Top 10 New Zealand North Island

New Zealand North Island - Top 10 Things To Do

We've put together our own list of 'Top 10 Things To Do' in New Zealand's North Island. Inspiration is never far away.

White Island

Head to Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty and take a 2 hour boat trip out to White Island, New Zealand's most active volcano. It's a chance to take a guided tour of the sulphurous lunar landscape and peer into the steaming crater. As an added bonus there is a good chance you'll spot dolphins during the boat cruise.

Tongariro National Park Crossing

Situated close to Taupo, trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, arguably the best one-day hike tin New Zealand. Hike through the volcanic badlands of the Tongariro National Park and pass the cinder cone of Mount Ngauruhoe, the shores of turquoise lakes and take in stunning views across the North Island.

Coromandel Peninsula

Two hours drive east of Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula offers over 400 kilometres of picturesque coastline, coves, beaches and historic towns that are waiting to be explored. Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Driving Creek Railway and Hahei should be on your 'to do list'.

Whanganui River Journey

Relax with a three-day canoe trip along the mighty Whanganui River that takes you far away from urban life as you travel through some of the best scenery of the North Island.

Geothermal Attractions

Anyone staying in the North Island should make the time to explore the incredible geothermal attractions of Rotorua. There are plenty of attractions to see with the likes of Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Hell's gate and Orakei Korako offering a chance to get up close to mineral-coloured lakes, bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa is an innovative and interactive way that celebrates the people, culture and art of New Zealand. Appealing to all ages, this iconic museum is a must see attraction set in the iconic setting of Wellington harbour.

Ninety Mile Beach

Located on the northwestern coast of , a glorious wave-lashed golden beach that never seems to end is also a designated highway! Tour buses regularly stop to let passengers toboggan down the steep dunes.

Napier’s Art Deco

The devastating earthquake of 1931 that flattened Napier, gave rise to one of the most outstanding collections of 1930's Art Deco architecture in the world.  Walking around the city, you’ll see wonderful examples of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical design.

Caving and River Rafting

In the heart of Waikato, enter Waitomo's netherworld on huge abseils and explore its glow-worm-filled cave systems while floating down streams on inner tubes.

Maori Culture

See the biggest collection of Maori treasures in the world at Auckland’s War Memorial Museum.