North Island

Destination Information

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a full-time chiller, there is something for everyone on the north island of New Zealand, and it’s a place that is certainly not one to be missed.

One minute you’ll find yourself on the shores of Manu Bay in Raglan, a world famous surf town with Byronesque beach atmosphere. Next minute, you’ll be shooting over to the East Coast to explore a town, home to the extinct volcano of Mount Maunganui, or over to The Coromandel for a swim at Hot Water Beach.

For the ‘Lord Of TheRings’ geeks out there, we recommend you release your inner hobbit by delving deep into the wonderful filming locations at Hobbiton. Grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and feel like one of the cast. With incredible scenery spanning edge to edge, it’s no wonder this place was used for filming Middle Earth.

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city might not be comparable with the likes of New York or Tokyo, but what you will find here is so breathtaking with the incredible surroundings just a stone’s throw away.

Head north to the Bay of Islands and here you can bounce around from island to island aboard a water taxi or take the opportunity to visit top-notch snorkelling and diving locations. Explore further up to Cape Reinga where you can see the Pacific Ocean collide with the Coral Sea. This place is culturally significant to the Maori people. Get up here to take in the spectacular views and embrace the culture.

Waitomo Caves are a must-see for any adventure enthusiast. Whether you wanna keep it simple and explore these magnificent glow worm caves by boat or go the full ten yards by combining zip-lining, abseiling and tubing. It’s totally up to you.

Rotorua

The adrenaline hub of the north is known for epic adventures such as white water rafting. The Legends at Kaitiaki rafting will take you down the Kaituna River to the highest commercially rafted 7m waterfall drop. It’s also the birthplace of the Zorb.

Whilst visiting Rotorua, we highly recommend checking out the Geothermal Pools too. These things are next level. Part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, you can find bubbling hot pools absolutely everywhere. A definite worthwhile place to check out.

Tamaki Maori Village Experience is a must-do around these parts. Located amid an old rainforest, you’ll step back in time and connect with the Maori people and their history. Learn about their ancient traditions, enjoy a wonderful Hangi Feast, and stay the night.

Wellington

A trip to the southern end of the North Island isn’t complete without stopping off to take a hike across the famous Tongariro Crossing where they filmed Mount Doom (another one for our Lord Of The Rings fans). This 19.4k walking track is full of rugged New Zealand beauty. Just make sure you take a decent pair of hiking boots and a camera.

New Zealand’s capital of cool is filled with epic coffee, funky bars, and out-of-this-world food. For the best eats and treats, we recommend heading to Courtenay Place or Cuba Street to get amongst it. Leave the hiking boots at home and get ready for a decent night out.

Wellington for many is the final stop on the North Island before boarding the Interisland Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Many consider this ferry as one of the most beautiful in the world. Beautiful scenery is on offer, so just hope for good weather as ‘the windy city’ can make the water a little choppy.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

A dual World Heritage area due to the unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been described as one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand. It’s 19.4km long and an average trek takes between six to eight hours to complete. Many who complete the hike will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every respect. The national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic awe inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Ruapehu ensure a world renowned trek.

Hamilton

Beware: more Lord Of Rings goodness. Head on over to Hamilton to really get the best fun filled nerdy day you could ask for and visit the Hobbiton film set, all constructed for the films. It is the only set that remains completely intact from The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings trilogies. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of The Shire as they fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as Peter Jackson did. On the tour, you will see the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

If you’re up for another cool site in Hamilton and want a taste of lush nature, head over to the Hamilton Botanical Gardens, showcasing different types of garden design through themed collections. Step into another world in their ‘Fantasy Collection’ or explore different civilisations in their ‘Paradise Collection’.

North Island

Destination Information

North Island

One Time Only Deal

Auckland to Christchurch 18 Day Guided Group Tour

This epic RURU Auckland to Christchurch tour explores the very best of New Zealand over 18 unforgettable days. Accommodation, guide & transport included.

North & South Island
Abel Tasman Stay
4WD Eco Tour
All Accommodation Included

Once In A Lifetime

Auckland to Auckland 24 Day Guided Group Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand with this Auckland to Auckland North and South Island Kea tour. Visit Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Franz Josef and more.

Best of New Zealand
Milford Sound Day Tour
Maori Cultural Feast
Inter Island Ferries Included

Backpacker Favourite

Kiwi Experience Northern Round Up Bus Pass

Hop on board the Kiwi Experience Northern Round Up hop on hop off bus to see the absolute best of New Zealand's North Island.

New Zealand North Island
Local Driver Guide
Auckland And Wellington
Hop On Hop Off

Kiwi Experience Funky Chicken Bus Pass

Hop on board the Kiwi Experience Funky Chicken hop on hop off bus to see the absolute best of New Zealand's north and south islands.

Travel New Zealand
21 Day Minimum Travel
North And South Island
Hop On Hop Off

Intro Tour

17 Day New Zealand Adventure Tour

Experience the North and Sound Island with this amazing New Zealand tour. Make friends, submerge yourself in culture and get set up for life in NZ!

Waitomo Caves, Milford Sound, & Maori Experience
City, Nature, & Party
From Auckland to Queenstown
Epic Group Trip

Staff Favourite

9 Day New Zealand North Island Adventure

The ultimate New Zealand Group Tour with Intro Travel. See the best spots in New Zealand North Island, meet amazing travels and experience great activities.

NZ North Island Loop
Start & Finish: Auckland
Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, & Lake Taupo
Fun Group Adventure

Intro Tour

17 Day New Zealand Intro Tour

Experience the North and Sound Island with this amazing New Zealand tour. Make friends, submerge yourself in culture and get set up for life in NZ!

Adventure, Wilderness, Fun
Get Ready to Work in New Zealand
Start in Auckland, End in Queenstown
NZ Group Tour

9 Day New Zealand North Island Intro Tour

Travel the incredible North Island of New Zealand on the best 9 day North Island tour. Eat, drink, and get ready for work and play in NZ.

Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Sunset Sail
Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo
Get Ready to Work in New Zealand
NZ North Island Group Tour

Cave Rafting Experience

Raft The Kaituna

Blended with touches of Maori culture, this trip offers it all, for both white water rafting enthusiasts and first timers. Snake through steep native bush clad canyons and over 14 awesome rapids & 3 waterfalls including world-renowned 7 metre Tutea Falls, the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall in the World! You will get to enjoy a 3 hour white water rafting tours with the legends at Kaitiaki Adventures who are all fully certified professionals and have a 100% rating in banter to make sure you have a fun filled day with all laughs and no brakes. You will find yourself winding,…

Fun & Professional Guides
Tutea Falls
Amazing Photo Opportunities
Great For Friends

Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Step into the world of The Shire and experience the real Middle Earth at the Hobbiton movie set in the heart of the Waikato region, where you can step into lush pastures as seen in The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings trilogies. Everyone falls in love with the Alexander Sheep Farm, as will you, as you journey unequivocal beauty of the land, with the glorious Kaimai Ranges in the backdrop. Your guide will show you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining the behind the scenes of the films…

Experienced Tour Guides
Amazing Photo Opportunities
Great For Families
Complimentary Tour Conclusion

Cave Rafting Experience

The Black Water Labyrinth

Float down an underground river, jump off waterfalls and take in the sights of the glow worms of Ruakuri Cave on this 3 hour rafting adventure Steeped in history, the Waitomo Caves are worth a visit for all but for the adventurous types The Black Water Rafting Company offers the most popular experiences. An adventure like no other, Black Water Rafting is a bucket list must-do and guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Head 80-metres below ground, raft in tubes through underground rapids, jump off waterfalls and float below a sky of glow worms, all whilst exploring one of New…

Experienced Tour Guides
Cave Adventure Tour
Fun Photo Opportunities
Waterfall Jumps

Adrenaline Adventure

The Black Water Abyss

Located in the heart of Waitomo, the world-famous Waitomo caves are an expansive underground cave system that are as rare as they are beautiful. Steeped in history, the Waitomo Caves are worth a visit for all but for the adventurous types The Black Water Rafting Company offers the most popular experiences. An adventure like no other, Black Water Rafting is New Zealand’s maximum-adrenaline bucket list activity, guaranteed to put a smile on the face of every like-minded adventure traveller. During their 3 or 5 hour experience you will abseil 80-metres through an ancient rainforest into the depths of the caves…

Experienced Tour Guides
Cave Adventure Tour
Fun Photo Opportunities
Amazing Experience For Groups

Maori Experience

Te Pā Tū Maori Village

Come and Visit New Zealand’s Most awarded cultural attraction the Te Pā Tū Maori Village. This is your chance to learn about the traditions and culture of the Maori people at the Te Pā Tū Maori Village. Follow their journey, how they live and follow traditions from their ancestors. The Te Pā Tū Maori Village Evening Experience will take you back generations so you can experience first-hand the ancient traditions of the Maori people. Located in the beating heart of the North island of New Zealand, Roturua, is where you will find this award winning cultural attraction. From the start…

4 Hour Cultural Experience
4 Course Maori Feast
Licensed Bar Available
Amazing Photo Opportunities

Taupo Skydive

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

This is the Ultimate skydiving experience with over 60 seconds free fall time from a whopping 15,000ft. Fly through the air at over 200km/h while taking in the breathtaking views of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo. Taupo Tandem Skydiving are the best rated skydive company operating in New Zealand currently ranked number #1 on Tripadvisor. They have a tremendous 25 years experience in the industry owning and operating the original tandem dropzone in NZ. They have helped over 200,000 adventure seekers out of their planes! Skydiving in Taupo is truly an unforgettable experience – you’ll see volcanoes,…

Experienced Skydive Instructors
15,000ft Jump
Photo & Video Opportunities
Sightseeing From Above

Frequently asked questions

Where is New Zealand's North Island?

The smaller of New Zealand’s islands, the North Island is located closest to Australia out of the country’s two main islands. The North Island is well known for its geothermal features like hot springs, geyers, and Tongariro National Park, as well as, film culture and laid back urban lifestyle in cities like Wellington and Auckland.

How long is it to fly to North Island?

From the East Coast of Australia, the flight to New Zealand is around 3.25 – 3.75 hours. From SA, it is 4.5 hours. From Perth, the flight is 7 hours. Darwin is 8 hours and Cairns in 5 hours.

What is the North Island's weather like?

The land of the North Island often has a far milder weather than Australia, often serving up to four seasons in one day. It has a sub-tropical climate, with the hottest days between December and February. North Island gets pretty cold as well, but it doesn’t get down to the same temperature of South Island.

Are there snakes in the North Island?

None. North Island doesn’t have any venomous snakes wrapping themselves around your ankles, nor deadly spiders ready to pounce, or fun crocodiles.

Is the North Island easy to get around?

Yes, it is! New Zealand has plenty of travel options that will keep it easy for you to get around this island from hop on hop off buses, renting a campervan, or travelling by trains,

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North Island

The North Island is absolutely bursting with variety. It’s a must see for any trip the ‘Land Of the Long White Cloud’.

North Island

Destination Information

Auckland

Rotorua

Wellington

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Hamilton

North Island

Destination Information

North Island

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Auckland to Christchurch 18 Day Guided Group Tour

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Kiwi Experience Northern Round Up Bus Pass

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17 Day New Zealand Adventure Tour

9 Day New Zealand North Island Adventure

17 Day New Zealand Intro Tour

9 Day New Zealand North Island Intro Tour

Raft The Kaituna

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

The Black Water Labyrinth

The Black Water Abyss

Te Pā Tū Maori Village

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

Frequently asked questions

Where is New Zealand's North Island?

How long is it to fly to North Island?

What is the North Island's weather like?

Are there snakes in the North Island?

Is the North Island easy to get around?

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