North Island Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around North Island, New Zealand.


Introduction to North Island

North Island, also known as Te Ika-a-Māui in Māori, is the smaller of the two main islands of New Zealand, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. With a population of over three million people, North Island is a bustling hub of diverse and exciting experiences. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington, North Island offers a rich blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in North Island

North Island is home to a plethora of unique and exciting destinations. Here are some of the must-see places to visit in North Island:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Te Papa Museum - Located in Wellington, Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum and a hub for cultural experiences.
  2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Located in the Bay of Islands, this site is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history.
  3. Auckland War Memorial Museum - One of New Zealand’s most important museums, the Auckland War Memorial Museum tells the story of New Zealand’s history and culture.

Natural Attractions of North Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Tongariro National Park - Home to the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this national park showcases North Island’s volcanic landscape and offers awe-inspiring views.
  2. Bay of Islands - A popular destination for sailing and water activities, the Bay of Islands is a stunning hotspot for exploring coves, islands, and beaches.
  3. Coromandel Peninsula - With pristine beaches, lush forests, and scenic hikes, the Coromandel Peninsula boasts some of the North Island’s most stunning natural attractions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Island

  1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing - A 19.4km hike through Tongariro National Park, showcasing the volcanic terrain and stunning vistas.
  2. Hauraki Rail Trail - Stretching 77 km from Thames to Te Aroha, the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the best biking trails in North Island.
  3. Pouakai Crossing - A lesser-known hike in Taranaki, the Pouakai Crossing offers panoramic views of the Taranaki region and the North Island’s western coast.

Best Things to Do in North Island: Activities and Tours

  1. Hobbiton Movie Set - Located near Matamata, this site is where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed and offers guided tours.
  2. Black Water Rafting - Explore the Waitomo Caves by floating on underground rivers with stunning glowworm displays.
  3. Skydiving - With stunning views of North Island’s landscapes, skydiving is a popular adventure sport for tourists seeking an adrenaline rush.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Island

Day 1-2: Auckland and Waiheke Island
Day 3-4: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua
Day 5-6: Hawke’s Bay and Wellington
Day 7: Whanganui National Park and Mount Taranaki

Food and Drink Scene of North Island

North Island offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. From award-winning wineries to artisan food producers, North Island’s food and drink scene is a treat for the senses.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Hangi - A traditional Māori method of cooking food in a pit oven.
  2. Fish and Chips - A classic Kiwi dish, usually made with fresh snapper or hoki.
  3. Pavlova - A popular dessert made with meringue, cream, and fresh fruits.

Local Beverages

  1. Wine - North Island is home to numerous award-winning wineries that produce Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
  2. Craft Beer - Wellington is known as the craft beer capital of New Zealand, with numerous breweries offering unique and experimental brews.
  3. Coffee - The Kiwis take their coffee seriously. You’ll find some excellent coffee shops in Auckland, Wellington, and other cities.

Where to Stay in North Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North Island offers numerous accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  1. Hotel Grand Windsor - A boutique hotel located in Auckland’s CBD, Hotel Grand Windsor offers luxury accommodations and excellent service.
  2. Nomads Auckland Backpackers - A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Auckland, Nomads offers a vibrant atmosphere and a range of amenities.
  3. Haka Lodge Taupō - A backpacker accommodation in Taupō, Haka Lodge offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in North Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Māori Art and Crafts - Traditional Māori art, such as wood carvings and woven textiles, make for unique and meaningful souvenirs.
  2. Manuka Honey - A popular New Zealand product, Manuka honey is reputed to have significant health benefits and comes from the nectar of the Manuka plant.
  3. Kiwiana - A range of products bearing images of Kiwi birds, Pohutukawa trees, and other iconic New Zealand symbols make for fun and quirky souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of North Island

Māori culture plays a significant role in North Island’s identity. Visitors to North Island should familiarize themselves with Māori customs and values, including the importance of family, respect for the land, and the significance of the haka.

Best Time to Visit North Island

North Island is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer (December to February) is the peak season for outdoor activities and events, while spring (September to November) offers beautiful blooms and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Island

Do:

  1. Treat Māori culture with respect.
  2. Try local food and drink.
  3. Be mindful of the environment and wildlife.

Don’t:

  1. Be late or arrive unannounced - punctuality and politeness are crucial.
  2. Assume all Kiwis are the same - New Zealand is a diverse country with unique regional identities.
  3. Ignore safety precautions - activities such as hiking and water sports can be dangerous if not taken seriously.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Island

North Island is a safe destination for tourists, but normal precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night, secure your belongings, and be wary of scams.

Health in North Island

North Island has an excellent healthcare system, but visitors should still take precautions. Travelers should ensure that their routine immunizations are up to date, and they may need additional vaccinations depending on their itinerary.

Getting to North Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Island is well connected by air, road, and sea. Here are some of the best ways to get to North Island:

Airports Near North Island

  1. Auckland Airport - The largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, Auckland Airport is the primary gateway to North Island.
  2. Wellington International Airport - Located in the heart of Wellington, this airport is well-connected to other parts of New Zealand and Australia.

Bus Stations Near North Island

  1. Intercity - Provides long-distance bus services throughout North Island.
  2. Nakedbus - Provides affordable bus services across North Island.

Other Options

  1. Ferries - Regular ferry services operate between Wellington and Picton, connecting North Island and South Island.
  2. Trains - New Zealand’s train network is small but scenic, and services operate between Auckland, Wellington, and other towns.

How to Get Around in North Island

North Island is a small and well-connected destination, and visitors have various options to get around:

  1. Rental Car - The most convenient way to explore North Island’s vast landscapes and scenic routes is by car rental.
  2. Public Transport - Buses and trains operate in major cities, and taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are available.
  3. Cycling - North Island offers several biking trails and routes that allow visitors to explore at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from North Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring North Island, visitors can consider these nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. South Island - Home to stunning natural attractions like Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound, South Island is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts.
  2. Fiji - A short flight from North Island, Fiji offers the perfect beach and island retreat after a busy vacation.
  3. Australia - North Island is well-connected to Australia, and visitors can consider a trip to Sydney or Melbourne to experience one of the world’s most diverse and exciting countries.

Conclusion

North Island is a diverse and exciting destination, offering something for every type of traveler. With stunning natural beauty, rich culture and history, and a thriving food and drink scene, visitors will find plenty to explore and discover on New Zealand’s North Island.

The Champagne Pool at Waiotapu ( The Champagne Pool at Waiotapu ("Sacred Waters") thermal area, near Rotorua Mount Ruapehu from the Desert Road in mid-January (summer) Mount Ruapehu from the Desert Road in mid-January (summer)


    Auckland Region
    Bay of Plenty
    Central North Island
    East Coast
    Greater Wellington
    Hawke's Bay
    Manawatu
    Northland
    Taranaki
    Waikato
    Whanganui (region)