North Island New Zealand: top 10 must-see attractions

New Zealand’s North Island is packed with adventure. From thermal hot springs, tropical beaches, and enough waterfalls to keep you chasing them every day, this island (Te Ika-a-Māui) is nothing short of spectacular.

From the tip-top of New Zealand to the city lights in Wellington, you will witness some of the major highlights including hiking trails, Maori cultural evenings, and even the original Hobbiton movie set. We have uncovered some New Zealand must-do’s just for you.

With some of the country’s finest beaches, volcanoes and cultural sites nestled in the North Island you will want to follow along with our bucket list below!

1. Find paradise at Piha Beach

Stretching along the wild west coast of New Zealand, yes it is just as wild in the South Island, you will find Piha Beach. The moody black sands, hidden walkways, and a rock that looks like a lion's head, we kid you not! Piha Beach is a coastal playground welcoming brave surfers to test their skills in the famously wild surf or explore the rocky terrain surrounding the long stretch of sand. Short day walks, hidden waterfalls, blowholes, and even secret swim spots, Piha is the perfect place to spend the night and watch the sunset over the ocean. There is also a campsite right next to the beach, a great escape from a bustling Auckland just 45 minutes west of the city.

2. Be mesmerised by the glow-worm at Waitomo Caves

There are three caves and three ways to explore the Waitomo Caves but nothing beats squeezing into a wetsuit and jumping back into a network of underground rapids to get your heart pumping. With an abundance of stunning rock formations underground and an impressive sky of Glow Worms leading you through this diverse cave system, this is a real New Zealand must-do! Did you know that the incredible Arachnocampa Luminosa, glow-worm species is found exclusively in New Zealand?

3. Ride the Wellington Cable Car

You may have seen this New Zealand icon on postcards, in guide books, and doing the rounds on Instagram. Famously photographed with the Wellington skyline perfectly placed behind, this five-minute ride will get you to some of the best views in the city. For over one hundred years locals and visitors have enjoyed the ride from the heart of the city through the terraced hillside to a perfectly perched lookout. Enjoy easy access to the Wellington Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, and Zealandia, a place to see more of New Zealand’s (wildlife) icons.

4. Visit the northernmost part of New Zealand

If you have a thing for lighthouses and ticking off the ultimate in North Island must-do’s, Cape Reinga should sit right at the top of your list. Cape Reinga is a lighthouse found at the top of the North Island. A beautiful drive and a short walk will lead you to what feels like the end of the Earth. Did you know that this is where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a swirl of current creating a distinct line of colour in the ocean? Cape Reinga is significant in Maori culture and it is here that you will find a Pohutukawa tree, believed to be over 800 years old. According to Maori oral history, the spirits of deceased Maori leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. It’s where the spirits go home and it is such a magic spot to visit.

5. Experience Middle Earth - Hobbiton & Weta workshops

“I’m going on an adventure” we heard you exclaim as your set off on your North Island road trip, why not channel your inner Bilbo Baggins and visit the real Hobbiton Set in Matamata in the Waikato. New Zealand is the only place in the world where you can fully immerse yourself in the Hobbit way of life, with 44 Hobbit holes, Bilbo’s house, an artificial lake, and laneways all leading to the Green Dragon Pub. After a two-hour tour of this immaculately kept film set, you can settle down in front of the fire for a cider at the Green Dragon, complete with Hobbit capes and all. If you are bypassing Matamata but still want some Lord of The Rings action then The Weta Workshops in Wellington is for you. Dive into a world of creative props, costumes, and movie-making magic. Learn about how the artists and creatives brought some of your favourite on-screen characters to life.

6. Marvel at Cathedral Cove

There are many incredible beaches peppered up the West and East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island but Cathedral Cove is the cherry on top. This naturally formed archway is one of the most popular coast attractions in New Zealand, and rightfully so. A short 2.5km walk from the town of Hahai on the Coromandel Peninsula will lead you to the stunning Cathedral Cove. Best to visit at low tide so you can walk through the rock formation and truly appreciate the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water on both sides. Take your time, work on your tan, swim in the ocean, and admire the view.

7. Dig your very own geothermal pool at hot water beach

You heard us right, you can dig a thermal pool at Hot Water Beach. Found on the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, this natural phenomenon gets its name from an underground river of heated water passing through, resulting in two hot springs ready for you to dig out two hours on either side of low tide. Create your spa-like pool and relax to the sound of crashing ocean waves. If you have a shovel, bring it, if not you can rent one from the local town to take part in this unique natural spa experience.

8. Discover the culture in Rotorua

The Māori are the Tangata Whenua, the indigenous people of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago and Rotorua is one of the best places to learn about their rich history. There are many ways to learn about the culture here but the Tamaki Maori Village is a great place to start. With performances, a living village walkthrough and a traditional Hangi buffet to finish, this is an immersive and beautifully curated experience. You will circulate through the forest learning about the traditional clothing, tattoos, and societal roles before watching the popular Haka performance and more. A Hangi is a way of cooking in the Earth, the food is very, very tasty so enjoy every mouthful!

9. Walk the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Heralded as one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand the 19.4 Kilometre journey will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. This duel world heritage site is home to volcanic peaks Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Ruapehu. Surrounded by volcanos, steaming vents and ancient lava flows, the Tongariro Alpine crossing is filled with some of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever witness. A reasonable level of fitness is required for the crossing and the reward of Emerald Lakes is well worth the uphill climbs.

10. Chase after Whangarei Watefall

You are never far away from a secret or not-so-secret swimming hole and waterfall here in NZ, so don’t listen to the song, you should always chase waterfalls! Especially here on the North Island of New Zealand. Whangarei Falls is arguable the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand and is only a short ten-minute drive from the main town of Whangerei. A 20-minute loop track will take you to the base of the falls, top tip – walk away from the crowds behind the bridge for your own private little paradise.

Are you full of knowledge and ready to set off on your own New Zealand camper van road trip?