Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in North Island
Matamata
Rangitaiki River
- No prior experience is necessary, but it is recommended that participants be physically fit.
- Outfitters provide wetsuits and helmets, so the rafting experience will be safe and warm.
- Lunch or snacks plus hot showers are usually included.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothing.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ohinemutu
Ohinemutu was the first settlement in the region established by the Ngati Whakaue people. Originally used as an entry hub for visitors and food headed to the neighboring villages, Ohinemutu is now a suburb of Rotorua city, but it is still a perfect example of how Western and Maori cultures integrated. Visit the Te Papaiouru Marae and St Faith’s Church, and you'll see how the two peoples collaborate, as Maori carvings and woven panels complement the Tudor-style architecture.
Ohinemutu's preservation of Ngati Whakaue is not to be missed. St. Faith's church is well known for a window etching of Jesus wearing a Maori cloak - it faces the lake, giving you the impression that Jesus is walking on water. The century-old church's rich decorations are a must-see.
Practical Info
Packaged cruise tours often make a stop at Ohinemutu along with visits to the nearby redwoods and geothermal sites. As much of the activities in and around Rotorua involve hiking and the outdoors, the same goes for Ohinemutu, but its focal points are the Marae (meeting place) and Church.
Ninety Mile Beach
The North Island’s Ninety Mile Beach runs northwards along the west coast near Kaitaia all the way to Cape Reinga on New Zealand’s northernmost tip.
This seemingly endless stretch of wave-lapped sand is rimmed by dunes and topped by the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.
A 90 mile (145 kilometer) marathon is run along the beach each year, commemorating the race run by a legendary athlete along the stretch of sand in pre-colonial times.
Practical Info
The Ninety Mile Beach sand is hard enough to drive along, and tours here do just that when tides are favorable.
A popular access point is Waipapakauri, north of the main regional town, Kaitaia.
Lake Taupo
- Lake Taupo is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and waterbabies.
- Accommodation is available all around the lake: backpackers might want to look into holiday parks at the lake’s south end, while families and others should head to Taupo, a town at the lake’s northern tip.
- Other attractions in the area include nearby Huka Falls and the Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park, which gets you up close and personal to Taupo’s geothermal activity.
- If you fancy fishing, you can enter the Lake Taupo International Trout Fishing Tournament, which happens each year on April 25.
Kerikeri
By the bay and on a river, the fertile town of Kerikeri is a historic little town with a swag of natural attractions.
Walkways follow the course of the Kerikeri River as it meanders inland from the Bay of Islands, passing recreation reserves, pretty pools and Wharepoke and Rainbow waterfalls along the way.
Kayaking on the river is popular here, along with visiting winery cellar doors to sip local wines and sample local produce grown in the area’s rich agricultural soils.
There’s plenty of history here, including the 1830s Stone Store and 1822 Mission House, New Zealand’s oldest buildings. The furnishings and displays date from the early 19th century when missionaries first settled the area. Nearby, Rewa’s Village re-creates a pre-colonial Maori village.
Practical Info
The town of Kerikeri is on the northern edge of the Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island, straddling the River Kerikeri winding in from the bay.
Mission Estate Winery
Practical Info
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park is ideal for nature and wildlife lovers, and families traveling with children.
- There are family admission passes available; children under the age of 5 enter free.
- Kids and their grown-up companions have unlimited access to the Big Splash—bring towels to dry off afterward.
- Food is available at the on-site café, with a playground and picnic tables nearby.
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)
- Blue Lake is the best place in Rotorua for swimming and water skiing.
- The site is a favorite of travelers with children.
- There are public toilets, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, and a playground.
- Select a guided day trip to see Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) in addition to geysers and mud pools.
Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Behind-the-scenes tours are available if you want to learn more about the wildlife kept at Kelly Tarlton’s.
- Special programs are often put on for kids during school holidays; check the Kelly Tarlton’s website for the latest information about what’s on during your visit.
- The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible.
North Head Historic Reserve
Practical Info
Rangitoto Island
- Rangitoto Island is ideal for hikers and active nature lovers.
- Discover Rangitoto’s history as a military outpost, and explore the remaining command posts and bunkers near the summit.
- Learn more about Rangitoto’s history at the Bach 38 museum, right next to Rangitoto Wharf.
- Wear sturdy shoes, tote a flashlight, and carry plenty of snacks and water (there are no shops on Rangitoto).
- Rangitoto and Motutapu are proudly pest-free thanks to concerted conservation efforts, so check your bags and clothes before you take the ferry over.
Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)
Practical Info
Lake Rotorua
- This natural feature is hard to miss, and is a must-see for visitors to Rotorua.
- A large grassy area includes a children’s playground.
- Wheelchair-accessible walkways make for easy strolling.
- Outdoor activities last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while day trips take you to other lakes and beyond.
- A 10-minute Skyline Rotorua gondola ride guarantees panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Ngongotaha.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water.
Kaikoura
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Red Rocks Reserve
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Ponsonby
- Trendy, chic, hip: all describe Ponsonby and its visitors.
- Combine a tour of Queen Street, Ponsonby, and Devonport with an excursion to the Kumeu wine country.
- Parking availability can be a challenge, especially on weekends.
Piha Beach
- Piha Beach is ideal for surfers, fisherfolk, and those seeking a day on the beach and in nature.
- At the top of Lion Rock, you can rest at a pou whenua erected in the memory of Ngati Tangiaro Taua, an ancestress of the local iwi (Māori tribe), Te Kawerau ā Maki.
- If you’re looking for a bite to eat, drop in at the Piha Cafe up on Garden Road, or at the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club down by the shore.
- In summer, swim between the red and yellow flags, and get to know the lifeguards of the famous-in-New-Zealand TV show “Piha Rescue.”
- The beach offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Although it may be hard to find accessible parking, drivers can drop off guests and find a spot.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and (if you plan to go for a hike) a sturdy pair of shoes. Consider a wetsuit outside of summer.
New Zealand's Parliament (Beehive)
New Zealand’s architectural symbol is the beehive-shaped Parliament House in Wellington.
Hosting the executive wing of parliament, ‘the Beehive’ was built between 1969 and 1981, and features murals and artworks by noted New Zealand artists.
The building has 10 floors, filled with cabinet rooms, prime ministerial offices, a banqueting hall, function rooms and several restaurants.
Take a free guided 1-hour tour or drop into the visitor center in the ground-floor foyer. You can sit in the public galleries of the debating chamber when the House is sitting.
Practical Info
The Parliament Buildings are a 5-minute stroll from Wellington Station in the city center.