18 Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

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If you are planning a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand, you are undoubtedly starting to think about where to go. Without a doubt, you need to spend time on both the North Island and the South Island. This post will help you plan your trip with all the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

The crystal-clear turquoise bay of Oke Bay, with a white sand beach surrounded by lush green hills, illustrating the island hopping options for what to do in Paihia.

I spent two months travelling around New Zealand, and a month on the North Island. So I managed to hit quite a few of the best things to do in North Island, New Zealand.

For a full list of everything you might want to see in New Zealand, check this post out:
Things to do in New Zealand: the ultimate

Table of Contents

North Island, New Zealand – the Must-Sees!

There are so many amazing things to do in the North Island of New Zealand. Which means it’s hard to pick the best! But read on for the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

Go up the Sky Tower in Auckland

It is likely that your time in the North Island, and indeed in New Zealand, will start in Auckland. And while you are in the city, there is one thing that is a must-do – head up the famous Sky Tower for stunning views over Auckland. It is touristy, and one of the most popular things to do in the city, but for good reason.

The views from the top are incredible on a clear day, and if you have the time and the budget, you can also eat at the Orbit 360° restaurant for panoramic views of the city. While you are there, make sure to keep an eye out for the people whizzing past the window as they jump off the tower and bungee. Yes really. No, I did not do it!

Top Tip: If you are an adrenaline junkie, then jumping off the tower is a must. Check out THIS COMBINED TICKET for the jump and entry.

Visit the Bay of Islands and find the Hole in the Rock

The Bay of Islands is around a three-hour drive north from Auckland, and is often overlooked in North Island itineraries. But this would be a huge mistake. It was one of my favourite places I visited in New Zealand! The main town in the BOI is Paihia, and from here you can take a Hole in the Rock Tour.

Island Getaway offer two departures a day from the wharf in Paihia. The crew are fantastic, so helpful and informative. And the boat is comfy, you even get blankets if it is cold. You cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands before heading to the Hole in the Rock. Where, if the weather allows it, you actually go through it! Quite an amazing experience. Plus, there is a high chance of seeing dolphins and other marine animals, which makes it such an incredible experience. Included in the tour are two island stop-offs, both of which are must-sees.

A close-up view of the famous Hole in the Rock (Motukokako Island) with crashing turquoise waves, a popular boat excursion for what to do in Paihia.

Waitangi Treaty Ground – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

While you are in Paihai a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Ground is imperative. This must be one of the most important places to visit, and I loved that this was one of the first places that I visited in New Zealand. As I felt it really helped me understand the country and Māori culture further.

It is New Zealand’s most important historical landmark, and the location where the Waitangi Treaty was signed. This defined New Zealand as we know it. Europeans first settled in the area in the early 19th century, and by 1835, it had become the meeting place for Māori rangatira and British representatives to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Just a few years later, on 6 February 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here, establishing an agreement between Māori and the British Crown and shaping the future of the nation. However, differences between the English and Māori versions of the treaty led to ongoing disputes and conflict in the decades that followed. These issues were formally acknowledged much later with the passing of the Treaty of Waitangi Act in 1975, which created a framework for addressing historic grievances.

Do not miss the flagpole, which is the location of the signing of the treaty and the world’s largest ceremonial waka. Also, make sure to attend the cultural performance, which is incredible to see.

Charlie is standing with Māori in traditional attire at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, showing the rich cultural heritage and what to do in Paihia.

Take a scenic Flight over the Bay of Islands

If your budget allows it, I cannot recommend taking a flight up to Cape Reigna. This will be an ultimate, life-changing experience. You get to see the most breathtaking views you can imagine from the plane. The colour of the water, and seeing all of the beautiful islands from up above, is a core memory. One of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand. And an incredible thing to do in New Zealand.

After landing, you jump in a vehicle to take you the rest of the way to the Lighthouse. And of course, there are a couple of lovely stops along the way, including Tapotupotu Bay and Te Paki Sand Dunes.

An aerial view of striking turquoise water channels and sandbars in the Bay of Islands, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and what to do in Paihia.

Top Tip: There are so many more wonderful things to do in Paihai and the Bay of Islands. Use this post to understand why you shouldn’t skip this part of New Zealand:
What to do in Paihia: Why Paihia and the Bay of Islands Need a Spot on Your New Zealand Itinerary

Head to Cape Reigna – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Cape Reinga lighthouse is located on the northernmost tip of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea dramatically collide.

The lighthouse stands on the edge of the cliff above the sea. First lit in 1941, the lighthouse has long served as an important navigation point for ships sailing past. Today, it’s fully automated, but remains an iconic landmark, its white tower set against the vast blue of the ocean and sky. The point is also steeped in Māori legend. It is believed that spirits journey north to the lone pōhutukawa tree clinging to the cliffs at Te Rerenga Wairua, which is their final departure point from this world.

A dramatic view of a green headland meeting the deep blue Pacific Ocean, part of a scenic tour when considering what to do in Paihia.

Walk Among the Ancient Kauri Trees in Waipoua Forest

Found right in the heart of Northland lies Waipoua Forest. It is home to some of the oldest and most magnificent trees in the world. Here you can find s the largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand. Standing at over 51 metres tall and estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old, this giant tree is incredible to see. Named after the Māori god of the forest, Tāne Mahuta holds deep spiritual significance for the local Ngāti Rangi iwi.

A short, easy boardwalk leads you through the forest to the tree, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Take the time to walk further into the forest and visit Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), the widest Kauri tree in New Zealand, which is even older than Tāne Mahuta.

Top Tip: To get the most out of your visit, consider booking a guided night tour with a local Māori guide. Hearing the stories and legends of the forest after dark is an unforgettable experience that adds a whole new layer to the visit.

Dig your own Thermal Pool at Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is home to one of the more unique and unusual experiences in New Zealand. As the name suggests, scalding hot water flows just below the surface of the sand, heated by geothermal activities. The best time to visit Hot Water Beach is two hours on either side of low tide, when the hot water only bubbles up through the sand. Grab a shovel, and dig your own spa! If you choose a spot close to the sea, you can control the water temperature by allowing seawater into the pool.

Walk through Cathedral Cove – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Located in the Coromandel Peninsula, and very close to Hot Water Beach, is the famous Cathedral Cove. You can reach it via a bush walk from the nearby Haihei Beach. This will take around 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Cathedral Cove is part of a marine reserve, so another popular and fun way to see it is from the water. You can either partake in a kayaking trip or a guided boat trip, which will also include some of the other nearby caves.

The famous limestone archway of Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula, looking out toward turquoise water. This natural wonder is a staple on any list of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by Black Water Rafting

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand, as they are home to a species of glowworms called Arachnocampa Luminosa, which are found exclusively in New Zealand. These worms create a magical setting as they light up the caves like a starry night sky (although perhaps slightly less magical when you find out what causes the glow…)

To visit the glowworms, Black Water Rafting offer the five-hour Black Abyss tour, which includes abseiling to the cave, zip lining, tubing and climbing through waterfalls. Also, the Black Labyrinth, which lasts 3-hours and involves tubing down the river. I did the Black Abyss, and despite NOT being an adrenaline junkie and generally a scaredy cat, I really enjoyed it!

HOWEVER: If the above really doesn’t sound like something you would want to do, they also offer a BOAT RIDE to see the glowworms.

A unique top-down perspective of a Charlie equipped with a red helmet and wetsuit, descending into a cave system at Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The surrounding rock and foliage are visible, emphasising the adventurous underground exploration. One of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand

Visit Hobbiton and find the real Middle-earth

Without a doubt, my favourite of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand. Hobbiton. I feel this section needs no introduction, but Hobbiton is your chance to see Middle-earth come to life. It is the only set remaining from filming the trilogy, and it is exactly how you would picture the Shire to look. Whether you are a The Lord of the Rings fan or not, this place is magical.

It is around a 2.5-3 hour experience, and you get the chance to walk through Hobbiton, take photos in doorways, see Bag End, stand under the party tree, have a drink in The Green Dragon, and even enter a Hobbit Hole! Do not miss.

A close-up of a charming hobbit hole with a yellow circular door and a small chimney, surrounded by flowers, a red mailbox, and a grassy roof, captured while visiting Hobbiton.

Without giving too much away, find out all you need to know about visiting Hobbiton here:
Visiting Hobbiton: Step Inside the Real Middle-earth in New Zealand

Māori Cultural Experience in Rotorua

The Mitai Māori Village is such an important place to visit to learn more about Māori culture. There are traditional performances, a hangi feast cooked underground, and fascinating stories that celebrate the history and customs of Rotorua’s indigenous people. It’s a respectful, engaging way to connect with Aotearoa’s living heritage.

You start the evening with a talk introducing the experience. Following this, head down to see traditional Māori songs and dances, complete with the spine-tingling haka war dance. You also see warriors arriving on an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and there is even the chance to spot glowworms.

A traditional Māori waka (war canoe) being paddled through a forested stream by a group in cultural attire. Experiencing indigenous history makes this one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

Top Tip: Make sure to book the experience in advance, and THIS ONE even includes a pick up from Rotorua.

Walk Among the Redwoods – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Just a short drive from the centre of Rotorua lies one of New Zealand’s most magical forest experiences. The Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest is home to towering Californian redwoods that were planted as a forestry experiment back in the 1900s. What was left behind is a stunning cathedral-like forest, where the trees soar up to 70 metres into the sky, and the light filters through the canopy most beautifully.

Walk among them on a series of elevated suspension bridges on the Redwoods Treewalk, which winds its way through the forest at canopy level. Visit at night when the bridges are illuminated by award-winning lantern installations, casting a warm glow through the trees.

Charlie stands on a high suspension bridge amidst a towering California Redwoods forest in Rotorua. The Treewalk is a unique perspective and one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

Top Tip: For those who want to take the adventure up a notch, zipline through the treetops with the Rotorua Canopy Tours.

The forest walk itself is free, but the Treewalk and zipline experiences are ticketed. Book in advance, especially for the night Treewalk, as it sells out quickly.

Find the Wai-O Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu is a geothermal wonderland bursting with colour and steam. Wander through surreal landscapes filled with bubbling mud pools, vibrant sulphur springs, and the iconic Champagne Pool. For geothermal activity, this is one of the best things to do in New Zealand. Nearby is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily, shooting a huge plume of boiling water up to 20 metres high. This predictable eruption is caused by a natural trigger each morning, ensuring you know when it is going to erupt. It gets busy, so make sure you are there on time.

You can also discover Waimangu, which is the world’s youngest geothermal system with scenic walks, volcanic craters, and steaming lakes in a unique and ever-changing landscape. Finally, marvel at Inferno Crater Lake; this volcanic crater lake’s stunning turquoise waters are known for their mysterious cyclical rise and fall every few weeks.

A vibrant and otherworldly scene from Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, featuring a bright, almost neon green thermal lake surrounded by rocky, mineral-stained cliffs and sparse vegetation. The unique color of the water is a striking natural phenomenon.

Marvel at Huka Falls – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Huka Falls is one of the most visited spots in New Zealand, and it is located just 5 KM from the centre of Taupo. Over 220,000 litres of turquoise water pour over the edge of these falls every second, creating a powerful, mesmerising sight. You can stand on the bridge and feel the immense power of the water rushing beneath you. It might be the bluest water you have ever seen!

To get there, there are paths from the centre of Taupo, and it takes around an hour to walk. Alternatively, it is a 7-minute drive, and there is a big car park right next to it.

The rushing Waikato River as it flows through a narrow gorge just before Huka Falls, a key sight to see on a trip to Taupo, New Zealand.

Top Tip: If you into thrills If you’re into thrills, don’t miss the chance to go jet boating at Huka Falls. It’s an exciting way to get right up close to the thundering Huka Falls. Expect speed, spins, and a serious adrenaline rush!

For other amazing things to do in Taupo, check out this post to help plan your trip:
What to do in Taupo: the 18 Most Amazing Things

Hike the Tongariro Crossing – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Quite simply, one of the best things you can do in New Zealand. Yes, I said it. And as such, absolutely one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand. Hiking the Tongariro Crossing was the highlight of my time in the North Island (second only to visiting Hobbiton). It is widely regarded as the best day hike you can do in New Zealand, and for good reason.

Truly otherworldly, and the scenery is unlike anything you will have seen before. It gives you a chance to view the New Zealand you only imagined in your dreams (and saw in The Lord of the Rings), and it is an incredibly gratifying way to spend a day. It isn’t the easiest trek in the world, but it will be so worth it. Shuttles go daily (weather permitting) from Taupo.

Top Tip: If you are contemplating hiking the Tongariro Crossing, then make sure to read this guide first so you are fully prepared:
The Ultimate Tongariro Crossing Guide

A breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with Charlie standing on a rocky ridge with arms outstretched. The landscape features striking red and black volcanic terrain under a vibrant blue sky.

Take the Wellington Cable Car – Best Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

One of the most iconic things to do in Wellington is take a ride on the famous red Wellington Cable Car. It has been taking visitors up and down Kelburn Hill since 1902, and, while a short ride, it is such a fun thing to do in the city. It is also fairly inexpensive; a standard adult return ticket costs $12 NZD, while a one-way ticket is $6.50 NZD. Children (ages 5-15) pay lower fares, and those under 5 travel free.

Catch the cable car from Lamton Quway, and it climbs 120 M in under five minutes, and goes through tunnels which are lit up. At the top, you will reach the Botanic Gardens, so the cable car saves you a hike!

A vibrant red Wellington Cable Car ascends a lush green hillside, offering a scenic view of the city and harbor in the background. The clear blue sky and abundant greenery highlight the charm of this iconic ride.

Take a Lord of the Rings Filming Tour from Wellington

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, then this day tour is not to be missed. It was one of my favourite days in all of my time in New Zealand! The tour starts with being collected in Wellington, and then visits the Hutt River (River Anduin), Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell), and Harcourt Park (Isengard Gardens) in the morning. After lunch, you are taken to Wētā Workshop and then to filming locations in Mount Victoria.

While the Wētā Workshop and Mount Victoria locations could be visited independently, the insider knowledge is SO extensive and interesting. The company’s owner was an extra in the films and has a lot to share. My notes section after this tour is extensive! For fans of the films, this is absolutely one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand.

Charlie stands smiling beneath the stone Elven archway at Kaitoke Regional Park, New Zealand, holding a replica of Sting (Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' sword). This site served as the filming location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings

Discover Māori History and Culture in Te Papa

Whether you are into museums or not, the Te Papa Tongarrewa (the Museum of New Zealand) is one of the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand and well worth a visit. The museum has over two million objects and is a wonderful place to learn about the heritage of Māori people and Pacific history.

The Gallipoli Exhibit was one of the most interesting, with huge, larger-than-life-sized models, created by none other than Wētā Workshop. The exhibition tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

A monumental, larger-than-life sculpture of a New Zealand soldier from the "Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War" exhibition at Te Papa Museum. This immersive Wētā Workshop-designed display is a must-see when looking for what to do in Wellington.

Top Tip: If you are visiting Wellington, there are some amazing things to see and do:
What to do in Wellington, New Zealand: 19 Awesome Things

If you have Extra Time, more of the Best Things to see in North Island, New Zealand

If you have a bit more time, here are some other things that nearly made the best things to see in North Island, New Zealand list, and you should definitely consider adding to your itinerary.

Take a wine tour in Waiheke Island: Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions, with boutique vineyards.
Explore Napier’s Art Deco Architecture: Napier is one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world, unique on the North Island
Swim or Surf at Raglan: One of New Zealand’s most famous surf spots, great for a laid-back beach day
Hike Mount Taranaki: a strikingly symmetrical volcano, often called New Zealand’s answer to Mount Fuji, and a brilliant hike
Walk the Pūtangirua Pinnacles: Eerie rock formations used as the Paths of the Dead in The Lord of the Rings.
Explore Whanganui by River: A unique journey down one of New Zealand’s most significant rivers with deep Māori heritage
Visit Zealandia in Wellington: A remarkable urban wildlife sanctuary where you can see tuatara, kākā and other native species up close.

Useful travel tools and links

To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:

Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.

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