Where to snap the most incredible IG photos on NZ's North Island?

It’s no secret how beautiful the New Zealand landscape is. From mountains, glaciers, epic coastline, and rainforests the land of the long white cloud is a photographer's dream.

It may be small in size but this little land is incredibly diverse and lucky for all road trippers there is a plethora of hikes, hot spots, and adventures along the route.

The North Island, also officially named Te Ika-a-Māui offers island sanctuaries, pristine beaches, and the bustling capital city of Wellington. Well known for its culture and truly diverse landscapes a North Island road trip is filled with epic scenes, popular filming locations, and geothermal wonders. If mountains or beaches are your things then you will find and fall in love with them on this Island.

Whether you are the next big thing on IG or a shutter-happy traveller, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to travelling around New Zealand.

Keep reading for our guide to the most Instagrammable spots on New Zealand's North Island.

10 most insta-worthy destinations on the North Island

1. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

It would be rude not to start with one of the most famous spots on the North Island. Cape Reinga Lighthouse. No trip to the north is complete without a visit to the northernmost point of the country. A beautiful drive and a short walk will lead you to what feels like the end of the earth. Here you will find the lighthouse and also, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a swirl of current creating a distinct line in the ocean.

2.The Tutukaka coastal road

The Twin Coast Discovery Highway leads you around the Tutukaka Coastal Road. Are you dreaming about white sandy beaches? This coastal road is peppered with incredible ocean views, diving trips, surf, paddle boarding, and more. Matapouri and Sandy Bay are favourite stops as is a day trip out to Poor Knights island. Don’t forget your underwater cam for this trip!

3. Piha Beach – Lions Rock

The black sand beaches at Piha are pretty epic. This beach is renowned for its surfing and epic scenery. The surrounding native forest is the perfect playground and if you want to capture the most magical shots outside the bustle of Auckland then hike up the iconic Lion Rock, boasting great scenes at sunset and incredible views over the ocean.

4. Cathedral Cove – Coromandel

Step into Narnia (literally, the movie was filmed here) and explore Cathedral cove. This incredible rock formation is probably one of the most famous Instagram spots in New Zealand. You will find beautiful beaches, tropical-looking waters, and an iconic hole in the rock that makes for the best gram’ photos! It’s best to visit at sunrise to avoid the crowds and hit low tide.

5. The Mount – Mount Maunganui

It is a right of passage here in the Mount to wake up for sunrise and climb to the top of the mountain that sits proudly in the middle of this small coastal town. Is it worth it? You bet you it is. A short 45-minute hike will reward you with stunning views over the bay of plenty. Take your time up here and explore the summit before heading back down for your first smoothie bowl of the day.

6. Hobbiton – Matamata

Step into real Middle Earth and wander around the man-made movie set that is still standing today, 20 years on. No matter if you are a Lord of the Rings fanatic or lover of the Hobbit film series, the magic of Hobbiton shouldn’t be missed. Make sure you book the first tour to grab the shots with no people and meander through the shire ending at the Green Dragon for a good old Hobbit brew to finish the experience.

7. Emerald Lakes – Tongariro National Park

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s great walks but, it can be partly hiked in a day. Traverse through epic volcanic landscapes passing through contrasting lush rainforests and glacial valleys. This demanding day hike will lead you to one of the most epic spots in the whole of New Zealand. The Emerald Lakes, sacred to the Maori and perfectly preserved as they should be. Be very prepared when it comes to tackling this hike, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

8.Pouakai Tarns – Mount Taranaki

Don’t pack away the hiking boots just yet. This is a favourite spot among all that carry a camera around the North Island. Prepare for an ascent like no other, with lots of wooden staircases and a 10km zig-zag to the top you will be ready to rest and take in the views. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Taranaki reflecting off the alpine tarn is a view one you won't be forgetting in a hurry. If you fancy a night away from your campervan, stay the night in the backcountry hut so you can visit the tarns at sunrise and sunset.

9. Redwoods – Rotorua

Have you heard of a forest so old that some reach dizzying heights of 75 meters tall? The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua is an epic spot to start your day. Grab your early morning golden hour shits for the gram and spend the rest of the day exploring through this magical forest. With a treetop walkway, mountain bike tracks, hiking trails, and a forest brimming with the culture you might find yourself adding a few days to the itinerary.

10. Mount Victoria – Wellington

It’s not all coastal roads and scenic highways. The North Island is also full of bright, bustling cities that require a bit of attention too. See Wellington, New Zealand's capital from above on a sunset mission to Mount Victoria. Boasting impressive views over the city and the harbour and many different vantage points you can spend the whole evening exploring high up here.

So there you have it wandering folk. A round-up of some of the most Instagrammable locations on New Zealand's North Island. Pack your cameras in your backpacks, chuck in the extra batteries, and hit the road for one epic journey around Te Ika-a-Māui

Lastly, find the perfect campervan rental on the North Island of New Zealand for your road trip!