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
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

Featured North Island Tour Packages
- 7 Day North Island Coach Tour: Northern Delights
- 7 Day North Island Tour: Northern Explorer
- 5 Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary: Thermal Discovery Coach Tour
- 5 Day North Island Self Drive Tour: Thermal Wonder
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

