Things to do on New Zealand's North Island

Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Bay of Islands... the list of hotspots on New Zealand’s north island is seemingly infinite.

Despite the enormity of things to do, this island can be covered by road in less than 15-hours, taking you from the sleepy fishing villages of the south to the northern tip of Cape Reinga. Those taking the slow road will see a dynamic change of scenery, from San Fran style city hubs with steep streets and trams, to bubbling geothermal hot springs and traditional villages where a Hāngi is on the menu. Quintessential New Zealand experiences can be found dotted over the North Island; the Hobbiton movie set, glow worm caves and a Huka Falls jet boat to name just a few. Best clear a few weeks to make the most of this region.

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Auckland, NZ North Island

Often confused as the capital of New Zealand, Auckland is a beloved city of locals and visitors alike. With a little over 1.4million people calling it home, Auckland is the most populous city in the country and consequently a hub of culture and excitement where good food, fashion and arts can be found. Those looking for things to do in Auckland can catch the ferry to idyllic Waiheke Island, observe a cultural performance at Auckland Museum or take the spine-tingling walk at Sky Tower some 190 metres off the ground. It’s no surprise the Māori-language name for this city translates to ‘desired by many’.

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Rotorua, NZ North Island

Pack a plug for your nose and get ready for the sensory excursion that is a trip to Rotorua. Though this mini city is famous for its pungent sulphur smell, what it lacks in pleasant odours it makes up for in indulgent activities, mythical land formations and cultural charm. Once you’ve soaked your aching bones in the geothermal spas of Hells Gate and ridden the Skyline Gondola to a buffet lunch, you’ll be ready for Rotorua’s more adventurous side. Zipline through the canopies of Rotorua Forest, feel the thrill of Black Water Rafting and try your hand at a cultural dance at Mitai Maori Village. Worth the stink? Most certainly.

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Wellington, NZ North Island

Holding the title of the world’s windiest city might not inspire you to visit Wellington, but the charming architecture, steep cable cars and flourishing creative scene just might. Resting on the picturesque Cook Strait, Wellington is not just the country’s capital but the gateway to the South Island, conveniently serviced by a 3.5 hour drift on a vehicle and passenger ferry. Before you jump islands you can soak up the culture of the Lord of the Rings, visit a historic cathedral and roam the Botanic Gardens. With the wind in your hair and two bays as your backdrop, you’ll quickly be wooed by Wellington.

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The Coromandel

Sandwiched by the Hauraki Gulf and an infinite stretch of the South Pacific Ocean, the Coromandel Peninsula is every bit as rugged and scenic as its appearance on a map suggests. From the Rapaura Watergardens to Whangamata beach, natural beauty is abundant in this Eastern region of New Zealand’s north island. No trip will be complete without a sunny sojourn to Cathedral Cove, whether you arrive by kayak, glass-bottom boat or snorkel. Put Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Cliff and Cooks Beach on your agenda and you will discover what all the Coromandel fuss is about.

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Bay of Islands, NZ North Island

Slip into a sarong and set your clock to island time with a journey to New Zealand’s far north. As the palm trees appear and the thermometer rises you’ll be welcomed to the 260km2 drowned valley that is the Bay of Islands. A hotspot for both local and international travellers, this part of NZ attracts those looking for a summery holiday packed with fun things to do; think parasailing, dolphin watching, and kayaking tours to name a few. The first place of European settlement in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is not just scenic but historically significant, home to both the oldest wooden structure and oldest stone house in the country. Complete your visit with a dose of culture at Waitangi Treaty Grounds and a helicopter ride of the famous Hole in the Rock.

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Top Destinations In North Island

Auckland

Bay of Islands

The Coromandel

Rotorua

Wellington

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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium and Auckland Zoo Package by SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium

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Visit 2 of Auckland's best attractions with this great value combo pass into SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and Auckland Zoo.

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Auckland Bridge Bungy Jumping by

A true must-do adrenaline experience in a convenient location that doesn't require travel far outside of Auckland, harness up for the Auckland Bridge Bungy!

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Auckland Sky Tower SkyJump by

Experience New Zealand's Highest Jump! SkyJump is one of New Zealand's most thrilling tourist attractions and one of Auckland’s 'don’t miss' experiences.

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Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk by

Walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway around Auckland’s famous SkyWalk – 192 metres above the ground, no handrails and nothing but air on either side of you!

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tours from Auckland by Auckland and Beyond Tours

Experience the film set of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fame on a guided walking tour of Hobbiton and return transfers from Auckland.

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Waiheke Hop On Hop Off Explorer Bus & Ferry Journey by Fullers Ferries

Travel around Waiheke Island off the coast of Auckland with this easy and convenient Hop On Hop Off Bus & Ferry Pass. Buy your tickets online here!

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Auckland Hop On Hop Off Explorer Tour by Great Sights

Jump aboard a hop-on hop-off explorer bus and visit Auckland's essential attractions at your own pace while getting a grand tour of the city itself!

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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium General Admission by Kelly Tarltons SEA LIFE Aquarium

Buy tickets to Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium in New Zealand - home of the sub-antarctic penguins and more - online at great prices here.

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Auckland Museum Ticket and Highlights Tour by Auckland Museum

Take the extra step into going further in-depth about the many exhibits of Auckland Museum with this combined admission and guided tour package.

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Auckland Maori Culture Day Tour by TIME Unlimited Tours

See the very best sights of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and New Zealand’s Maori culture on a personal small group tour.

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Auckland to Hobbiton Day Tour with Lunch by Bush and Beach

This day tour takes fans from Auckland to Hobbiton where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton films were shot with a buffet lunch and drink included!

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Brewery Tour including Lunch departing from Auckland by Brewbus NZ Auckland

Join the beer experts on an Auckland Urban Craft Beer tour where you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch paired with fine local beers across 4 breweries.

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Auckland Museum Tickets by Auckland Museum

This general admission option for Auckland Museum provides entry to the facility and allows you to view all the various historical items at your own pace.

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Polynesian Spa Entry & Packages in Rotorua by Polynesian Spa

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Unwind your mind and body with a visit to Rotorua's highly regarded Polynesian Spa and choose from a variety of packages with 28 pools to choose from.

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Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tickets by Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-o-Tapu is home to everything a traveller could want out of a natural Rotorua experience featuring striking and colourful hot pools, geysers & more.

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Hells Gate Geothermal Spa and Mud Bath Entry by Hells Gate Geothermal Park

Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most active geothermal field with a guided tour at Hells Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa.

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Rotorua Forest Zipline Canopy Tour by Rotorua Canopy Tours

Soar through the treetop canopies of Rotorua with this great zip line adventure tour amongst the greenery of this famous New Zealand region.

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Rotorua Forest Zipline Ultimate Canopy Tour by Rotorua Canopy Tours

Abseil, zipline and walk swing bridges suspended in the treetops of New Zealand ancient forest on this 3 hour Rotoura eco canopy adventure! Book here!

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