Best Stops On New Zealand's North Island
Best Stops On New Zealand's North Island
Naomi Lai
Available for hire
All my favourite places on the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. I've narrowed it down to my top choices to give you some inspo. But I have a more extensive map on Google, with 200+ locations and colour-coded sections so it's easy to navigate. You can even save it to reference once you're on the road! Message me for FREE access.
Details also on my blog: https://runawaytraveller.com/north-island-map-explore/
Updated ago
Save
Share
Waterfalls
Bridal Veil Falls
@naomilai
Sooooo stunning and a pretty chill and short walk to the viewing platform(s)
Add to
Details
Huka Falls
@naomilai
Free to visit! You can also take a speed boat tour to get closer, but I think the best view comes from the viewing platform/bridge just a short walk from the parking lot.
Add to
Details
Marokopa Falls
@naomilai
This is one of my faves! Jurassic Park vibes. And only a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)
@naomilai
Best in the summer so you can *walk behind the falls* without freezing!
Add to
Details
Rere Rock Slide Waterfall
@naomilai
Grab a tube, boogie board, or brave it with just your bum and slide down one of the world's highest natural water slides!
Add to
Details
Taranaki Falls
@naomilai
Besides the beautiful falls, the coolest thing about this hike is the views of Mount Doom (from Lord of the Rings).
Add to
Details
Tarawera Falls
@naomilai
Note this one has some limitations: It's only accessible on weekends and you need to get a permit! Head to the iSite in Kawerau. Photo by @meghanmaloneyphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/B72jlP-gX5C/
Add to
Details
Waipunga Falls
@naomilai
Pretty much smack dab between Taupo and Napier. This one is a liiiitle more rustic trail and signage-wise, but totally worth it.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Whangarei Falls
@naomilai
Not many people know this, but you can walk behind the falls! Scramble along the rocks to the left (if you're looking at the falls). It helps if you bring water shoes to protect your feet, but I've done it barefoot.
Add to
Details
Walks, Hikes & Caves
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
@naomilai
This is a bit of a hidden gem near the Waitomo Caves. Definitely worth exploring.
Add to
Details
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
@naomilai
Some of the best views you'll find around Auckland! The hike is only about an hour, but it's pretty steep.
Add to
Details
Mauao / Mount Maunganui
@naomilai
A must when visiting the area. About an hour up and it's steep but not unreasonably challenging.
Add to
Details
Mount Taranaki
@naomilai
Tons of different trails of varying difficulty, but the Pouakai Tarns walk is the one where you can get the classic pic with the reflective lake.
Add to
Details
Rangitoto Summit Track
@naomilai
This volcanic island is a short ferry ride from Auckland CBD. It's a protected area with no pests, restaurants, houses, or anything else. You can get to the summit in an hour on the fast track, or spend the day going around and up the island on the longer route. You can also explore some lava caves.
Add to
Details
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
@naomilai
The hike is not for the faint of heart and takes about 8 hours, but it's incredibly scenic and worth it. I suggest spending a night in Turangi or somewhere nearby rather than driving from Taupo.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
@naomilai
A beautiful geothermal walk. You can go kayaking on the steaming lake!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Waipu Caves Farm Park Glow Worms
@naomilai
Used to be free, but the caves are now commercialized. Get discounted entry on BookMe https://www.bookme.co.nz/things-to-do/auckland/activity/milky-way-glow-worm-cave-tour/71890#23653
Add to
Details
Waitomo Caves
@naomilai
A must-do. This is the "glow worm capital of the world" and you can only see these weird lil glowing guys in New Zealand (and a couple spots in Aus).
Add to
Details
Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ
@naomilai
More crazy steamy stuff! This one is unique because it's the only geothermal walk you can visit at night.
Add to
Details
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
@naomilai
This is a MUST! There are a bunch of geothermal walks in the area but this is by far my top choice.
Add to
Details
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
@naomilai
You'll learn a little bit about Māori culture & history, and enjoy an extensive walk through bubbling, steaming lands.
Add to
Details
Wellington Waterfront Walk
@naomilai
It's a whole vibe with cute restaurants, little market stalls, and buskers, and more.
Add to
Details
Animal Activities
Butterfly Creek
@naomilai
So close to the airport you could go before to kill some time if you have a late flight. Kinda for kids but we went as a couple (after our flight was super delayed) and it was still fun!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Auckland Zoo
@naomilai
Considered an ethical zoo, this is a fun way to spend a day or half day when the weather is good!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
@naomilai
A fun demonstration and learning opportunity about New Zealand's falcons, and the incredible journey the Australian barn owl made across the Tasman. You get to see a few different birds and they're all rescues.
Make sure you pack a jacket (preferably windproof) even in the summer — it's windy up there!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Beaches
Hot Water Beach
@naomilai
TBH, pretty over rated, but still a fun novelty. Create your own hot tub in the sand by digging a hole where you can feel the geothermal heat below the beach.
Add to
Details
Mission Bay Beach
@naomilai
Popular spot on weekends in the summer for ice cream, with views of Rangitoto.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Te Henga (Bethells Beach)
@naomilai
Walk all the way down to the left and you'll find a huge cave! Easiest to visit when the tide is out. Always be careful around the tides, and look out for blue bottle jellyfish washed up on the shore!
Add to
Details
Activities
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
@naomilai
Worth a stop whether you like Lord of the Rings or not — it's such a fun experience. The tour takes about 2 hours total so make sure you leave enough time if you visit this on your way to/from Auckland or Tauranga.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
ZORB™ Rotorua
@naomilai
ZORBing was invented in New Zealand, so trying this wild activity in its birthplace is the best way to do it.
Add to
Details
Kaitiaki Adventures
@naomilai
For something a little different, try "sledging" rather than white water rafting. Book on Get Your Guide: https://gyg.me/we2V2qjj
Add to
Details
Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
@naomilai
You can hop on a sailboat or rent kayaks to see it up close.
Add to
Details
Whanganui River
@naomilai
Considered one of the Great Walks but primarily done in a kayak over several days.
Add to
Details
White Water Rafting Rotorua
@naomilai
For a bit of a thrill, go white water rafting! This is the best place I've ever done it and we had so much fun. Booked with Get Your Guide: https://gyg.me/xKYkkoAi Sometimes discounted on BookMe: https://www.bookme.co.nz/things-to-do/rotorua-taupo/activity/kaitiaki-adventures-kaituna-whitewater-rafting/2268#23653
Add to
Details
Hot Springs
Hell's Gate Geothermal Mud Spa
@naomilai
Sooo good for your skin! It's worth doing both the mud baths and the geothermal walk on site.
Add to
Details
Lost Spring
@naomilai
A little slice of paradise. Not one of New Zealand's natural geothermal springs, but still worth a visit.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Polynesian Spa
@naomilai
Perfect for a little bit of luxurious R&R, and super convenient because it's walkable from basically anywhere in town.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Kerosene Creek
@naomilai
Free to visit. A naturally heated geothermal *river* (I had no idea that was even possible, so this really blew my mind.) It's certainly not as luxurious, but it's perfect to replace the expensive spas if you're on a budget.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Sights to See
Add to
Details
Cathedral Cove
@naomilai
The walking trail is closed for renovations, but you can still get there by boat!
Add to
Details
Giant Kiwifruit Capital of the World
@naomilai
Not worth going out of your way for, but is there anything more Kiwi than a kiwifruit?
Add to
Details
Lady Knox Geyser
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu
@naomilai
Literally just a sign. But it's the longest location name in the world, and it actually tells a story.
Add to
Details
Coromandel Zipline Tours
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Indoor Activities
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Newmarket
@naomilai
An arcade for adults! (And kids, but they serve booze and after a certain time in the evening it's only open to adults.) Cool VR stuff, bowling, laser tag, and arcade games.
Add to
Details
Auckland Art Gallery
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Auckland Museum
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Weta Cave
@naomilai
Tours of Weta Workshop, where they create special effects for movies like Lord of the Rings
Add to
Details
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
@naomilai
Temporary exhibit at the Sky Tower, bringing Wellington's Oscar Winning Weta Workshop team to Auckland. Get tickets on Get Your Guide: https://gyg.me/t0HoaQdM
Add to
Details
Bars, Cafes & Restaurants
8 Wired Brewing - Barrelworks
@naomilai
Ok so I'm a bit biased — my partner is a sales manager for this brewery! But they honestly make some of the best craft beer in the country, you can look it up. Make sure you read the little blurbs on the back of the cans, my partner writes those too :)
Add to
Details
Crafty Trout Brewery & Restaurant
@naomilai
Perfect in the summer for a flight on the upstairs patio with a view of the lake. OR, in the winter, they’ve got a great cozy little cabin-esque indoor atmosphere.
Add to
Details
Garage Project Taproom: 91 Aro
@naomilai
A Kiwi classic. They've got some of the most unique designs in the game, and the beers are always great, too.
Add to
Details
Heyday Beer Co
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Shining Peak Brewing
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Man O' War Vineyards
@naomilai
Harder to get to, but they offer a shuttle service so you can drink and not worry about driving
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Te Mata Estate Winery
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Island Gin
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Remedy Coffee
@naomilai
Add to
Details
Zealong Tea Estate
@naomilai
Do a tea tasting, have high tea, and/or tour the grounds to see where this delicious beverage comes from! https://zealong.com/guided-tours/
Add to
Details
* * *
Send A Tip
Support Naomi Lai’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Naomi Lai 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places