Top 10 Things to See in North Island, New Zealand

Updated On October 8, 2023
New Zealand

There are two main islands that make up New Zealand and North Island is one of them.

This part of the country is really popular among travelers due to its gorgeous landscapes and cities.

Also, it’s the most populated part of the country and you can find a lot of amazing things there.

Visiting Nothern Island, you can learn about Maori culture, enjoy amazing landscapes and go for a walk and try some local city-life.

In this article, you can learn about 10 the most exciting things in New Zealand.

North Island purple flowers
North Island purple flowers

Auckland

Auckland is known as one of the most liveable cities in the world.

There are lots of skyscrapers, museums and numerous attractions around the city.

Also, it’s easy to a day relaxing on the beach as you need only an hour to get there by car.

Moreover, there are numerous cheap but still great hotels in the city.

Auckland
Auckland

Maori Commune in Rotorua

Rotorua is a famous spot in New Zealand which is known for Maori commune, mud pools, and geothermal activity.

There you can enjoy walking through local forests with its beautiful streams and known mud baths.

Rotorua is a part of the Pacific Rim of Fire so there are lots of geothermal spots and volcanoes.

The main reason this place is popular is that there you can learn about Maori culture as it’s the heart of local culture.

Observe traditional buildings, take a ride in traditional kayaks and learn some local songs.

Maori, Ratorua
Maori, Ratorua

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park can offer you not only beautiful nature but also a variety of exciting activities.

There are three active volcanoes in the area and you can see some of them in the famous movie ‘Lord of the Rings’.

You can go hiking in the park and enjoy breathtaking lakes and magical forest, mud baths and hot springs or go to see some active craters.

There are lots of things to see in Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro
Tongariro

Lord of the Rings Film Set

The main part of the famous trilogy ‘Lord of the Rings’ was filmed in New Zealand.

Amazing and stunning hills of Matamata was used to create “Middle Earth”.

You need to take a two-hour journey from Auckland to get there.

There you can walk through Hobbiton, take a drink in Green Dragon and enjoy some time under Party Tree.

It’s absolutely worth to visit this magnificent place.

Lord of the Ring
Lord of the Ring

Lake Taupo

If you decided to go to New Zealand, you absolutely must visit the caldera of the Taupo Volcano.

It’s worth to see the famous crystal-clear Taupo Lake which is the largest lake in New Zealand.

It’s as big as Singapore.

This place appeared due to the volcanic activity 2000 years ago.

There are many geysers, craters and mud pods around the lake.

Also, you can see stunning Huka Falls there.

This waterfall is absolutely amazing as more than 220,000 liters of water flow there every second.

Of course, make sure you swim in this beautiful lake.

Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo

Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is a place that can offer you a lot of things to see and to do.

There you can relax on the beach, try some delicious local fruits and see an active marine volcano.

Just make sure to visit Mount Maunganui to enjoy local gorgeous beaches and excellent surf.

Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty

Beach in the Coromandel

The Coromandel is a perfect place for those who want to relax and enjoy some peaceful time.

In fact, it’s among the most popular places among the tourists in the country.

There you can enjoy almost 300 miles of white sands and numerous water activities that include Kayaking and jet skiing.

Also, don’t forget to check some other amazing local beaches.

Coromandel
Coromandel

First City

Eastland is an absolutely important place in the history of New Zealand.

It’s exactly the place where Maori and European met for the first time.

Also, in Eastland, you can stay in the city of Gisborne where you can see the sun before billions of other people.

It’s the first place on the whole planet which sees the morning sun.

Eastland
Eastland

Manawatu Cycling Route

If you want to enjoy some gorgeous landscapes, you should take some cycling routes in Manawatu.

You’ll be fascinated by local nature and try some bungee jumping and rafting during stop-offs.

Manawatu
Manawatu

Hawke Bay

Hawke Bay is famous for its local wines as this area has a warm climate and fertile soils.

There you can try some excellent red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Don’t lose an opportunity to take a ride through the vineyards and try some delicious grapes.

You can choose various wine trail routes in the area.

Hawke Bay
Hawke Bay

 

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