North Island

North Island Regions

North Island is an easy destination to explore, offering a warm climate, stunning scenery, and rich cultural experiences. The island stretches from the subtropical far north to the volcanic landscapes at its center, giving travelers a wide variety of sights and activities to enjoy.

The Bay of Islands is a great starting point, renowned for its calm beaches, island cruises, and historic sites, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. In Auckland, you’ll find a lively mix of restaurants, harbors, and museums, along with nearby beaches and vineyards.

Further south, Rotorua is one of the most popular stops on the North Island. It’s famous for bubbling mud pools, geysers, hot springs, and strong Māori cultural traditions. Nearby, the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata offers a fun, scenic experience for film fans.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves provide a peaceful, magical underground adventure, where thousands of glowworms light up the dark caverns. For outdoor lovers, Tongariro National Park features dramatic volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Travelers can easily add optional North Island day tours, activities, and attractions to their itinerary. These are perfect for filling free days and can be worked into both pre-planned and tailor-made trips. Whether you enjoy nature, culture, adventure, or relaxed sightseeing, the North Island has something for every type of traveler.

Things to Do in North Island

Auckland ○ Bay of Plenty ○ Coromandel ○ Gisborne & Eastland ○ Hamilton – Waikato ○ Hawke’s Bay ○ Manawatu – Wanganui ○ Napier ○ New Plymouth ○ Northland & Bay of Islands ○ Rotorua ○ Ruapehu ○ Taranaki ○ Taupo ○ Tauranga & Mount Maunganui ○ Wellington & Wairarapa

BEST 15 North Island Day Tours & Tourist Attractions

Mount Hikurangi, North Island, Photo: Eric Hanson

North Island Attractions Map & Trip Planner

Explore the best tourist attractions of the North Island with the help of our Google Maps. Get directions to your desired destination and enjoy your North Island self-drive tour.

North Island Map & Regions

North Island New Zealand Map - Day Tours

Featured North Island Tour Packages

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Every day a different journey: North Island 100% Pure New Zealand

Find Your Perfect Activity

Eco Thermal Park Morning Tour: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

Rotorua Volcanic & Geothermal

4.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Eco Thermal Park Rotorua Come and explore the top geothermal parks in Rotorua with our intimate small group tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of the hot springs and otherworldly landscapes at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Witness the awe-inspiring eruption of the famous Lady Knox geyser. Then, venture to Waimangu Volcanic Valley and discover the

Paradise Valley Entrance

Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua Nature

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Paradise Valley Rotorua: This beautifully presented wildlife park is nestled amongst the tranquil native bush, just 15 15-minute drive from Rotorua’s center. You’ll be able to interact with a variety of animals found in the wild throughout New Zealand, including Deer Pigs Sheep Wallabies Rainbow and brown trout Crystal clear pools Trout streams Hand feed-friendly

Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools by Jet Boat

Departing from Rotorua lakeside Active & Adventure

2-2.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Departing from Rotorua lakeside, travel at high speed across scenic Lake Rotorua to Lake Rotoiti. Only accessible by water the beautiful and peaceful Manupirua Hot Springs are a hidden local gem. Eight mineral hot pools are nestled on the edge of the lake surrounded by native flora and fauna. Here you can enjoy a one-hour

Mt Tarawera Crater Heli Fly / Drive Combo

Rotorua Scenic Flights

3.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Mt Tarawera Crater Heli Fly/Drive Combo, Rotorua This unique experience takes visitors to Mt Tarawera by helicopter, taking in the scenic wonders from the air, before landing on Mt Tarawera for a guided crater walk experience. Departing from Rotorua’s lakefront, enjoy the expansive views and beautiful Mt Tarawera from above before landing for a privileged

Mt Tarawera Half Day Crater Walk

Rotorua Volcanic & Geothermal Walking & Hiking

Half Day

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Mt Tarawera Crater Walk: Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption in 1886. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360-degree panoramic views, this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to

Kaituna White Water Sledging – Grade 3

Kaituna River, Rotorua Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

3-4 Hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

There is something for everyone on this excursion – beautiful native scenery and awesome rapids as you take on the river at eye level. Navigate your vessel down the river, through eddies and rapids, propelled only by the flippers on your feet. Professional and knowledgeable guides will provide a full safety briefing and the clothing

Kaituna White Water Rafting – Grade 5

Rotorua Active & Adventure

3.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Professional and knowledgeable guides will provide a full safety briefing and quality river clothing and equipment for the three-hour journey ahead. Snake through steep native bush-clad canyons and over 14 awesome rapids and 3 waterfalls including the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Blended with touches of Maori culture, this trip offers it all,

The Hell’s Gate Experience Rotorua

Rotorua Hot Pools & Health Spas Family & Kids

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Ancient Healing Waters: Discover The Hell’s Gate Rotorua If you want to witness the raw power of the earth, you should visit The Hell’s Gate Rotorua. This legendary site sits just 15 minutes from central Rotorua. Here, the ground literally boils and steam vanishes into the clouds. Consequently, it feels like a place where Māori

National Kiwi Hatchery Tour

Rainbow Springs, Rotorua Nature Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:

The National Kiwi Hatchery offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes look at kiwi conservation efforts in New Zealand. The facility plays a crucial role in protecting and breeding these endangered native birds. Located in Rainbow Springs, Rotorua, the hatchery provides guided tours where visitors can observe kiwi chicks and learn about the incubation process. Expert guides

Jade Highlights Tour Rotorua

Rotorua City Tours

2-3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Pounamu (also known as Jade or Greenstone) is treasured deeply in New Zealand for its strength, beauty, and connection to the Maori spiritual world. Over millions of years, it has formed, forged deep under the mountains, and concealed in the rivers. It is rare and no two pieces are the same. Located in the Rotorua