether you’re a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan or have never seen a single movie, visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata is pure magic. Nestled in the rolling hills of Waikato, this fully built-out film set immerses you in the world of the Shire, complete with more than 40 hobbit holes, Bag End perched proudly on the hill, and gardens that look straight out of Tolkien’s imagination. This is a nerd’s dream come true.

What makes Hobbiton so impressive is the level of detail, each hobbit hole has its own character (beekeeper, gardener, lumberjack, and more), the chimneys puff real smoke, and the lush landscaping feels completely lived in. Even when you look out across the horizon, you won’t spot any modern intrusions, it’s as if you’ve truly stepped into Middle-earth.

Tours last about two hours and take you through the Shire with a knowledgeable guide, ending at the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a specially brewed ale, cider, or ginger beer. It’s one of the most immersive experiences you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand.

#5 – Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Near Rotorua

Image via Flickr by Clement Tang

Just south of the egg-smelling capital of Rotorua (okay it’s really not that bad), lies Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most famous geothermal parks.

Thousands of years in the making, this surreal landscape showcases the incredible power of the earth beneath your feet. From vividly colored hot springs to bubbling mud pools, it’s a natural wonderland that feels otherworldly.

The park covers a large area with a network of walking tracks, so plan to spend at least half a day exploring. Highlights include:

• Champagne Pool – A steaming, rainbow-colored hot spring framed by bright orange silica terraces.
• Devil’s Bath – A pool of shocking neon green water, one of the most photographed spots in the park.
• Lady Knox Geyser – Running like clockwork and erupting daily around 10:15 a.m., sending water 10–20 meters into the air.
• Artist’s Palette – A stunning expanse of steaming, mineral-rich pools that change color with the shifting light.
• Mud Pools – Bubbling, gurgling pools that show the region’s geothermal activity at its rawest.

#6 – Hiking The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Often called the best day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an epic 19.4 km (12 mile) trek through the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Whether you’re drawn here as a Lord of the Rings fan to see Mount Ngauruhoe (better known as Mount Doom) or simply want to experience one of the world’s most dramatic alpine hikes, this is an absolute bucket-list adventure.

The trail typically takes 6–8 hours to complete and covers a diverse range of landscapes shaped by the volatile and volcanic pasts that created the twin peaks of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. The first half leads you across otherworldly rugged terrain with sharp lava rocks, desolate craters, and blood-red ridges.

As you climb higher, you’ll reach the surreal Emerald Lakes, whose vivid colors come from dissolved volcanic minerals, and the deep Blue Lake sitting in a volcanic crater.

The final stretch descends through alpine tussock and into lush forest, offering a beautiful contrast to the stark volcanic scenery above.

Because this is a one-way hike, most visitors book a shuttle service from Taupō or National Park Village. Operators like Tongariro Expeditions will drop you off at the trailhead and pick you up at the finish, making logistics simple.

#7 – Māori Cultural Experience

The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and descendants of the Polynesian tribes that scattered all around the pacific.  While Māori can be found all over New Zealand, the best place to get a better understanding of their culture and their way of life is in the city of Rotorua where there are several villages to choose from.

Through villages like Mitai Maori Village or Te Pā Tū Maori Village, you’ll experience a welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri), a warrior canoe (waka), the traditional greeting (hongi), the famous war cry (haka), and a Māori feast (hangi). While it may feel a little touristy, this is the only chance to engage directly with Māori customs in an authentic setting and it is an evening experience you won’t forget.

Between the two villages, we’d say that in recent years, Tamaki has really taken over as the top village to go to mainly because it’s a more complete package because they like to get the audience involved and has a really amazing circular stage where the cultural performances take place.  You be the judge though with their reviews (Mitai/Te Pā Tū).

#8 – Hot Water Beach

We’ve never had to work so hard at a beach before in our lives but guess what, we loved it.

The geothermal theme continues because at this beach in the Coromandel Peninsula, low tides reveal hot bubbling water that seep through the pores of the sand. Some crazy Kiwi at some point decided “wouldn’t it be cool to dig into the sand to make my own personal hot spring pool?“

That’s totally how we imagine it happened and today loads of locals and tourists flock to this beach to get a soak in.  It’s a bit of mayhem because it’s almost everyone’s first time if you’re visiting and you have to figure out where a good spot to dig is and also try to be quick enough to get a leg up on everyone else trying to dig up a pool.

What you have to realize though is that it isn’t easy because the rolling tide from the sea keeps crashing in and so you’re almost always digging to maintain your shrinking pool. 

Still, we relished our time here because it was so unique and hilariously fun.  Definitely another must-do in the North Island of New Zealand.

#9 – Spa Thermal Park

There are a lot of fancy hot pool spas in New Zealand but what if we told you that you could get the therapeutic properties of natural springs, do it in a complete natural setting, have the benefits of a clean changing facility, and not have to spend a penny?  You’d say “you’re crazy Will!”

Thankfully we know a thing or two about New Zealand and the perfect combination to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is to work out those achy muscles at the Spa Thermal Park.

At quick glance, this just seems like a regular city park.  Delve a little deeper and along the same water that powers Huka Falls, there’s a small stream of hot water pumping out of the ground that cascades over several rock pools, each with its own temperature.

This is definitely one of the best spots to soak that doesn’t require complicated instructions, so make sure you check it out!

#10 – Weta Cave

While we would have liked to have put The Great War Exhibition in Wellington, created by the one and only Peter Jackson, it sadly permanently closed shortly after we left New Zealand.

That said, we recently found out that a life-size exhibition of the Gallipoli campaign can be found at the Te Papa Tongarewa.  If you plan to go, make sure you buy an advanced ticket to skip-the-line.

Instead, my last pick in the list is going to be the studio that created all the works you could’ve seen at the exhibition and pretty much everything that you saw in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Weta Cave is the consumer facing side (gift shop) of Weta Studios, located in Miramar, just outside of Wellington.  Alongside Hobbiton, we’d say this is another must-visit for any fan of the trilogies.

Not only do they have an extensive showroom of authentic props from the films, this is one of 3 locations in New Zealand that officially sells Weta products – the others being the Interislander gift shop, and of course Hobbiton.

What made the trip out here so special was that we were able to hop on the Weta Cave Workshop Tour which walks you through the full process of how they make their props. 

While you aren’t allowed to take photos throughout the tour, we were able to pull out our cameras for the final interactive section.

If you have more time, we recommend the full There and Back Again Tour which includes both the workshop tour and miniatures stage tour, as well as return transfer to Wellington.  The transfers are worth it because we took an Uber to Weta and it cost over NZ$40 round trip.

Note that the miniatures stage tour primarily focuses on the TV series, Thunderbirds Are A Go!

A Quick New Zealand Travel Guide

Money – Cash of course is welcome but we didn’t have any trouble with foreign credit cards during our trip.  The only time we really needed cash was when we needed coins for the coin wash, and super local spots such as the whitebait stand when we were with Flying Kiwi.

Tip :  When exchanging avoid doing it at the airport as the rates are always worse than what you can get with an ATM withdrawal or at an exchange shop in the city.

When is the best time? – High season is during their summer which is December to February.  As with other destinations, shoulder seasons are always the best so consider Spring (March – May) or Fall (September – November).

Getting here – Auckland (AKL) is the international hub if you’re looking to fly in direct.  Following this in size are Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), and Queenstown (ZQN), and Dunedin (DUD).  To put alerts on the flights and find the best deals, we recommend using Skyscanner.

How do I get around the North Island? – There are a couple options for but when you boil it down, it’s really between renting a car or going with a tour company like Flying Kiwi.  Car rental will give you ultimate flexibility but you’ll have to plan everything from top to bottom and gas can get quite expensive despite super cheap rental rates.  Flying Kiwi is a great option for solo travellers or those wanting to just book something and show up.   Make sure you head to the NZ travel guide for the discount code for car rental company Hitch.

Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for bookings based on personal experience was Booking.com.  They had everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and we always managed to find an awesome place for a great price.  As an alternative, there’s also Agoda, Airbnb, and Hostelworld.

Travel Tips For Exploring New Zealand’s North Island

• Plan for the weather: The North Island can be unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sun protection—even in summer.
• Book ahead: Popular spots like Hobbiton and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing fill up fast. Secure your spots early to avoid disappointment.
• Respect nature: Stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and leave no trace. Many areas are protected, and your actions help preserve them.
• Stay connected: While major towns have good coverage, some remote areas may have limited or no cell service. Download maps and info in advance.
• Use local transport: Shuttles and buses are available for popular hikes and attractions, reducing the need for a car and helping the environment.
• Embrace Māori culture: Engage respectfully with local customs and traditions. A simple “Haere mai!” (welcome) goes a long way.

Map Of North Island

Use our interactive map to discover the top things to do in New Zealand’s North Island, along with nearby stays we recommend for each location. It’s the ultimate tool to plan your adventure with ease!

Where To Stay In The North Island

Curious where we stayed in the North Island of New Zealand? These accommodations worked out really well for us and we think it’ll work for you too. Work out your New Zealand North Island itinerary based on where you prefer to stay and commute out from there!

What To Pack For North Island

Here are just a few essential items you’ll want to bring for your trip to New Zealand, but this is just the beginning! For a more detailed breakdown with photos, tips, and everything you might need, be sure to check out our full post: What To Pack For New Zealand – A Visual Super Guide.

• Clothing: Layers for all weather (T-shirts, warm base layers, hiking socks).
• Swimwear & towel: Essential for hot springs, beaches, and water activities.
• Compact waterproof jacket: Lightweight protection for unpredictable weather, especially around geothermal areas or on hikes.
• Hiking Boots: Bring sturdy hiking boots to handle New Zealand’s diverse terrain—from muddy forest trails to rocky alpine paths—comfortably and safely.
• Comfy walking shoes: Ideal for everyday exploring and city wandering. Flip-flops or water shoes are also great to have for beaches, hot pools, and rocky shorelines.
• Shower gel, shampoo & conditioner: Handy after black water rafting, diving, or sandy beach days.
• Backpack: Spacious, durable, and perfect for multi-day adventures.
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses: A must for outdoor adventures to protect against strong UV rays.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing waste on hikes and beach days.
• Camera and Go-Pro: Capture epic landscapes, wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
• Snacks: Quick energy for hikes, road trips, or long tours.
• Nice-to-haves: Personal dive equipment if you already own gear, bringing it ensures comfort and the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions