Te Ika-a-Maui, known as the North Island in New Zealand, is where you’ll find breathtaking natural wonders and a wealth of exciting adventures. So, is north island new zealand worth visiting, what to do in New Zealand North Island? Let’s check out The COMPREHENSIVE New Zealand North Island Travel Guide: Top things to do in New Zealand North Island, Best Attractions, Must-eat & MORE in this post!
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Called Te Ika-a-Maui (meaning “The Fish of Maui”) by the Māori, New Zealand’s North Island is not only a natural wonder but also the cradle of Māori culture. This is where myth and history blend together, creating an enchanting and inspiring journey of discovery.
The North Island has it all, from Rotorua’s geysers, the sparkling Waitomo Caves, to the famous Hobbiton film set. Whether you’re exploring the coastal roads of Auckland or challenging yourself with a skydive in Taupo, you’ll have unforgettable experiences.
Check out the list of exciting places to visit in the North Island – New Zealand!
New Zealand north island travel guide: What’s Interesting About New Zealand’s North Island and Māori Culture?
New Zealand’s North Island boasts breathtaking landscapes, from active volcanoes, hot springs, and boiling mud springs in Rotorua to mysterious black sand beaches. This is a paradise for those who love adventure, with activities such as hiking, kayaking, or relaxing in natural hot springs.
More than just natural beauty, the North Island is also the center of Māori culture. You will have the opportunity to learn about Haka (famous fighting dance), listen to myths and enjoy Hangi (traditional meals cooked underground). Coming here, you will not only see but also live, experience and immerse yourself in this rich cultural heritage.
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari Cruise
Are you ready for an adventure to the land of wonders? Let’s explore Te Ika-a-Maui with us and write your own story!
How to Get to North Island New Zealand
The North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui) is one of the two main islands of New Zealand. The easiest and most popular way to get here is to fly into one of the major cities on the island: Auckland. This is New Zealand’s main international entry point.
Auckland International Airport (AKL) is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to New Zealand. You will need to fly via one of the major cities in Asia, Australia or the Middle East. Some popular airlines with flights from Vietnam include:
Rangitoto Island Ferry Tickets from Auckland
- Singapore Airlines: Transit in Singapore.
- Cathay Pacific: Transit in Hong Kong.
- Vietnam Airlines: In conjunction with some partner airlines.
- Emirates: Transit in Dubai.
- Qantas: Transit in Sydney or Melbourne (Australia).
Northern Explorer Train Ticket between Auckland and Wellington
Once you arrive in Auckland, you can easily get to other destinations on the North Island by a variety of means:
- Car rental: This is the most popular option for many tourists because of its flexibility. You can easily rent a car right at Auckland Airport. The road system in New Zealand is very good and convenient. Driving yourself allows you to be proactive with your time and stop anywhere to see the sights.
- Intercity bus: If you don’t want to drive yourself, bus companies like InterCity provide transportation between major cities. This is an economical and safe option. These bus routes often connect Auckland with destinations like Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington.
- Domestic flight: For long distances, domestic flights are the fastest option. Air New Zealand has regular flights from Auckland to Wellington and other regional airports.
- Train: Although not as popular as other means of transport, traveling by train is a great way to see the sights. The Northern Explorer train journey from Auckland to Wellington is a worthwhile experience, taking you through the countryside and breathtaking landscapes of the North Island.
What to do in New Zealand North Island: Unique Experiences in New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is a land of volcanoes, mud springs and glowworm caves, and vibrant Māori culture. Join us to check out the best experiences in this island region.
Coastal Walk from Central to Auckland Bay
You’ll most likely start your trip in Auckland, New Zealand’s most populous city. Not only is it a great starting point, the “city of sails” is also a vibrant metropolis surrounded by bays, beaches and wineries. Climb the 60-storey Sky Tower for views of Viaduct Harbour; and if you’re brave enough, try bungee jumping to the water’s edge to build your “spirits”!
Auckland City Top Spots Half-Day Tour(Small Group Tour)
Hunting for Bilbo in Hobbiton
Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or not, you’ll definitely find something interesting in Hobbiton (even more enchanting than Gandalf’s fireworks). This permanent film set village is nestled in the small farming community of Matamata and surrounded by lush nature. On Klook’s Hobbition set tour, you’ll explore the Hobbit’s home and enjoy a pint of Southfartrial beer at the Green Dragon Inn, just like Bilbo and his friends!
Just a little tip: don’t be “confused” by the grandeur of the film set, you will definitely spend quite a bit of time “living virtual”!
Watching Glowworms at Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves is considered New Zealand’s most remarkable natural phenomenon, located an hour’s drive from Hamilton. Entering the Waitomo Caves is like entering a magical world. Millions of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) cling to the ceiling of the cave, glowing brightly, creating an underground “galaxy”. You will sit on a boat and glide in the dark, watching their magical blue light. This is a unique experience.
Waitomo Glowworm and Cave Explorer Small Group Tour From Auckland
Bungee Jumping & Skydiving in Taupo
New Zealand is the cradle of the bungee adventure sport, so it would be a mistake if you missed this experience in its homeland. Taupo is home to the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, 47m above the Waikato River. If you like to “fly”, you can join the skydiving because Taupo is also known as the Skydiving Capital of New Zealand.
Taupo Bungy Jump Experience by AJ Hackett
Are you ready to “fly” freely like a bird in the sky of New Zealand? Whether it is a spectacular bungee jump or an exciting skydiving experience, you will be supported by experts to have a memorable experience. Challenge yourself and relieve stress with these unique activities!
Mud Bath at Hell’s Gate
The mud bath experience at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is more interesting than you think. After the mud bath, soak in the waterfall, natural hot pools or erupting geysers! Located in the center of town, Pōhutu (also known as Big Splash) is another great place to relax and have a steam bath. The 30-meter-high water shaft and steaming water are a great photo spot that you cannot miss.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa Experiences
Visit the Bay of Islands
Hole in the Rock Cruise and Island Tour in Bay of Islands
Discover the wild beauty of the Bay of Islands with the “Hole in the Rock” cruise. From Paihia or Russell jetty, you will board a cruise to admire the unique “Hole in the Rock” and if you are lucky, you will be able to squeeze through the rock crevice. The tour also takes you to Urupukapuka Island for swimming and relaxing, along with the opportunity to see dolphins and other marine life. This is an experience not to be missed in the North Island of New Zealand.
Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island
Just 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland, you will be greeted by vast vineyards, olive groves and pristine beaches. You will feel the classic nomadic atmosphere in cuisine, art and wine here. There are more than 30 wineries in this 92km² paradise! Fancy a wine tasting lunch in the vineyards? Time to join Klook’s Waiheke Island wine tour.
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
Explore Māori Culture
Mitai Maori Village Experience
The North Island is home to Māori culture. In Rotorua, you can join cultural villages to learn about Haka (a famous war dance) and watch traditional performances. A must-do experience is a Hangi dinner, a traditional dish cooked underground using the heat of rocks. Join guided tours with local guides and learn about the myths and legends that shaped this unique culture.
Explore the Underground in Rotorua
Let Rotorua surprise you with its unique geothermal wonders, a land alive with steam and energy from the Earth’s core. You can join tours exploring underground geysers, bubbling mud springs, and hidden natural hot pools. Don’t miss Wai-O-Tapu Park, a giant geothermal system where you can admire the dazzling Champagne Pool and witness the spectacular eruption of Lady Knox Geyser.
Experience the Redwoods in Rotorua
Redwoods Adventure Combo in Rotorua
With its giant redwood trees, the Redwoods in Rotorua is an ideal place to breathe fresh air. You can walk on suspension bridges to see the whole forest from above, or experience the Redwoods Treewalk at night with a magical, enchanting space. For those who love adventure, Redwoods Altitude offers exciting activities such as ziplining through the forest.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary to Explore New Zealand’s North Island
To explore the North Island of New Zealand leisurely and completely, you can refer to the 7-day itinerary below, focusing on the most prominent destinations.
Day 1 & 2: Explore Auckland City
Day 1: Arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL), pick up your rental car and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city centre, strolling around Viaduct Harbour and having dinner there.
Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass
Waiheke Island Zipline and Native Forest 3-Hour Tour
Day 2: Drive out to the suburbs to visit Waiheke Island, famous for its vineyards and beautiful beaches. Return to the city in the evening to relax.
Day 3 & 4: Journey to Rotorua
Day 3: Drive from Auckland to Rotorua (approximately 3 hours). On the way, visit the Hobbiton film set in Matamata. Arrive in Rotorua, check in and relax in one of the geothermal hot springs.
Day 4: Spend the day exploring Rotorua’s geothermal activities. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park to see the Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. In the evening, learn about Māori culture with a traditional Hāngi dinner.
Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour from Auckland
Day 5 & 6: Explore Taupo and Waitomo
Day 5: Drive from Rotorua to Taupo (about 1 hour). You can participate in adventure activities such as skydiving or bungee jumping. In the afternoon, walk around the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and enjoy the scenery.
Hobbiton and Rotorua Day Tour with Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland
Day 6: In the morning, drive to Waitomo Caves (about 2 hours) for a tour of the glowworm caves. Then, drive back to Auckland (about 2.5 hours) and check out.
Day 7: Return to Auckland & Return to Vietnam
Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
Spend the morning of your last day in the North Island shopping for souvenirs or visiting the remaining places in Auckland that you have not had the chance to experience. Then, move to Auckland airport to check in for your flight back to Vietnam.
Must-Try Dishes in the North Island of New Zealand
When you come to the North Island of New Zealand, you will have the opportunity to enjoy unique and attractive dishes. Below are some culinary suggestions that you cannot miss.
Hāngi
Hāngi is a traditional Māori cooking method in which food is wrapped and cooked in an underground pit using hot stones. This dish includes chicken, pork, potatoes and vegetables, bringing a rich and distinctive flavor of the earth. You can enjoy Hāngi at Māori cultural villages in Rotorua for the most authentic experience.
Kūmara Sweet Potato
Auckland Wine Country Tour with Lunch
Kūmara is a New Zealand sweet potato, a tuber with a long history with the Māori people. It comes in a variety of colours from red, orange, yellow to purple, with a sweet and nutty flavour and is used in a variety of dishes. You can find Kūmara in stews, baked goods or served with meat.
Lamington
Lamington is a popular New Zealand pastry, made from sponge cake, covered in chocolate and sprinkled with desiccated coconut. It is lightly sweet, soft and spongy. You can easily find Lamington in cafes and pastry shops across the North Island.
Fresh Seafood
With its proximity to the sea, the North Island is famous for its fresh seafood. You can enjoy lobster, oysters, bluefish or cod caught straight from the sea. These dishes are available in many high-end restaurants or roadside seafood stalls.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is one of New Zealand’s most famous specialties. This honey is taken from the flowers of the Manuka tree, has a rich flavor and is known for its many health benefits. You can buy this honey at specialty stores as a gift or enjoy it directly.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to North Island, New Zealand
When should you travel to North Island?
You should visit North Island in the summer, from December to February. The weather during this period is very nice, warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.
2. Do you need to rent a car to explore North Island?
Yes. Renting a car is the best way to explore North Island. This helps you be proactive about your schedule and easily stop to admire the scenery along the way.
Where should you stay when traveling to North Island?
You should stay one night in major cities like Auckland, Rotorua, or Taupo for easy access to nearby attractions.
Where to book Hobbiton tours and other services?
You can book Hobbiton tours, ferry tickets, and car rentals on online travel platforms like Klook. Booking in advance will save you time and ensure you have a place, especially for popular tours.
What to keep in mind when trekking in New Zealand?
Before trekking, you should check the weather forecast carefully. The weather in New Zealand can change quickly, so prepare suitable clothes and always bring a raincoat or warm jacket.
Do you know everything about New Zealand’s North Island?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Auckland you can refer to
- Taste of Waiheke Day Tour from Auckland
- Hobbiton Express Small Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland
- Karekare Waterfalls and Piha Beach Day Tour from Auckland
- Auckland Zoo Ticket
- Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass 24 or 48 Hour with Devonport ferry
- SkyTower Auckland Tickets
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
- SkyBus Auckland Airport (AKL) Express Transfer Ticket
- SheepWorld Admission Ticket
- Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers for Auckland
- Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
- Soaring Kiwi Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in Auckland (24 or 48 Hours)
Are you looking for more top things to do in New Zealand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
