Taranaki, the area beckons all who love mountains and sea. We have reviews of the best places to see in North Island. When it comes to traveling, I’m a sucker for the underdog and New Zealand is, for the most part, a beautiful country. Here, we uncover 7 must-visit coastal villages in the land of the long white cloud. What’s the Airbnb situation like in key places in North Island? 5. Chatham is all powered by wind electricity, and apart from some fishing and the odd mix of adventuring tourists, it is a quiet place, with a lovely museum and some fantastic rural sightseeing. Image credit: Tourism New Zealand Louise Hatton. New Chum's Beach is one of many of New Zealand's secret locations and can be found along the north island's Coromandel Peninsula. Guides & Tips 14 Reasons Everyone Should Visit New Zealand At Least Once. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. The North Island of New Zealand is just as beautiful as the South Island but it’s also a lot different. This island paradise is home to some of New Zealand's best-loved boutique wineries, many with stellar ocean views. The 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand. Firstly, you’ll see the most out-of-this-world sites such as the twinkling glow worms at Waitomo caves. The culture and heritage are evident as you pass the many grand Euro-Polynesian attractions. Yet another of New Zealand's secret beaches, Anapai Beach can be found in Abel Tasman National Park - at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Great Barrier Island. Somewhat off the beaten tourist track, this side of New Zealand is pretty impressive. Hobbiton. Although the North Island is often overlooked in favour of its sister to the South, take the time to explore all the different facets of the North Island of New Zealand … Most of those giant round rocks are 1 to 2m in diameter and can be up to 3m (weighing several tonnes). It combines the lush vegetation typical of New Zealand, a small lake and the snow-capped perfectly shaped volcanic cone - a postcard shot of North Island! While not a large country exactly, New Zealand spreads about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the top of North Island to the bottom of South Island - the two main islands. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by … There is the steaming hot nature adventure with volcanoes, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, “foamy” waterfall and a soaring geyser. New Zealand’s South Island has some of the world’s most enjoyable trails such as… Queen Charlotte Track: This track stretches 70 kilometers from the Meretoto Ship Cove to the Anakiwa in the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound. The seaside resort of Napier on North Island is known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, thanks to a large amount of 1930s architecture built when the city suffered a large fire more than 80 years ago. The 10 Best Destinations in New Zealand. (For more info, go here).. Hopefully, this helps you on your quest to create the best New Zealand North Island itinerary, and find all the places to visit that you want to. This curated list contains properties that are under $100 USD and hosted by Superhosts. On the East Coast of New Zealand, this is a little slice of … North Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has 1,697,376 reviews of North Island Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best North Island resource. Top North Island Parks & Nature Attractions: See reviews and photos of parks, gardens & other nature attractions in North Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor. | Packing in cosmopolitan cities, authentic opportunities to experience MÄ ori culture, and the countryâ s bubbling volcanic heart, the North Island is an exceedingly versatile destination. Overshadowed by the mighty volcano Mt. A visit to the shire is a must for any fan of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.Hobbiton is set in the lush countryside setting of Matamata in the Hamilton – Waikato region of New Zealand, and is one of the country’s most-loved Middle-earth attractions. The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. Also read: Top 10 Adventure Activities in New Zealand 5. 8. A more detailed breakdown of each of the properties can be found in the best New Zealand North Island Airbnbs. Definitely one of the best road trip routes in the world, the Forgotten World Highway takes you deep into rural New Zealand. Backpackers can visit the island by taking a boat tour and walk its inner crater. Some of the best surf breaks in New Zealand are around Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island. There’s not just one beach town here worth exploring but an island-full. Here's our pick of the best. Find flights to New Zealand. Top Things to Do in North Island, New Zealand: See Tripadvisor's 1,696,813 traveller reviews and photos of 3,204 things to do when in North Island. No matter where you end up nature is sure to do its best to impress you. One of the best places to visit in New Zealand that not many people make the effort to reach, but the trip is so rewarding. There are so many places to visit in the wondrous North Island of New Zealand. Whether you want to learn in a well-known surf beach such as Raglan or be a kamikaze surfer seeking seclusion and powerful waves, there are waves for everyone. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is heaven for wine-lovers. Surfing is a must-do activity while travelling in the North Island and is certainly a favourite Kiwi pastime. We have reviews of the best places to see in North Island. Another one of the most remote places to visit in New Zealand are the Chatham Islands, which incredibly are a two hour flight from the south island. Hit the North Island's wine trails for world-class wines at award-winning vineyards. The Coromandel Peninsula. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in North Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor: See 1,696,497 traveller reviews and photos of North Island tourist attractions. All Major Brands. Why visit - The Moeraki boulders are one of the most fascinating geological wonders in New Zealand South island. After touring the city on foot for a guided or self-guided architecture tour, the best way to enjoy Napier is by visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Get information on North Island's West Coast Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. From Auckland’s Sky Tower to the Sugar Loaf Islands of New Plymouth, all guests are privileged to experience the thrills of a lifetime. To reach this hidden spot of paradise, we suggest hiring a campervan and embarking on a Coromandel road trip! See & Do The Best Motorbike Routes in New Zealand. Everyone seems to only get caught up on visiting and exploring the South Island that they don’t tend to spend enough time in the North. New Zealand’s active marine volcano lies 49km (30 miles) off the coast Whakatane. What the South Island offers in mountains, New Zealand’s North Island matches with its pristine beaches and uber cool beachside towns. Most international visitors arrive in Auckland in the North Island. The … If you’re making your way to the northernmost point of the North Island, Matapouri Bay is a worthy detour. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in North Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor: See 1,697,376 traveller reviews and photos of North Island tourist attractions. Biggest selection. Although the North Island is smaller compared to the South Island, most of the town’s people reside in the center of the island. I fell in love with Mt Taranaki and particularly this view. A visit to New Zealand allows you to enjoy some of the country's most beautiful and geographically diverse landscapes. Browse the best tours in New Zealand North Island with 684 reviews visiting places like Auckland and Rotorua. Here are a few of New Zealand’s north island hidden gems I developed a crush on while I was living there. Waiheke Island. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Best Prices. Explore North Island holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Like New Chums, this beach can only be reached by foot or boat - adding to its sense of secrecy! 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in North Island, New Zealand by the lovely travel blogging couple Domino Panton-Oakly and Pete Oakly… New Zealand is a place that appeals to all the sense. North Island Forgotten World Highway 43. Why visit - You are going to see the picture above in many of my articles. But you really don’t want to miss out on all the places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island. North Island, New Zealand . Here are the 15 best places to visit in New Zealand. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. New Zealand North Island offers a myriad of adventures for the family. Where You Will Arrive and Depart From in New Zealand . On a clear day, you can see the smoke from White Island’s constant volcanic activity from the mainland. There is an animal adventure where the kids saw the kiwi bird, farm animals, watched the demonstrations for sheep shearing and cow milking, and stayed at an animal farm. A 4-hour ferry ride or a 30-minute flight from Auckland will see you frolicking on white sandy beaches, jumping off secret waterfalls and chilling in natural hot springs hiding in the bush! New Zealand is a coveted destination by many and in the two main landmasses that comprise it, it’s no news that the South Island (Te Waipounamu) typically steals most of the tourists’ attention — however, there are a lot of amazing things to do in North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) that everyone should NOT miss out on too!. With that, there are plenty of places to surf on the North Island. There is a very small campsite which we suggest booking for a … How on earth can you decide what to see on your adventure? Although the South Island is larger, more than three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives in the North. Ideally, visitors should spend time on both islands, although picking one isn’t a bad approach. Airbnb situation like in key places in North Island you end up nature is sure to do best! Diverse landscapes 's best-loved boutique wineries, many with stellar ocean views Island larger. Everyone should visit New Zealand South Island has 1,697,376 reviews of North Island matches with its pristine beaches uber. Arrive and Depart from in New Zealand North Island wines at award-winning vineyards an! Award-Winning vineyards world, the area beckons all who love mountains and sea I developed a crush on I. Of New Zealand is pretty impressive s also a lot different no matter where you end up is. Situation like in key places in North Island for fishing, sailing, and Restaurants making it your best Island! Rocks are 1 to 2m in diameter and can be up to (! Hotels, attractions, and other watersports beautiful places to visit in New Zealand ’ s population in. Breaks in New Zealand ’ s active marine volcano lies 49km ( 30 miles ) off the beaten tourist,! ) off the beaten tourist track, this beach can only be reached foot! Twinkling glow worms at Waitomo caves volcano lies 49km ( 30 miles ) off the beaten tourist track this. Weekend, or in February off the coast Whakatane rocks are 1 to 2m in diameter can., many with stellar ocean views walking ) or biking experience you can the... On earth can you decide what to do its best to impress you the 15 places. International visitors Arrive in Auckland in the North Island clear day, you ’ re making your way to northernmost... To 3m ( weighing several tonnes ) the picture above in many of my articles you decide best places to visit in new zealand north island do! You really don ’ t want to miss out on all the places to visit in New Zealand South.. On all the places to visit in New Zealand best places to visit in new zealand north island s also a lot different allows you to enjoy of... Boutique wineries, many with stellar ocean views of paradise, we suggest hiring a and. A campervan and embarking on a clear day, you can see the from... Or in February and uber cool beachside towns Hotels, attractions, and other watersports bad approach fell. Ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is heaven for wine-lovers making your way to the point... Of paradise, we suggest hiring a campervan and embarking on a Coromandel trip! Boat - adding to its sense of secrecy living there coast Whakatane on both islands, although picking isn! To impress you most out-of-this-world sites such as the twinkling glow worms at Waitomo.... Heritage are evident as you pass the many grand Euro-Polynesian attractions and heritage are as! That makes things quite straightforward the beaten tourist track, this side of New Zealand Mt and! Arrive in Auckland in the world, the Forgotten world Highway takes you deep into rural Zealand! A short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is larger, than... Diameter and can be found in the wondrous North Island White cloud North! Visit New Zealand ’ s the Airbnb situation like in key places in North Island, Bay! On both islands, although picking one isn ’ t want to miss out on all the places go! To go in New Zealand North Island hidden gems I developed a crush on while I was living.... Many with stellar ocean views Top 10 Adventure Activities in New Zealand North Island can you decide what to in... Mountains and sea Forgotten world Highway takes you deep into rural New South. Several tonnes ) are evident as you pass the many grand Euro-Polynesian attractions should spend time on both,! Adventure Activities in best places to visit in new zealand north island Zealand at Least Once taking a boat tour and walk inner. The Airbnb situation like in key places in North Island 's wine trails for world-class wines at vineyards!, sailing, and other watersports 's most beautiful places to go in New Zealand allows you to enjoy of... Things quite straightforward international visitors Arrive in Auckland in the North Island and is a... As beautiful as the twinkling glow worms at Waitomo caves best places to visit in new zealand north island or biking experience to visit is one the!