The North Island of New Zealand is known for its stunning beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and lush natural landscapes. If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas for your next trip, read our post on the 20 Must-Visit Destinations in New Zealand’s North Island.
Whether it’s your first trip to New Zealand or you’re simply wondering what else to explore in this beautiful country, you’ll find plenty here to inspire your next visit to the North Island. With its diverse landscapes, the region offers everything from snow-capped mountains to warm, sunny beaches. Whether you’re backpacking across the country or staying in hotels and joining guided tours, there’s something for everyone.
Read also our post on 20 Must-Visit Destinations in New Zealand’s South Island.
1. Auckland
We’re starting with our favourite city in New Zealand – and the place we call home – Auckland!
Auckland is the largest city in the country. It lies between two harbours – Hauraki Gulf to the east and Manukau Harbour to the south-west. Auckland is also known as the City of Sails – its Westhaven Marina, with all the yachts and boats, is the largest marina in the Southern Hemisphere.
Stroll along the long western beaches of the Auckland region, covered in black volcanic sand. Sail across Auckland Harbour. Take in panoramic views from one of the city’s volcanic cones, or descend into the crater of a dormant volcano. Enjoy a picnic in one of the many green parks or on the east coast beaches. Go on a wine tasting tour.
You can even jump from the Sky Tower (seriously, I did!) if you dare. I still remember standing at the edge of the Sky Tower platform, super excited, looking out over the city I call home. The instructor counted down, and before I could second-guess myself, I was flying. It was over in seconds, but the adrenaline rush lasted all day. Not exactly your average sightseeing moment, but definitely one I’ll never forget!
There is so much to see and do in this big, vibrant city that it alone is reason enough to visit New Zealand’s North Island.
Read also our post on 15 Best One Day Trips from Auckland.
2. Matakana region and Omaha beach
The Matakana region is well known for its wineries, many of which offer wine tasting and dining experiences. Visit the Matakana Farmers Market for fresh local produce, or head to Matakana Country Park if you’re travelling with kids. You can also book a guided wine tour to explore the area’s best vineyards.
Nearby, you’ll find several beautiful beaches, including Omaha Beach and the stunning coastline of Tawharanui Regional Park. It’s easy to spend a whole day here – visiting Farmers Market in the morning, then relaxing on the beach, and finishing with a dinner at one of Matakana’s wineries.
3. Waiheke Island
Technically not a part of the North Island, Waiheke Island still earns its place on the must-visit destinations in New Zealand’s North Island. Visit Waiheke Island for its beautiful beaches, landscapes and wineries! It’s just a short ferry ride from Auckland.
Once you arrive, rent a bike, scooter, or car to explore many wineries, scenic spots and beautiful beaches of Waiheke Island.
4. Piha Beach and Muriwai Beach
Visiting at least one of Auckland’s West Coast beaches is a must when travelling through the North Island. Piha and Muriwai, as well as less popular but nonetheless beautiful Te Henga (Bethells) and Karekare, are scenic black-sand beaches along the Tasman Sea. These west coast shores are great for walking, soaking up nature, scenic views and surfing.
Muriwai Beach is a favourite among surfers. It’s also home to a gannet colony, with a scenic lookout point above the cliffs. Piha Beach, another surfing hotspot, features the Lyon Rock, which offers a walking track with panoramic views over the coastline.
The North Island is home to so many beautiful beaches – family-friendly shores, surfing beaches, black-sand shores, white-sand shores, marine reserves perfect for snorkeling, and crystal-clear turquoise water. Whatever type of beach you prefer, you’ll find it here on the North Island!
Love beautiful beaches and coastlines?
Read also our post on Holidays in Fiji – Where to stay and What to do
5. Bay of Islands
In addition to the two main islands – the North and South Islands – New Zealand is home to many smaller islands, each offering its own unique charm. Visit them for nature, birdwatching, bush walks, fishing, kayaking, and more.
The Bay of Islands region is known for its cluster of small islands, beautiful beaches, and rich marine life. Start your visit in Paihia, where you can join one of the many boat tours to explore the bay’s scenic waters and wildlife. Continue to the historic town of Russel – New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement. Be sure to also visit Kerikeri, home to the iconic Stone Store, the picturesque Rainbow Waterfalls, and a boutique Chocolate Cafe that’s perfect for a sweet treat.
6. Kauri Trees in Waipoua Forest
Waipoua Forest, located on the North Island, is home of a giant 2000 year old kauri tree. Tane Mahuta (also known as the Lord of the Forest) is not only known for its age but also as the largest known kauri tree still standing today.
We’ve visited Waipoua Forest many times over the years, and each and every time, we’ve found something new to appreciate. The forest features many well-marked tracks, offering pleasant walks through native New Zealand bush. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the nature and experience the quiet majesty of these ancient trees.
7. Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach
Cape Reinga is the northernmost destination of New Zealand. Leave your car at the designated car park and walk to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where you can enjoy the scenic view of the Tasman Sea meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Just a short drive away, you’ll find the giant sand dunes – perfect for a sandboarding experience (riding sand dunes on a bodyboard). Bodyboards are available to rent on site, and it’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
Don’t miss a visit to Ninety Mile Beach, New Zealand’s longest stretch of sand. It’s a spectacular place to walk, fish or simply to take in the endless coastal views.
8. Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, scenic coastal scenery and rich gold-mining history. We’d recommend spending at least a couple of days here to explore many beaches, walking tracks, and beautiful scenery of Coromandel.
Some of the must-visit beaches include Hahei Beach, Stingray Bay, Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach, and the secluded New Chum Beach. Each offers its own charm — from snorkelling and kayaking to peaceful picnics and panoramic views.
Read our dedicated post on Best of the Coromandel in two days.
9. Karangahake Gorge
The Karangahake Gorge region offers some of the best historical trails in the North Island, with remnants of former gold mining sites, gorgeous waterfalls, and scenic nature walks.
Historically, the Karangahake Gorge area was known for its gold mining. Today, it nicely blends its rich mining heritage with scenic natural surroundings, making it a perfect destination for some of the North Island’s best walks and tracks.
Read our dedicated post on Karangahake Gorge – gold mining and scenic walks.
10. Hamilton
Hamilton is the third largest city in New Zealand’s North Island. Set along the banks of the Waikato River, the city offers nice views, green spaces, museums and galleries, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Each year, Hamilton hosts the Balloons Over Waikato festival – a colourful event where you can take a ride in a hot air balloon or simply enjoy watching them drift across the sky.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Hamilton is Hamilton Gardens. It’s a huge park with more than 20 enclosed gardens, each themed around a different civilization, historical period, or other topic. It’s a fascinating place to explore, especially with children.
Hamilton also serves as a gateway to several nearby attractions, including Waitomo Caves, Karangahake Gorge, Matamata (home to Hobbiton), Bridal Veil Falls, and more.
11. Hobbiton Movie Set
Are you a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movies? Welcome to Middle Earth! Many filming locations of Peter Jackson’s movies are found across the North Island. Among them are Matamata (home of the Hobbiton Movie Set), the Wellington region (see below), and Tongariro National Park (also below).
Even if you’re not a big fan of the movies, we’d still recommend visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set – it is a truly unique experience. The attention to detail is remarkable, and walking among the hobbit holes and gardens feels like stepping straight into the films.
Read our dedicated post on Visiting The Hobbiton in Middle Earth.
12. Waitomo Caves
The North Island is home to many caves, some free to explore, others accessible only by guided tours. Among the most popular are the Waitomo Caves, famous for their surreal limestone formations and enchanting glow worms that light up the darkness like tiny stars.
Here, you can not only walk through the various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, but take a boat ride through the Glowworm Cave, or even go black water rafting – floating through underground rivers on a floating donut-shaped tube.
At Waitomo Caves you can visit Ruakiri Cave, Aranui Cave or take a boat ride through Glowwarm Cave.
13. Wairere Falls and McLaren Falls
New Zealand is home to countless waterfalls, and many of them are found on the North Island.
Wairere Falls is the tallest waterfall on the North Island and well worth the visit. The hike to the main viewpoint takes around 40 minutes, with an optional extension of another 20–30 minutes if you’d like to reach the top of the waterfall.
If you’re in the area (or heading towards Tauranga), make time for McLaren Falls, located at the entrance to McLaren Falls Park. While not tall, these falls are very nice, with multiple cascades flowing through a rocky landscape. It’s a peaceful spot for a short walk or a picnic, and the surrounding park is great for families.
Read also our post on 5 Best Waterfalls near Auckland.
Looking for more waterfalls in New Zealand? I recommend waterfalls.co.nz for comprehensive info on waterfalls in New Zealand (I’ve used it many times myself).
14. Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is known for having the country’s largest port (though that’s not likely to interest most visitors). What does draw people in are its long sandy beaches and its proximity to Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano that offers scenic walking tracks and a panoramic lookout at the summit.
Whether you’re after a relaxed beach day or a rewarding hike with coastal views, this area combines both nicely. It’s a popular spot for families, surfers, and anyone keen to soak up the laid-back vibe of the Bay of Plenty.
Tauranga and Mount Maunganui often host sports events and competitions, which means our family has visited many times over the years. We’ve come for tournaments in trampoline, tennis, and archery, and always enjoyed exploring the area between events. It’s a great place to spend time – with beaches, walks, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit special.
15. Rotorua and Geothermal areas
Rotorua is one of the most popular destinations on New Zealand’s North Island, located in a region rich in geothermal activity. It is known as an adventure capital of the North Island – you can visit Skyline Rotorua for sweeping views and for luge rides, take a downhill ride in an inflatable ball at ZORB Rotorua or enjoy a tree walk on suspension bridges in Redwoods.
Be sure to visit one of the geothermal parks, such as Waiotapu Thermal Park, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve, or Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave. For a free experience, head to the Waiotapu Mud Pool or Kuirau Park – a public space in the city with bubbling geothermal features and steaming mud pools.
As you can see, in New Zealand you can find geysers, hot springs, geothermal parks, dormant and active volcanoes. To explore more, read our post on 20+ Volcanoes to see in Auckland.
16. Taupo
Taupo is a town in the central part of New Zealand’s North Island. The town sits on the shores of the country’s largest lake of the same name – Lake Taupo. It’s a great base for exploring the region and offers plenty of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
We recommend staying for a day or two to explore its water activities on the lake, such as finishing, kayaking, and sailing. Don’t miss nearby Huka Falls – a powerful waterfall with walking tracks and viewing platforms. You can also take a boat tour to see the impressive Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, or taking a dip at free hot pools at Otumuheke Stream, at the Spa Thermal Park.
18. Egmont National Park / Mt Taranaki
Mount Taranaki is a dormant volcano, part of Egmont National Park. It’s a great destination for hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views. Its near-perfect cone shape makes it one of the most photogenic mountains in New Zealand.
Drive to the viewing platform for spectacular views of the mountain. Take a short walk to Dawson Falls – a beautiful spot surrounded by native bush. Hike the Pouakai Circuit track to reach the Reflective Tarn, where you can see Mount Taranaki mirrored in the still water on a clear day.
I recommend staying overnight in the nearby city of New Plymouth, which offers plenty of accommodation, dining options, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
17. Tongariro National Park
We’ve visited Tongariro National Park many times, and each visit brings something new – or simply reminds us why we love coming back. From skiing resorts in winter to scenic walking tracks and waterfalls throughout the year, it’s a place that offers variety, beauty, and a real sense of adventure.
One of the highlights is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often described as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. The dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and sweeping views make it a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or just soaking in the scenery, Tongariro National Park is a must-visit when travelling through the North Island.
19. Hawke’s Bay
Located on the east coast of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay is known for its pebble beaches, excellent wineries, and diverse wildlife. It’s a region that blends natural beauty with cultural charm, making it a great stop for families and wine lovers alike.
You can base yourself in either Napier or Hastings and explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Drive or hike to Te Mata Peak for sweeping views, visit the picturesque Maraetotara Falls, or spend time at the National Aquarium in Napier. Enjoy a walk along the pebble beaches of Napier or Haumoana, and don’t miss the chance to take a Gannet Safari tour to Cape Kidnappers – home to one of the world’s largest mainland gannet colonies.
20. Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the second largest city after Auckland. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, it’s surrounded by lush green hills and set around a picturesque harbour. One of the best ways to take in the views is by riding the iconic Cable Car from downtown up to the Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find scenic lookouts and peaceful walking paths.
Home to Te Papa national museum, famous parliament building ‘The Beehive’ and with a very walkable and pleasant waterfront, Wellington is high on our list of 20 Must-Visit Destinations in New Zealand’s North Island.
It’s also the heart of New Zealand’s film industry. The famous Weta Workshop is based here. On our last visit, we took a guided tour of the Weta Cave film studio to see and learn about movie effects, props, costumes and behind the scenes.
That was our pick of 20 Must-Visit Destinations in New Zealand’s North Island. Time to start planning your trip! 🙂
Continue reading 20 Must-Visit Destinations in New Zealand’s South Island for even more travel inspirations, or browse our other posts about New Zealand to discover more places to visit and experiences to enjoy.
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