TOP 10 PLACES ON THE NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

04/03/2025

1. HOBBITON

The North Island of New Zealand is livelier, warmer and more geologically active than the South Island. You'll find volcanoes, geysers, thermal springs, beautiful beaches, rainforests and modern cities like Auckland and Wellington. The island is also a cultural centre for the Maori.

Hobbiton, located on the North Island, is one of the most iconic film locations in New Zealand and attracts Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans from all over the world. Located on the North Island in the Waikato region, near Matamata, it offers a unique insight into the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien.

WHAT WILL YOU SEE IN THE HOBBITON?

Hobbit Houses - Houses with picturesque round doors set in green hills.
The Inn at the Green Dragon - An authentic pub where you can enjoy beer, cider or soft drinks that have been specially created for this attraction.
The Mill and Bridge - Picturesque nooks and crannies with a small lake that add to the idyllic atmosphere of Hobbiton.
Green Farm (Alexander Farm) - The vast pastures that became the basis for the cinematic landscape of the Shire.
Movie Details - Clothed tables, gardening tools, laundry hanging on lines all create the impression of a lively hobbit village.

FUN FACTS

The original sets were only temporary during the filming of The Lord of the Rings and were dismantled after production.
When The Hobbit was filmed, the studio decided to build a permanent version of The Hobbit, which visitors can see today.
Peter Jackson and his team spent months detailing the setting to make it look as if the hobbits had lived there for hundreds of years.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Standard tours last about 2 hours, but there are also extended versions with a meal or evening illumination. The best time to visit is summer (December-February) when the North Island is at its warmest. On the other hand, spring and autumn bring beautiful colourful scenery.

Tickets must be booked in advance, especially in high season, even several weeks in advance. To make a reservation, visit the website https://www.hobbitontours.com/. It is best to book the first or last tour. This will give you more space to take photos as there will be no one in front of/behind you.

Most visitors arrive by their own car, but you can also take advantage of organised tours from Auckland or Rotorua.

2. TONGARIO NATIONAL PARK

Tongariro National Park is one of the most important natural and cultural sites in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, it is known for its dramatic landscape, active volcanoes and its importance to the local Maori. It was established in 1887 as the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered the best day hike in New Zealand.

Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu volcanoes are located here. These are active volcanoes that give the park a dramatic appearance. Mount Ngauruhoe was made famous as "Mount Doom" in the Lord of the Rings movie.

TONGARIO ALPINE CROSSING

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered the best day hike in New Zealand and one of the most beautiful in the world. It passes through the dramatic volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park.

BASIC INFORMATION

Length: 19.4 km (one way).
Altitude: 800 m up, 1100 m down.
Difficulty: moderate to difficult (volcanic terrain, climbs, unpredictable weather).
Walking time: 6-8 hours.
Highest point: Red Crater (1886 m).
Transportation: you need a shuttle bus (starts and ends at other places). You can make a reservation on the website https://tongarirocrossingshuttles.co.nz/
Season: best from October to April, avalanche danger in winter.

WHAT TO BRING?

Sturdy trekking boots (the volcanic terrain is rough).
Warm and waterproof clothing (weather changes quickly).
Headlamp (if you are starting early in the morning).
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat (strong UV rays).
Food and energy snacks.
At least 2-3 litres of water (no drinking water on the trail).

3. EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

Egmont National Park, also known as Taranaki Egmont NP, is located on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and is dominated by the iconic Mount Taranaki volcano. The park is one of the oldest in New Zealand (established in 1900) and is popular for its dramatic volcanic scenery, rainforest and spectacular hiking trails.

One of the routes is the Pouakai Circuit. This is a three-day trek with spectacular views of Mount Taranaki and the iconic reflection of the volcano at Pouakai Tarn. If you have no time to spare, you can take the route to Manganui Mountain Lodge, leading from the Stratford Plateau car park. It will only take you an hour each way.

4. AUCKLAND

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and an important economic and cultural centre. Located on the North Island between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland is known for its beautiful scenery, active lifestyle and rich history.

BASIC INFORMATION

Population: approximately 1.7 million (about a third of New Zealand's population).
Location: the North Island, between Waitematā and Manukau bays.
Nickname: "City of Sails" (because of the large concentration of yachts and boats).
Volcanic areas: the city is built on more than 50 extinct volcanoes.
Cultural diversity: Auckland is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with a large community of Maori, Pacific Islanders and immigrants from Asia and Europe.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN AUCKLAND

Sky tower - The tallest building in the southern hemisphere (328 m). For more information, please visit the website https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/.
Auckland War Memorial Museum - Contains rich collections on New Zealand's history, Maori and war conflicts. For more information, see the website https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau) - Auckland's highest natural point (196m) - a volcanic cone with a crater.

5. WELLINGTON

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the southernmost capital city in the world. Located on the southern tip of the North Island, it is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture and vibrant café scene. It is often nicknamed "Windy Wellington" because of the strong winds that blow across the Cook Strait.

BASIC INFORMATION

Population: approximately 220,000 (metropolitan area 420,000)
Location: Southern part of the North Island, at Cook Strait.
Capital status: Capital since 1865 (replaced Auckland).

MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN WELLINGTON

Te Papa Tongarewa - National Museum of New Zealand. For more information, please visit the website https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/.
Wellington Cable Car - Historic cable car connecting the city centre with Kelburn Lookout. Book via the website https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz/.
Mount Victoria Lookout - The best panoramic view of the city and harbour.
Zealandia (Eco-park) - A unique reserve protecting New Zealand's native flora and fauna. For more information, visit the website https://www.visitzealandia.com/.

FERRY BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH ISLAND

The ferry between Wellington and Picton is one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. The Cook Strait cruise offers breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains and fjords of the Marlborough Sounds. The ferry is operated by two main carriers - Interislander and Bluebridge.

INTERISLANDER:

Fleet: Kaitaki, Aratere, Valentine
Sailing schedule: 3-5 departures per day.
Sailing time: 3-3,5 hours
Benefits: more space, children's playrooms, restaurants, better stability at sea
Price: slightly more expensive than Bluebridge
Booking: https://www.interislander.co.nz/

BLUEBRIDGE:

Fleet: Straitsman, Strait Feronia
Sailing schedule: 2-4 departures per day.
Sailing time: 3-3,5 hours
Benefits: overnight stay in cabins
Price: slightly cheaper than Interislander
Booking: https://www.bluebridge.co.nz/

6. HUKA FALLS WATERFALL

Huka Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in New Zealand. This massive waterfall is located on the Waikato River near Taupō on the North Island. About 220,000 litres of water flow through it every second, which is like 9 Olympic swimming pools per minute.

About 220,000 litres of water per second flow through the waterfall, which is equivalent to 9 Olympic swimming pools per minute.

The Waikato River, which is normally about 100 metres wide, narrows into a 15-metre rock gorge in front of the falls. This narrow space causes extreme acceleration of the water, which falls with tremendous energy, creating bubbling turquoise water.

There is an easy 1.6km trail along the Waikato River. There are several viewpoints that are ideal for photography.

HUKA FALLS JET BOAT

One of the best ways to experience the power of Huka Falls is on an adrenaline-pumping speedboat ride that takes you right up to the waterfall itself. For more information, including booking options, visit the website at https://www.hukafallsjet.com/.

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Helicopter flights offer a bird's eye view of the waterfall and the adjacent Lake Taupō area. Flights are operated by Heli Adventure Flights from the helipad at The Hub Café. For more information, visit the website at https://www.helicoptertours.co.nz/.

7. ROTORUA

Rotorua is one of the most unique places in New Zealand, known for its geothermal activity, Maori culture and adventure activities. Located on the North Island, about 3 hours drive from Auckland, it offers a fascinating landscape of bubbling mud pools, geysers and hot springs.

GEOTHERMAL AREAS

Rotorua is one of the best places in the world to observe geothermal phenomena. Among the most famous are the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, located 30 km from Rotorua, and Te Puia, home of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere (gushing up to 30 m high). For more information, visit the website https://www.waiotapu.co.nz/.

MAORI VILLAGE

Rotorua is the best place in New Zealand to experience Maori culture. There is a Maori village here, with performances of the Haka martial dance, Maori chants and the preparation of a hangi (cooked in the ground) dinner. For more information, visit the website https://te-pa-tu.com/.

RAFTING ON THE KAITUNA RIVER

Participants have the opportunity to rappel down 14 rapids and three waterfalls, including the impressive 7m high Tutea Falls, which is the highest commercially navigable waterfall in the world. This activity is suitable for both experienced rafters and beginners. For more information, visit the Kaitiaki Adventures website at https://kaitiaki.co.nz/rafting.

8. WAITOMO CAVES

On the North Island of New Zealand, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Auckland, are the Waitomo Caves, some of the most stunning caves in the world. The main attraction is the glow worms, Arachnocampa luminosa, which cover the ceiling of the caves and create the illusion of a starry sky.

The most famous part of the complex is the Glowworm Cave, where visitors can take a silent cruise through the underground river and admire thousands of glowing organisms. Adventure lovers should not miss Ruakuri Cave, which offers fascinating stalactite formations and photo opportunities in addition to glow worms.

The caves maintain a stable temperature of around 12°C, so warmer clothing is recommended. For more information, visit the website https://www.waitomo.com.

9. MAUAO / MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Mauao, also known as Mount Maunganui, is an iconic volcanic peak on the coast of the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand. This 232 metre high hill towers over the seaside town of the same name and is one of the country's most popular tourist spots thanks to its spectacular views, beautiful beaches and rich history. Popular activities in the area include surfing and paragliding.

10. COROMANDEL FOREST PARK

Coromandel Forest Park is an extensive nature park covering much of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. It's a paradise for nature, hiking and adventure lovers, with dense rainforests, mountain peaks, hidden waterfalls and historic gold mining trails.

THE PINNACLES TRAIL

The trail begins in a dense rainforest, where the path winds between old railway bridges, tunnels and stairs once used by loggers. The climb is gradual, but turns into a steeper ascent towards the end. The last 20 minutes involves ladders and narrow rocks that lead to the summit of The Pinnacles (759m). From the top, there are stunning 360° views of the mountains, the Coromandel coast and, on a clear day, the Pacific Ocean.

The 16km trail can be split into two parts with an overnight stay at The Pinnacles Hut. It can accommodate 80 people and has a kitchen, toilets, stove and blankets. However, your own sleeping bag is a must.