When most people think of New Zealand, the snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain from The Hobbit trilogy and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc may spring to mind. While these hallmarks of New Zealand’s South Island have their merits, the North Island boasts impressive accolades also, from geothermal wonderland, glow worm caves, surfing the coast, and kayaking marine reserves.
I spent 7 months living in Tauranga, and I’ve cultivated a list of my favorite things to do on the North Island for your next NZ adventure.
Kayak or Boat Over to Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is the second most photographed landmark in New Zealand (after the Wanaka Tree), making it a can’t-miss spot on the North Island. Located in the Coromandel Peninsula, this imposing ignimbrite archway represents a sacred meeting space for the local Māori people, the Ngāti Hei. From the sleepy beach town of Hahei, you can visit Cathedral Cove by water only, either by boat or on a kayaking tour, as the hiking track down to the beach was destroyed during Cyclone Gabriel in 2023.
Both tours will take you through the local marine reserve, Te Whanganui-a-Hei, where you can see blue maomao, seabirds, and even dolphins if you’re lucky. If you’re hoping to stop at the beach, I recommend the kayak tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. The tour culminates with a beach landing, followed by coffees and hot chocolate whipped up on the sand by tour guides and time to photograph and marvel at the archway.
For a more in-depth exploration of the coastline and sea caves, the Hahei Explorer boat tour is your ticket. In addition to Cathedral Cove, this hour-long boat tour includes exploring hidden gems along the coast and marine reserve, including Blowhole and the Whale’s Tail, and fascinating history and Māori cultural information.
Finally, the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi can be taken directly from Hahei Beach and lands on Cathedral Cove Beach, but during our couple of visits, we found its hours of operation weren’t reliable.
Relax on Waiheke Island
Located just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, Waiheke Island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the North Island. This laid-back, swanky island offers top-notch vineyards and pristine beaches for lounging in the sun. If you’re there on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Ostend Market, where you can browse a hodgepodge of artisan or antique goods.
This charming island churns out its fair share of exceptional wine, and if you’re looking to go wine tasting I highly recommend Man O’ War Vineyards. This gastronomic paradise is located down a rugged dirt road (I hope your car has good suspension) with stunning views of the sea.
Despite its glitzy clientele (yacht docking out front and a helicopter landing pad on site) Man O’ War has an easy-going atmosphere. The expansive yard is lined with families dining on picnic blankets, and the staff are friendly and personable. Their Pinot Gris changed my life, as did the Parmesan truffle fries, and it’s the type of place where you can expect anything on the menu to be excellent.
After your wining and dining, relax on one of the island’s idyllic beaches, where the water is Caribbean blue and generally shallow and calm, superb for swimming. I recommend Onetangi Beach, whose sprawling, white sands are perfect for relaxing in the summer sun.
Experience the Magic of Glow Worms
Venturing inside a cave to see glowworms may not sound incredibly enticing (perhaps even a bit gross) but this quintessential Kiwi experience can’t be skipped on your visit to the North Island. Even skeptics will be impressed, the interior of these caves is lit by hundreds to thousands of these larval “worms,” like a cerulean Milky Way.
To combine a bit of sport and adventure with your glowworm excursion, check out the Waimarino Glowworm Kayak Tour in Tauranga. The excursion begins with refreshments and watching the sunset at McLaren Falls Lake. Then, with the help of expert guides, you’ll venture upstream at McLaren Falls, past a hydroelectric dam, to the Glowworm Canyon. Once inside you’re surrounded by hundreds of these glowing insects, while guides share facts and info.
For a mixture of culture and caves, visit the Spellbound Caves, near the famous Waitomo Caves. While lesser known, these caves were filmed by Sir David Attenborough and are said to have the most glowworms. Your journey begins with a bus ride through pastures and farmland, where your knowledgeable guide will share facts on the history and geography of the area. You then walk down to the mouth of the cave, situated on a stream, where you might spot a few eels lounging in the rapids.
Equipped with a hard hat, your glowworm cave adventure begins, including a close-up viewing of the larvae, followed by a boat ride. This tour includes a second cave, where you can see the remains of the extinct Moa, an enormous ostrich-like bird that used to roam Aoteroa.
Shred the Waves
New Zealand’s surf culture is huge, and the North Island is home to some excellent surf breaks. While living in Tauranga, I learned to surf at Mount Maunganui, a massive expanse of sandy beaches with great spots for beginner to advanced surfers. If you haven’t surfed before, I’d highly recommend taking a lesson or two.
Your instructor will teach you proper technique, surf etiquette, and potential hazards, keeping you and everyone around you safe out in the water. I did several private lessons and group classes with Hibiscus Surf School, whose highly qualified and personable instructors will have you popping up on waves in no time! If you’re lucky, you may even be captured by a local surf photographer.
Opposite, on the wild west coast, is Raglan, a world-renowned surf village. Beginners should head over to Ngarunui Beach, a beautiful black sand beach with surf schools, and a good spot for a beach day in the heat of summer. Advanced surfers will enjoy Manu Bay, a boulder beach famous for its long, left-hand break.
After you’ve finished your surf session, head into the town center and check out the boho-chic boutiques and art galleries, and stop at the famous Raglan Surf Co. If you’re keen on a short hike, head over to Bridal Veil Falls for some spectacular cascade views.
Get Lost in Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton is the third largest city on the North Island and home to a magnificent garden complex, Hamilton Gardens. The ground’s crown jewels are the enclosed gardens, a sprawling collection of themed gardens. The enclosed gardens are open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and entry is currently free. Starting in the spring of 2024, there will be an entrance fee of $20, and in my opinion, it’s worth it to see these gardens.
Channel your inner zen in the peaceful Chinese Scholars Garden, question reality in the mind-bending Surrealist Garden, or learn about horticulture in the Kitchen Garden. We spent about two hours in the enclosed gardens and could have easily spent more time, the collections are diverse and well-maintained.
Go Biking and Wine-Tasting in Napier
Although for many the Marlborough region is at the forefront of wine in New Zealand, the North Island boasts a trove of excellent vineyards too. Located on the east coast in Hawke’s Bay, the Art Deco town of Napier can’t be missed for wine lovers.
Book a self-guided bike tour with Napier City Bike Hire, I recommend the Country to Coast, and cruise between vineyards for tastings while enjoying the scenic landscape. On the Country to Coast tour you’ll begin at the chic Black Barn Winery (try the sparkling rosé), then stop by the quaint Te Mata cellar door before beginning your cycling journey.
The trail follows the Tukituki River, passing expansive orchards and livestock fields, before arriving at the coastal track in Huamoana. Stop for a tasting at Elephant Hill and bask in the opulent seaside views from their outdoor terrace, then head over for lunch at Clearview Estate.
Wherever you choose for lunch, I recommend making a reservation, as the area is popular and places fill up. Afterward, take a jaunt along the coastline, soaking up the sun and pebble beaches, before culminating your self-guided tour at the Te Awanga estate.
Take a Hike!
While the South Island often steals the spotlight for hiking and trekking, the North Island has a multitude of notable tracks as well. From the spectacular alpine lakes at Tongariro Crossing and enormous cascades at Wairere Falls to the magical cerulean Blue Spring and abandoned gold-mining tunnels at Karangahake Gorge, the North Island is a hiker’s haven. For more info on hiking in NZ and North Island hikes, check out my post here.
Discover Geothermal Pools and Māori Culture in Rotorua
Situated on the picturesque Lake Rotorua, this city boasts significant geothermal landmarks and Māori culture. Spend the morning visiting Whakarewarewa, a living Māori village with geothermal trails.
Begin with a guided tour to learn about the village’s history and customs, including how they utilize their geothermal resources (with a cooking demonstration!), take in the geysers and hot springs, and attend a cultural performance to appreciate traditional clothing, dance, and singing. I found this experience incredibly impactful, and our guides were super knowledgeable and welcoming to their home, as it is still a functional village with residents.
For more geothermal action, head over to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The park offers 3 km of walking trails along the various geothermal landmarks and takes about 90 minutes to explore. This park is home to some of the most colorful and vibrant geothermals in New Zealand, including the striking turquoise and orange Champagne Pool, and the fluorescent-green Roto Karikitea. If you’re visiting during the morning, you can witness the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10:15 am.
Explore the Shire at Hobbiton
Regardless of whether or not you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set is a must on the North Island. Your tour begins with a short bus ride through the pastoral rolling hills of Matamata. Your knowledgeable, quirky guides will lead you through the Shire, stopping in front of hobbit holes and landmarks, including the iconic Bag End, to share facts and anecdotes from the movie filming.
As of December 2023, the newly excavated Bagshot Row is open to the public, allowing you to explore a fully-furnished hobbit home. These whimsical, charming homes provide a fully immersive experience, where you can pop in the copper bathtub, lie down on the miniature beds, or read the newspaper at the breakfast table.
The tour culminates at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary mug of cider or beer while gazing at the tranquil pond and watermill. There is the option to enjoy a range of meals at Hobbiton, which I highly recommend. We booked a banquet lunch in the gaudy marquee tent and had loads of fun, the food was excellent and they were very accommodating of dietary needs. There is also an Evening Banquet Tour and a Second Breakfast Tour, and these often sell out so book in advance to secure your spot.
