Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in North Island
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 123 listings.
While Tauranga might be one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, a visit to the historic Brain Watkins house provides a glimpse of 19th-century New Zealand. Constructed out of native kauri wood, the house is still in the exact same order as it was over 130 years ago.
Takapuna
Just 15 minutes from the center of Auckland, Takapuna is Auckland’s trendy, bustling, and boutique beach town. Though the town itself in relatively small in terms of population, Takapuna is considered the center of Auckland’s North Shore suburbs, and is best known for its white sand beach with views of Rangitoto Island. Hire a paddleboard, sailboat, or jet ski to cruise the scenic coastline, where conditions are calmer and waves are much smaller than the beaches of western Auckland. To explore the rolling coastline on foot, take a stroll on the coastal walkway that leads to Milford Beach, where the view looks back at the Auckland skyline and shimmering Lake Pupuke. When you work up an appetite from hiking or swimming, restaurants and shops are within walking distance of Takapuna Beach, where trendy locals sip their coffee on the curb of street side cafés, and savvy shoppers browse the boutiques for the latest selection of styles.
Insider's Tip: To experience Takapuna like an Auckland local, visit the market on Sunday mornings to peruse the produce and crafts.
Practical Info
Takapuna can be easily accessed by public transportation. Because of its laid back, small town feel, it's a convenient base for travelers who want to experience Auckland city by day but feel like they're staying on the coast.
Address: Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
From $ 103
Te Puia
When you first catch a glimpse of Pohutu Geyser thundering up from the Earth and crane your neck skywards at a column of water that’s nearly 100 feet high, you begin to understand why this place has drawn visitors for literally hundreds of years. Only five minutes from central Rotorua, Te Puia is a geothermal and cultural attraction in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. When compared to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, Te Puia is closer to the geysers and also offers an impressive center of Maori arts and crafts. Tour the bubbling, geothermal landscape with a native Maori guide, and then retreat to the national weaving and carving schools to watch Maori students re-create the traditional arts of their ancestors. For a look at furry kiwi birds, there is a small, dark kiwi enclosure that houses the national bird, and for arguably the best evening in Rotorua, return at night to experience Te Po—a traditional ceremony and hangi feast of eating, dancing and lore.
Practical Info
From late September to early April, hours are from 8am to 6pm, with the last tour of the day starting at 5pm. From early April to late September, the site is open from 8am to 5pm, with the last tour starting at 4pm. Admission ranges from $49 to $155, depending upon the length of stay and various activities involved. It’s also best to bring sturdy footwear for a walk through the hot springs.
Address: Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand
Hours: Late Sept-early April: 8am-6pm; early April-late Sept 8am-5pm
Admission: $49-$155
From $ 35
Waitemata Harbour
Waitemata Harbour is the real name for what is often just called Auckland Harbour. It means “sparkling waters” in the Maori language, which is a very fitting name. Numerous islands dot the harbor, and a day spent on the water, with city views in the background, is a memorable way to tour Auckland.
The Basics
You can clearly see why Auckland’s nickname is “City of Sails” once you glimpse Waitemata Harbour. Landmarks around the harbor, include the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport, Mission Bay, and volcanic Rangitoto Island. These can be seen from many high points around Auckland, particularly from the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, as well as closer on a boat or walking tour.
Tours of and around Waitemata Harbour take many forms. From active water sports, such as kayaking, to the more sedate, such as ferry crossings and cruises, all travelers can spend some time enjoying the beauty of Waitemata Harbour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waitemata Harbour offers an excursion for every kind of traveler, so find a trip that best suits your desired level of activity.
- If you don’t want to go out onto the water, harbor views can be enjoyed from a high spot, such as Sky Tower’s viewing platform or One Tree Hill.
- You can easily get burned with New Zealand’s notoriously strong sun, especially from the glare on the water. If you’re heading out on a boat, wear plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to prevent sunburn.
How to Get There
Tours around the harbor start from various points and usually include round-trip transportation from central Auckland. Ferries to the North Shore and islands in the Hauraki Gulf (which is the water body just beyond the harbor) depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, as do some cruises.
When to Get There
Despite a generally warm climate, Auckland experiences frequent rain at any time of year. Summer is best for water sports, such as kayaking and sailing, but cruises can be enjoyed year-round. Although temperatures in the winter aren’t too cold, the chance of rain and cold winds is high. The harbor hosts a number of festivals, including the Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival and Auckland on Water Boat Show.
Motu Manawa Marine Reserve
Active travelers wanting to experience Auckland’s natural treasures will enjoy a kayak or other small-boat tour of Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve. Southwest of the harbor, the 1,235-acre (500-hectare) protected reserve, including salt marshes and mangrove swamps, provides a habitat for numerous varieties of wading and sea birds.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 28
Waitomo Caves
With dramatic limestone formations, gigantic stalactites and stalagmites, and subterranean river, New Zealand's Waitomo Caves hold adventure at every turn. This network of underground caverns is one of the best places in New Zealand to spot glowworms, and the glittering creatures provide a magical backdrop to the caves' natural wonders.
The Basics
The Waitomo Caves can only be visited by guided tours, which typically include a walk through the caves and a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Tours typically run from Auckland or Rotorua, and are often combined with other Waitomo attractions, such as the Hobbiton film set from The Lord of the Rings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Only guided tours can access the caves.
- Facilities at the Waitomo Caves Discovery Center include restrooms, a café and restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- It can get cold in the caves, so bring a warm jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
- Cameras and GoPros are not permitted inside the caves.
- The caves are not wheelchair accessible and access might be tricky for those with mobility problems. However, the nearby Ruakuri Cave offers wheelchair access.
How to Get There
The Waitomo Caves are located in Waitomo on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The nearest international airport is in Auckland, roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of the caves, or 2.5 hours by road. Tours also run from Rotorua, 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of the caves, or two hours by road.
When to Get There
The Waitomo Caves are open year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit. It can get busy, so be sure to book in advance and opt for an early morning or late afternoon tour if you want to avoid crowds.
Tours and Activities in Waitomo
Along with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, visitors can explore nearby Aranui Cave, Ruakari Cave, and Marokopa Falls. Adventurous types can get their adrenaline fix by black water rafting, abseiling (rappelling), cave tubing (gliding along the river in a giant inner tube), or canyoning through the caves.
Address: 39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Prices vary for each tour
From $ 39
Stonyridge Vineyard
Very few vineyards outside of France have succeeded in crafting a Bordeaux blend on par with the tastes of the Old World. One of those spots is Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island’s most prestigious winery and one of the best in New Zealand. Set in a rolling, north-facing valley just half a mile from the beach, Stonyridge Vineyard organically produces some fine, award-winning reds, including the heralded Larose Cab blend that’s bested some of the France’s best wines in international competition.
When visiting Stonyridge Vineyard today, sit and enjoy a glass of their wine while gazing out over the vineyards, nibbling on trays of tasty charcuterie that perfectly pair with the wine. For visitors staying in nearby Auckland, visit with a guided food and wine tour that spends the day touring the island.
Insider Tip: Every year, Stonyridge throws one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in New Zealand.
Practical Info
When visiting from Auckland, enjoy the 35-minute cruise on the ferry to Waiheke Island. From here you can take a bus or taxi, or visit as part of a guided tour. Public tours are held Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am.
Address: 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971, New Zealand
Hours: 11:30am-5pm daily
From $ 128
Wellington Cable Car
Taking a ride on Wellington’s little red cable car is an essential experience.
The cable car has been operating since 1902, providing panoramic views over Wellington on its 5-minute chug up the hill to Kelburn village and the botanic garden.
At the top, visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about this historic attraction, and get out your camera to snap must-have photos of those harbor views. Nearby, the Carter Observatory explains the mysteries of the southern night sky.
Practical Info
The Wellington cable car runs every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay by the waterfront to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Garden.
If you’d like to walk back to town, it’s an interesting and pleasant 35-minute downhill stroll.
Address: Lambton Quay, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily, closed Christmas Day
Admission: AU$5
From $ 20
Stone Store
As the oldest stone building in New Zealand, Stone Store at Kerikeri has seen its share of history. Since the mid-1990s, Stone Store has been a part of a small museum, along with the neighboring mission house.
Built between 1832 and 1836, the Stone Store replaced an earlier wooden structure and became the Church Missionary Society’s Trading Post. It sold local fruits and vegetables to passing ships and European goods to the Maori.
By the mid-1830s, abundant European settlers and their private enterprises put the store out of business. Over the next 40 years, the building underwent near-constant change. It was converted to a mission library, taken over by Governor George Grey for use as a magazine, leased to become a Kauri gum trading operation, and, finally, served as a boys’ school house. In 1874, the building was sold to the Kemp family, who operated it as both a general store and quasi tourist attraction for nearly 100 years, until the New Zealand Historic Places Trust purchased the building back in 1975.
Practical Info
The Stone Store, which now operates as a museum, is located at Kerikeri, in the Bay of Islands. It is 150 miles (244 km) north of Auckland.
Address: Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Admission: $7
From $ 45
Sulphur Point
The first thing you notice when you arrive in Rotorua isn’t the natural beauty; it’s the smell. A note of Sulphur is evident all across town, and it is strongest at the sands of Sulphur Point. This constantly shifting geothermal wetland is home to 60 species of birds, which somehow survive the warm waters and boiling, earthy minerals.
The Basics
Follow the boardwalk around the point to find steaming mud pools and vents. Signed placards explain the volcanic action. For a more informed look and a unique point of view, hop aboard a jet boat for a high-speed ride on Lake Rotorua while the driver points out the geothermal features of Sulphur Bay. Visitors can also enjoy an aquatic adventure on an amphibious Duck boat tour, which travels past Government Gardens before making a splash.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The water in the bay at Sulphur Point is unsafe for swimming.
- Bird-watchers should bring binoculars to see a wealth of different species.
- Stroll the area on your own, or select from among city sightseeing, amphibious Duck, or jet boat tours.
How to Get There
The shores of Lake Rotorua can be found only 10 minutes north of downtown by car. Sulphur Point is situated at Lake Rotorua’s southern end, and is reached via a walking path behind the Government Gardens. There are multiple places to begin the trail, and the round-trip walk along the lakeshore can take as long as two hours. A hop-on hop-off tour of Rotorua highlights includes stops at the lakefront and Sulphur Point.
When to Get There
On a misty morning, a lakeside stroll past Sulphur Point can have an eerie feel that is accompanied by the gurgle of mud, and on any day this is an affordable way to explore the volcanic sights. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times to take photos from shore.
What Is That Smell?
From the moment you set foot in this North Island hot spot, a pungent smell like rotten eggs seems to waft in the air like a cloud. Don’t worry; it doesn’t take long to get used to the distinctive scent, which is the result of fresh sulphur and the Earth’s volcanic flux. Here, sulphur particles suspended in the shallows turn the water a milky white.
Address: Sulphur Point, Rotorua, New Zealand
From $ 35
Waiheke Island
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island has great beaches, some of New Zealand’s best boutique wineries, a number of art galleries, scenic walking trails, and acres of olive groves, making it the ideal getaway. The island’s calm waters—perfect for watersports like snorkeling, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding—and the relaxed bohemian atmosphere in Oneroa Village draw a steady stream of visitors year-round.
The Basics
Waiheke Island is most often visited on day tours from Auckland. The most popular experiences include food tours, wine tasting excursions, adventure tours—and simply spending time on one of the many sandy ocean beaches. Wine enthusiasts should choose a wine-tasting tour to visit some of the nearly 30 wineries, many of which have locavore restaurants attached and make for the perfect way to enjoy a vineyard lunch. Adventure and culture also abound, with ziplining, hiking, and eco tours available for exploring the island’s lush forests and nature preserves, plus ancient Maori terraces and cooking pits to be discovered on cultural bike tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waiheke Island is an outdoor- and food-lover’s destination for travelers and locals alike.
- The island’s beaches are some of the safest and cleanest in the world, prime for swimming.
- Excellent restaurants and cafes dot the island, with many offering food that complements the local wines.
- Private tours offer travelers personal attention from a tour guide and the ability to customize their experience.
- Sunbathers can choose between popular Onetangi Beach, secluded Palm Beach, clothing-optional Little Palm Beach, and Blackpool Beach (popular among windsurfers).
How to Get There
Waiheke Island lies in the Hauraki Gulf, 13 miles (21.5 kilometers) from Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. Fullers Ferries provides fast transport from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal (35 minutes), and Sealink has car ferries from Half Moon Bay and Wynyard Quarter in Auckland (45 minutes). Waiheke tours offer one of the most convenient ways to travel from Auckland, although it’s easy to hail a taxi or find a bus on the island. Rental cars, bikes, and motorbikes are also available for rent.
When to Get There
Aucklanders flock to Waiheke in droves in summer (December to February), the best time to hit the beach. During the less crowded month of March, some wineries offer additional experiences like the chance to stomp grapes or sample special vintages in honor of harvest time. Each Saturday from 8:30am to 1pm, a popular art and farmers market pops up in Ostend.
Waiheke Island Wine Tasting
Island wine tours often feature expert guides, combine visits and tastings at several wineries and boutique vineyards into one excursion, and leave the driving up to someone else. Some popular stops include Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay, Stonyridge, Jurassic Ridge, Batch, and Casita Miro. Winery tours highlight the production process and unique terroir of Waiheke Island wine, while offering the chance to try the delicious wines.
Address: Oneroa Village, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 92
Tamaki Maori Village
Visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Maori culture and society as it existed in pre-European New Zealand. Through performing arts, you’ll see, hear, and feel the Tamaki brothers’ vision for an immersive tour into the traditional Maori way of life. Live the stories, travels, battles, and rituals of the Maori as New Zealand was settled.
The Basics
Located about 20 minutes from Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village provides a powerful cultural performance and dining experience to show you who the Maori people are and to let you walk with them into the past. Packages include a 2- to 3-hour tour, in which your guide explains pre-European rituals (such as the powhiri welcoming ceremony), demonstrates the meeting house and interactive village in native forest, and serves a traditional Hangi feast (food cooked underground on hot stones). You even have the option to stay overnight.
Visits to Tamaki Maori Village are included in many day trips from Tauranga as well as multi-day excursions from Auckland. Packages often include the village plus Waitomo Caves, the Hobbiton movie set, and points of interest in Rotorua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tamaki Maori Village is suitable for all ages.
- The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Don’t forget to take a camera or charge your phone! There’s a lot to see.
- Take warm clothes if you travel in winter and comfortable footwear in all seasons.
- Hangi is for everyone: special dietary options available.
How to Get There
The evening tour runs a bus that collects you in the early evening, around 5:30pm, from your Rotorua accommodation or from the Tamaki Heritage Experiences office at 1220 Hinemaru Street in the central city. The bus also returns along the same route at about 9:30pm. There’s plenty of space to park if you’re driving.
When to Get There
The village is open seven days a week, so to miss the crowds, consider attending on an off-peak day, like a Sunday or Thursday. Tours can be busy, depending on the season, but numbers are usually well-managed. In summer, most of your experience will be during daylight hours, while in winter, the sun sets in the late afternoon—your experience can be quite different!
Overnight Stay
If uninspired hotel rooms are starting to wear thin, consider spending the night at Tamaki Maori Village. Arrive for the afternoon and evening experience before settling in near a campfire to hear traditional Maori myths and oral histories. At the end of the night, enjoy a relaxing spa in the bush before settling into bed in the whare moe (sleeping house).-
Address: 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Varies
From $ 92
Viaduct Harbour
Whether you’re embarking on a short day cruise from the marina or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Viaduct Harbour is an energetic entertainment hub right on the Auckland waterfront. The harbor is best known for its food: there are more than 20 cafés, restaurants, and bars, almost all of them easily found on the harbor’s pedestrian mall.
The Basics
In the 1990s, Viaduct Harbour was transformed from an underloved port to a bustling, America’s Cup–hosting luxury entertainment district right in the heart of Auckland. The pedestrian mall that runs around the harbor is lined with high-end apartments, and restaurants, cafés, and bars thrive on the ground floor. From quiet little coffee shops, family restaurants, and fine dining restaurants run by celebrated chefs to pubs, bars, and clubs that are open late into the night, there’s plenty on offer. Theater lovers can take in a show at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, home to the Auckland Theatre Company. You can even stay on the harbor, at one of several luxury hotels and apartment complexes located on or near the waterfront.
Viaduct Harbour is also a regular departure point for boat tours out into the harbor and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s also the home of the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa, which tells New Zealand’s maritime history through exhibitions and several impressively restored historical boats.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Viaduct Harbour is a lovely stop for all first-time visitors to Auckland.
- If you fancy a swim or a workout, you can pay a visit to the century-old public Tepid Baths, located on Customs Street West.
How to Get There
If you’re in the Auckland CBD, Viaduct Harbour is just a short walk from the end of Queen Street—just turn left at Quay Street and keep walking. Britomart Train and Bus Station and the Downtown Ferry Terminal are all just a quick stroll down Quay Street, too. If you’re driving, take the appropriate exits off the motorway: exit at Nelson Street from the Southern Motorway or at Fanshawe Street from the Northern Motorway. There are three parking lots near the harbor.
When to Get There
There’s no bad time to visit Viaduct Harbour—a number of cafés are open from the early morning, bars are often open late, and most restaurants serve in between. Try and visit in summer or fall to make the most of the harbor views and outdoor dining.
Best Views of Auckland Harbour and the Harbour Bridge
There are multiple lookout points around Viaduct Harbour, but most of them offer views of only the viaduct itself. Head to the end of Princes Wharf, right next to Viaduct Harbour, for views across the water to Devonport, with the Harbour Bridge in the distance to the west.
Address: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
From $ 25
Te Mata Peak
The one notable exception to the vineyards and plains surrounding Hastings, craggy Te Mata Peak rises 1,300 feet (396 meters) above sea level and offers sensational views. Set just south of Napier and Hastings, Te Mata Peak is renowned for its sweeping, 360 degree views, which stretch from the coastline out to the farms that ring the towns of Hawke’s Bay. While it’s easy to drive to the summit, many visitors choose to hike on the network of forested trails, all of which are well maintained and marked with colorful signs.
Enjoy the scent of towering Redwoods and fresh mountain air, before emerging onto the windswept peak that’s steeped in Maori legend. Guided cultural tours of the mountain explain a bit of its past, and offer insight on the history, people, and beauty of North Island's Hawke’s Bay.
Practical Info
Te Mata Peak is about 35 minutes from downtown Napier and 20 minutes from Hastings by car. All the hiking trails have steep sections, and the longest trail takes about 2.5 hours round trip. There are no facilities within the park, but ample parking at the summit lookout for those who want to drive to the top.
Did You Know? On a clear day, you can see all the way west to Mt. Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.
Address: Te Mata Peak, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
From $ 209
Wellington Botanic Garden
One of New Zealand’s oldest gardens, Wellington Botanic Garden is an escape from the clamor of the city, in the city. Right behind the Wellington CBD in Thorndon, this 62-acre (25-hectare) garden is full of native and exotic plants. Stroll along one of the many calm, tranquil paths and take some relaxing time away from the urban jungle.
The Basics
The Wellington Botanic Garden showcases plants from all over the world. There are gardens dedicated to Australian plants and Southeast Asian camellias, tulips and succulents, European conifers and native hīnau (some of which have been there since before Wellington was settled in the 1800s). Highlights include the Lady Norwood Rose Garden—a sprawling formal rose garden arranged around a fountain, with more than 3,000 roses—and the Begonia House, a hothouse with a wide range of tropical flowers and tuberous begonias. Explore these gardens while walking the area’s many paths, which are suitable for people of almost all fitness levels. Bring the kids to the Discovery Garden, where they can learn about the plants around them and how to take care of their own environment.
Many travelers discover the garden’s many secrets on a garden tour, held on the third Sunday and fourth Monday of each month. Some small-group and bus city sightseeing tours stop here to experience the rose garden and Begonia House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wellington Botanic Garden is a must for nature lovers and those looking for a nature-filled respite from the city.
- Sit back with a coffee or an ice cream at the Gardens’ Picnic Cafe, located right outside the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
- Explore the six striking statues along the Botanic Garden Sculpture Trail.
- Visit the Peace Garden, which holds a flame created by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, presented by the people of Japan in recognition of New Zealand’s nuclear-free movement.
- The garden is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Mobility scooters are available; book in advance.
How to Get There
The Wellington Botanic Garden is easily accessible from central Wellington. To reach the top of the garden, take the Wellington Cable Car all the way to the top. To start from the bottom and work your way up, catch the number 2 Karori bus from Courtenay Place or Lambton Quay to Glenmore Street and get off at stop 5313.
When to Get There
The garden is open year-round but are at their most colorful in spring and summer, when plants are flowering and the weather’s humid enough for glow worms to come out at night, next to Pukatea Stream. Also during this time the garden hosts daytime and evening events such as free concerts, outdoor movie screenings, and light festivals.
Plants on Other Planets?
The Carter Observatory and the Space Place Museum are both located at the top of the Botanic Garden. There you can explore interactive exhibits, look through the Thomas Cooke telescope at night and see the stars, or watch a series of specially commissioned films in the Observatory’s full-dome planetarium.
Address: Glenmore Street, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Te Paki
Located on the Aupouri Peninsula, Te Paki is the northernmost region in New Zealand and hosts one of the nation’s most diverse ecosystems. It’s home to rare–and endangered–flora and fauna, such as the giant flax snail and Bartlett’s rata tree.
Ranging from coastal dunes to tall forest, through both wetlands and shrublands, Te Paki is home to a surprising variety of ways to get in some outdoor fun. The east coast of the peninsula is sheltered, with sandy beaches and rocky headlands that provide great places to scuba dive, snorkel and fish. The west coast is more exposed and home to the golden sand dunes of 90 Mile Beach. Along this stretch of coastline, it’s not only possible to catch waves from a number of classic surf breaks but also to carve up the steep dunes on a sandboard. Prior snowboarding experience is recommended, but sand tobogganing and body boarding are great options for beginners.
The three-day, 30-mile (48-km) Te Paki Coastal Track hike takes in the entire coastline from Spirits Bay to Te Paki Stream, where it joins the 90 Mile Beach. Several shorter hikes, including the Pandora Track and Rarawa Beach Walk, are available for visitors not keen on spending multiple days on the trail.
Practical Info
Te Paki is the northernmost area of New Zealand, on the Aupouri Peninsula. It is 250 miles (400 km) north of Auckland. Hikers often make use of the drop off/pickup services available from the Waitiki Landing Complex rather than taking their own vehicle onto the cape.
Address: Te Paki, New Zealand
From $ 110
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland showcases New Zealand’s geothermal topography at its most dramatic and colorful. Located along the Reporoa Caldera within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, the park’s lava-sculpted landscapes are punctuated by hissing geysers, swirling sulfur lakes, and bubbling mud pools.
The Basics
Thanks to a guiding system of boardwalks Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park is easy to explore on your own. For the best value, visit as part of a full-day tour and also see popular North Island attractions such as the Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or the Waikato River. For a more personalized experience, small-group and private tours run from the Rotorua and Tauranga cruise ports, and include convenient extras such as hotel pickup and drop-off.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park’s visitor facilities include restrooms, lockers, a visitor center, a small café, and picnic areas.
- This is an active geothermal area, meaning the ground and water often reach boiling temperatures. Don’t be tempted to break the rules or wander outside of designated areas.
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, bring sun protection, and drink plenty of water.
- Of the three walking trails at Wai-O-Tapu, only one is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is located along Waiotapu Loop Road, 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Rotorua, or 20 minutes by road. The closest international airport is in Rotorua.
When to Get There
You can visit year-round, but summer (December through February) is the most popular. The park can become very crowded—to avoid large tour groups, visit early in the morning or just before closing.
Geothermal Attractions of Wai-O-Tapu
Stand in awe before massive craters and the thundering Lake Ngakoro Waterfall, watch as the Lady Knox Geyser erupts, and marvel at multi-colored pools known as the
‘Artist's Palette” for their bright swirls of color—a result of the water’s sulfur content. Additional highlights include the bubbling “Champagne Pool,” a number of cold and hot springs, and elaborate sinter terrace formations.
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Hours: Apr - Oct: 8:30am - 5pm (last admission 3:45pm), Nov - Mar: 8:30am - 6pm (last admission 4:45pm)
Admission: Adults NZ$32.50, children (5-15 yrs): NZ$11
From $ 23
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
When the North Island of New Zealand’s Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, it forever changed the Rotorua landscape into a valley of steaming wonder. This is a mystical land where lakes boil and mountains are bathed in steam, and walking past pools of bubbling mud is just another daily occurrence for visitors here. Of all the places in Rotorua to encounter this geothermal wonder, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley area offers one of the largest zones for exploring.
This site has an enormous hot spring, which is believed to be the largest in the world. Take an easy 45-minute stroll past geysers, fumaroles and fissures to learn how this exceptionally “young” landscape is literally changing by the day. Avid hikers can split off on the Mt Hazard trail to get better views of the valley and gaze down on the multi-hued lakes, radiant in turquoise and greens. One such lake provides one of the best activities in the valley—taking a cruise on Lake Rotomohana. This naturally formed lake covers 15 separate craters and is a haven for endangered birds. It grew 20 times as large once the Tarawera eruption was completed and serves as the perfect geothermal site in Rotorua. The surrounding beauty of the native bushland just adds to the outdoor experience.
Practical Info
The Waimangu Volcanic Valley sits just 20 minutes from downtown Rotorua.
Address: Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
Hours: Daily
From $ 58
Waitakere Ranges
The hustle and bustle of Auckland is mere miles from lush forests and stunning landscapes. The Waitakere Ranges, a short drive northwest of the city center, are home to a regional park full of dense native bush, running rivers, and enchanting waterfalls. Enjoy numerous walking trails and incredible views of Auckland and the Tasman Sea.
The Basics
Formed by eruptions from the underwater Waitakere Volcano millions of years ago, the vibrantly forested Waitakere Ranges run for 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Manukau Harbor to the suburb of Waitakere north of Auckland, with peaks reaching 1,400 feet (427 meters). If you’re a hiker or are just looking to get out of the city for a bit, the hills have a number of bush trails—from short loop tracks to multi-day treks—for all fitness and experience levels. You can walk to several large dams deep in the Ranges, like the Upper Nihotupu Dam and the Huia Dam; keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls along the way. Intrepid hikers can try the Hillary Trail, a 46-mile (74-kilometer) trek that runs from Muriwai to Titirangi, passing through Piha. On all tracks, watch for native insects, birds, and bats—the bats in the Waitakere Ranges are New Zealand’s only native land-based mammals.
In addition to full-day walking tours from Auckland, the regional park is also popular with sightseeing tours that stop here while exploring Auckland or New Zealand’s West Coast. The lookout on Scenic Drive offers panoramic views of Auckland, or peer out over the forbidding West Coast beaches from Te Henga Walkway.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Waitakere Ranges are ideal for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
- Many of the Waitakere Ranges tracks are closed to protect the native forest from kauri dieback disease. Contact the Arataki Visitors Centre to see which tracks are open when you want to visit.
- Marked by a 36-foot (11-meter) Maori pou (carved post), the Arataki Visitors Centre on Scenic Drive is full of information about the area’s history and ecology—and also offers grand views of nearby Symonds Bay. The park rangers here can help you pick out treks and tell you about the don’t-miss sights.
- There is limited mobility access at the Arataki Visitors Centre and in the park. A wheelchair accessible track links Arataki with Titirangi Village.
How to Get There
Auckland’s public transport network doesn’t reach the Waitakere Ranges, so your best bet is to drive. From central Auckland, follow the Northwestern Motorway to Great North Road. Turn right at Blockhouse Bay Road onto Ash Street, then follow that road (which changes name twice, to Rata Street and Titirangi Road) through Titirangi until you reach the Scenic Drive turnoff.
When to Get There
The Waitakere Ranges offer stunning, uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea, Auckland, and nearby beaches, so it’s best to visit in summer and fall to avoid fog, rain, or flash flooding.
Best Walks in the Waitakere Ranges
While many of Waitakere’s bush trails have closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, some tracks are still open. That includes a lot of picturesque coastal walks like the Whatipu Caves Track, the Kakamatua Beach Walk, the Tasman Lookout Track, and the Te Henga Walkway.
Address: Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, New Zealand
From $ 71
Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley
In a region teeming with geothermic attractions, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley has a lot of competition, but while the scenery doesn’t quite live up to the mind-blowing landscapes of the nearby Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako Cave, the park is still one of Taupo’s most unique accommodation options.
A traditional Kiwi campsite complete with its own thermal garden, hot pools and petting zoo, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers a great introduction to the area’s geothermic attractions. A walkway takes in the main attractions, including natural steam vents, bubbling mud pools and geysers, on a site next door to a geothermal power plant. Even if you’re not staying on site, you can still enjoy the thermal attractions and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including bathing in hot pools, spotting the colorful native birds that frequent the area and hand feeding the small park’s many animals.
A traditional Kiwi campsite complete with its own thermal garden, hot pools and petting zoo, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers a great introduction to the area’s geothermic attractions. A walkway takes in the main attractions, including natural steam vents, bubbling mud pools and geysers, on a site next door to a geothermal power plant. Even if you’re not staying on site, you can still enjoy the thermal attractions and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including bathing in hot pools, spotting the colorful native birds that frequent the area and hand feeding the small park’s many animals.
Address: SH 1 (south of SH 1 & 5 intersection), Wairakei Park, Taupo, New Zealand
From $ 155
Tauranga Cruise Port
Centrally located in the Bay of Plenty and home to a deep water harbor, the port of Tauranga is a popular cruise hub with over 85 ships arriving every year. The port is actually located in the township of Mt Maunganui, a laid-back beach town set 4.3 miles (7 km) from the streets of downtown Tauranga. In addition to serving as the home base for visitors arriving by cruise, the port is also offers convenient access to day trips to Rotorua, where steaming geysers and geothermal wonders make for an otherworldly landscape.
How to Get to Tauranga
From the cruise ship dock at Salisbury Wharf, it’s only a five-minute walk into Mt Maunganui. While many cruise lines provide shuttles to the town's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, all of Mt Maunganui's main attractions are within a 10-minute radius of the cruise port. To reach Tauranga, you can either take a 20-minute ride on the Bay Hopper bus, or cut the drive to only 10 minutes by hopping in a private taxi. If you'd like to continue traveling by water, use the ferry service available between Salisbury Wharf and the Tauranga waterfront.
One Day in Tauranga
Visitors with a day at the Port of Tauranga have two different options for how to spend the day: Explore the communities of Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui, or take a shore excursion to the city of Rotorua.
For those who choose to stay in town, start the day by grabbing a bite at a café in Mt. Maunganui. This is “surf city” for the Bay of Plenty, and the beach town vibe and consistent waves create an artsy and laidback community. Follow the road north towards “The Mount” beach for a look at the shoreline and surfers, and those who are feeling particularly fit can make the climb to the top of “The Mount.” This 750-foot promontory offers panoramic views looking out over the beach and back towards the city of Tauranga, and it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy an hour-long hike. After you’ve soaked up the Maunganui beach scene, head to The Strand in downtown Tauranga for the dining, entertainment, and shops.
While Tauranga might be one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, a visit to the historic Brain Watkins house provides a glimpse of 19th-century New Zealand. Constructed out of native kauri wood, the house is still in the exact same order as it was over 130 years ago.
For those heading to Rotorua, the shore excursion to the geothermal playground will likely occupy the whole day. Given Rotorua’s large population of Maori, try to find a tour which combines the thermals with a visit to a Maori marae.
Port Information
Since Salisbury Wharf is in such close proximity to the center of
Mt. Maunganui, a full range of ATM and currency exchanges are located
within walking distance of the port. The currency is Tauranga is the New
Zealand dollar, and the language spoken is a Kiwi dialect of English.
Address: Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 46
Waikato River
Spilling 259 miles from Mt. Ruapehu to its terminus with the Tasman Sea, the Waikato River is the most famous—and longest—river in all of New Zealand. It’s the aquatic playground of New Zealand’s North Island, and whitewater kayakers from around the world make pilgrimages to play in its rapids.
Outside of Taupo, in the central part of the North Island, the Waikato River funnels through a canyon to form the famous Huka Falls. These violently raging yet beautiful falls are one of the largest attractions in Lake Taupo, and jet boat tours zip towards the base of the falls for an up-close view of their fury.
To the north of Lake Taupo, the Waikato River famously spills through the Aratiatia Rapids—a dam-controlled section where water is released to create a turbulent torrent of white. A hiking trail connects Huka Falls with the Aratiatia Rapids, showcasing two of Taupo’s best places to feel the Waikato’s natural power. Downstream, towards Hamilton and the King Country, the Waikato River is a popular getaway for fly-fishing, boating, and canoeing.
Practical Info
The most popular places to access the Waikato River are near Taupo, Hamilton, and Cambridge. Whitewater kayaking and whitewater rafting is most popular between Taupo and Turangi, whereas rowing, fishing, and flat water kayaking is popular near Hamilton and Cambridge.
Address: Taupo, New Zealand
From $ 155