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

All North Island New Zealand Tours >

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

Find Your Perfect Activity

Puketi Night Walk

Puketi Forest Walking & Hiking Family & Kids Nature

2.5–3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the dark secrets of Puketi Forest, an ancient kauri rainforest located 40 minutes from Paihia With over 360 indigenous species of plants, this subtropical rainforest is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. This intimate guided tour takes you into the forest at twilight where you experience the transition from day to night.

Day in the Bay Cruise

Paihia Wharf, Bay of Islands Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Day in the Bay Cruise is a scenic and relaxing boat tour exploring the stunning Bay of Islands. Enjoy a full day on the water, discovering secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, including dolphins and seabirds. The cruise includes stops at picturesque islands, where you can swim, snorkel, or hike to breathtaking

Russell Mini Tour

Russell City Tours

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Russell Mini Tour NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS Starting in Russell, take a one hour guided tour of this romantic seaside township, steeped in history with a very chequered past. Travel aboard an air conditioned mini-coach as you go back in time with stories from your knowledgeable guide taking you back to the earliest settlers.

Tandem Skydive 12,000ft

Kerikeri Active & Adventure

2-3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Tandem Skydive – New Zealand’s Ultimate Freefall Experience A Tandem Skydive in New Zealand is the kind of experience you never forget—equal parts adventure, adrenaline, and pure magic. Located just 6 minutes from Kerikeri and 20 minutes from Paihia, this world‑class drop zone offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you can skydive over anywhere

Sundowner Sailing

Marsden Rd, Paihia Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

This short Sundowner sail on board the tall ship R.Tucker Thompson is perfect if you don’t have time for a full day in the Bay but still want a unique tall ship experience. Departing from Russell wharf at 4pm, the trip is a relaxing sail through the inner Bay around the area of Paihia, Waitangi

Full Day Sail from Russell

Bay of Islands Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Sail a Historic Tall Ship in the Bay of Islands – Eco‑Friendly Day Cruise from Russell Experience the rare opportunity to sail on a working tall ship in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking regions — the Bay of Islands. Departing from Russell, you’ll glide across the water with the wind at your back, making

Bay of Islands Dolphin Cruise & Wildlife Guided Day Trip

Paihia Wharf Wildlife & Beaches Boat Cruises & Water Activities

6 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Bay of Islands Dolphin Cruise Join us on our wildlife cruise, and view penguins and dolphins in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Experience the Beautiful Waters of the Bay of Islands Experience the bay’s stunning wildlife in comfort and eco-friendly style aboard our 50ft sailing catamaran, Carino NZ. As a licensed operator for dolphin watching

Ocean Adventure to the Hole in the Rock

Bay of Islands Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Ocean Adventure NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS Experience the thrill of Ocean Adventure – the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock on this 1.5 hour experience. Relax in state of the art suspension seating for a safe and comfortable ride as you fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay

Darryl’s Dinner Cruise

Paihia Wharf Food & Wine Boat Cruises & Water Activities

2.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Darryl’s Dinner Cruise – Relaxing Paihia River Experience Depart from Paihia Wharf and step aboard for Darryl’s Dinner Cruise, a unique way to explore the calm inland waterways. The custom-built river cruising boat features comfortable leather seating, making your journey relaxing and enjoyable. Scenic Cruise to Haruru Falls During Darryl’s Dinner Cruise, glide along the

Dolphin Eco Cruise

Maritime Building, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Dolphin Eco Cruise in the Bay of Islands Depart from Paihia Wharf and set off on a memorable journeythrough the breathtaking Bay of Islands. Cruise across calm, crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine environments. As you glide along, watch for dolphins playing nearby, along with whales, seals, and