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

Tamaki Maori Village – Maori Culture

Rotorua Māori Culture

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Magic of Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua If you are looking for a deep connection to New Zealand’s indigenous culture, Tamaki Maori Village offers an unparalleled journey. Nestled within an ancient Tawa forest in Rotorua, this award-winning destination invites you to discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals, and long-standing traditions. Consequently, guests do

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Rotorua Family & Kids Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Thrill of the Rotorua NZ Luge Looking for breathtaking views and heart-pumping fun in one unforgettable outing? A ride on the Rotorua NZ luge, combined with the scenic Skyline Gondola, delivers both in spectacular fashion. Soar to New Heights on the Skyline Gondola Your adventure begins aboard one of the eight-seater gondola cabins.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter

Rotorua Nature Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience Conservation at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter – Permanently closed The Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter offers a rare look at New Zealand’s national icon. First, visitors enjoy an exclusive tour of a working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Although the main Rainbow Springs Nature Park is permanently closed, this specialized facility remains open. We dedicate

Paradise Valley Springs

467 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua Wildlife & Beaches Nature Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Paradise Valley Springs: Rotorua’s Premier Wildlife & Nature Experience Paradise Valley Springs is one of Rotorua’s most beloved wildlife parks, offering close‑up encounters with animals commonly found wild around New Zealand. Visitors can hand‑feed deer, pigs, thar, wallabies, and other friendly creatures as they explore the park’s peaceful native bush setting. The lively Streamside Farmwalk is

Nzone Skydiving Rotorua – 12,000 / 15,000 ft jump

Rotorua Airport Active & Adventure

2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Experience the Thrill of Skydiving Rotorua Do you have what it takes to jump from an aircraft at 12,000 or 15,000 feet? Skydiving Rotorua offers exactly that kind of adrenaline-fueled adventure, and it takes real courage to step out that door. The Ultimate Free Fall Experience Harnessed to an experienced, qualified Jumpmaster using space-age materials,

Lakeland Queen – Lunch Cruise

Rotorua Family & Kids Nature Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Mid-Day Magic: Experience Lakeland Queen Cruises If you need a quick and refreshing getaway mid-day, look no further than our iconic lakefront experience. Specifically, the lakeland queen cruises offer a perfect blend of lovely views, delicious food, and wonderful staff. This 1-hour Express Lunch Cruise is designed to make you feel completely re-energized for the

Kawarau Jet Lake Rotorua

Rotorua Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Kawarau Jet Lake Rotorua – SkyJet Combo Adventure Experience two of Rotorua’s most iconic adventure activities in one unforgettable package with the Kawarau Jet Lake Rotorua SkyJet Combo. This thrilling experience blends the speed, spins, and adrenaline of jet boating with the breathtaking freedom of parasailing high above Lake Rotorua. The Ultimate SkyJet Combo We’ve

Kawarau Jet Parasailing

Rotorua Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Take Flight with Kawarau Jet Parasailing Looking for a truly unique way to see the sights? Kawarau Jet parasailing offers an exhilarating experience where you can sit back, relax, and soar up to 400 feet above the water, taking in some of the best views in the world. A Thrilling Yet Relaxing Adventure Unlike many

Kawarau Jet

Rotorua Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Feel the Thrill with Kawarau Jet on Lake Rotorua Looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Rotorua? Welcome to Kawarau Jet, based on the scenic shores of Lake Rotorua, New Zealand. If any jet boat ride truly lives up to its promise of speed, spins, and adrenaline, it’s this one. An Experience Riders Won’t Forget You’ll

Agroventures Adventure Park

Rotorua Active & Adventure Family & Kids

Half Day

Price:Included in Tour Package

Experience the Ultimate Rush at Agroventures Adventure Park Rotorua If you are searching for the absolute peak of adrenaline in New Zealand, then look no further. Agroventures Adventure Park Rotorua stands as the country’s premier high-octane playground, offering a unique blend of speed, height, and innovation. Since the park first opened the world’s first commercial