10 things to see on New Zealand's North Island

Located at the other end of the world, over 19,000 kilometers from France, New Zealand is an ancient land full of surprises. Composed of two distinct islands, it offers travelers a multitude of places each more astonishing than the last. With breathtaking landscapes and a very strong Maori culture, discover this incredible island where nature holds a very important place. So important that in 2017, Parliament granted legal personality to the Whanganui River, which flows for 290 kilometers on the North Island.
To not miss anything during your trip to New Zealand, here are the 10 things to see on the North Island of New Zealand.

Auckland, the capital of New Zealand's North Island

If you arrive via Auckland airport, do not skip this city that holds many surprises. Among the buildings, marking thus the urban heart of the city, you cannot miss the Sky Tower, this 327-meter-high tower, overlooking Auckland with an incredible view of the harbor. You can visit it and go up thanks to its elevator and glass floor. You can eat or have a drink there, and for the more daring, it is even possible to bungee jump from the outer platform (Skyjump) or walk around it (Skywalk), attached by a harness, of course!

Auckland is also a set of islands like Waiheke Island known for its various vineyards and New Zealand wine tastings or the uninhabited volcanic island of Rangitoto, a real sanctuary for flower and bird species.

Cape Reinga

Located at the tip of New Zealand's North Island, Cape Reinga is definitely the lighthouse at the end of the world. On the way towards the Cape, you can discover Ninety Mile Beach, a beach that actually stretches for 90 kilometers (or 56 miles) where driving is allowed! So don't be surprised to see tire tracks on the sand and especially don't miss this atypical route to reach the end of the world.

Coromandel

In the Coromandel Peninsula, you can discover the famous Cathedral Cove beach with its rock arch. If you like the picturesque, head to Hot Water Beach: armed with your shovel, just dig in the sand at specific times to take a hot bath, even very hot!

Tauranga and Mount Maunganui

The city of Tauranga and its port are a breath of fresh air where marine activities attract interest from both young and old. Sea trips for fishing or dolphin watching or simple walks by the sea, Tauranga is a real break during a road trip on the North Island. A few kilometers away, don't miss Mount Maunganui, an ideal spot for surfers and an unmissable climb of the mount to admire the incredible view over the peninsula.

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✔️ Hike up Mt Maunganui ?: @amberaulelei

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Rotorua

An essential stop during your trip on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is known for hosting a very rich Māori culture and very strong geothermal activity. Don't miss visiting a Māori village and let yourself be tempted by their traditional cuisine where dishes are cooked in the Maori hangi, an oven dug directly into the ground. Explore Wai-O-Tapu National Park where different chemical components escaping from the ground will offer you an incredible palette of colors. However, beware of the smell of rotten eggs that can be felt throughout the region due to sulfur!

Taupo and its lake

Taupo is home to New Zealand's largest lake. This region is synonymous with adventure and all kinds of activities like paddleboarding, canoeing, rafting or jet boating at the foot of Huka Falls for water sports enthusiasts or for those more daring, bungee jumping or skydiving just above the lake.

Tongariro National Park

Whether you're an avid hiker or not, Tongariro National Park is a must-see during your stay in New Zealand. Offering breathtaking landscapes, the park consists of three still active volcanoes. Skiing in winter and hiking in summer, this idyllic setting will appeal to both adventurers and more leisurely explorers among us! It's in this park that part of the famous "Lord of the Rings" was filmed. You will recognize the breathtaking landscapes from this cult film.

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke's Bay is characterized as New Zealand's most wine-producing region. Thanks to its warm and dry climate, many vineyards will welcome you to taste their different wines. It is also the Art Deco center of the country due to an earthquake that destroyed most of the bay. The reconstruction of towns in the 1930s has therefore left particular architecture as in Napier, which organizes an annual Art Deco festival where cars and costumes from that era come out! You will also enjoy large open spaces and hikes up to Cape Kidnappers or Te Mata Peak.

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Juicy Green 🍀🍏 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand Photo by @rachstewartnz Tag @newzealandwithme and #newzealandwithme to get featured – – – #greennature #hawkesbay #eastcoast #northisland #northislandnz #newzealand #nz #purenewzealand #purenz #nzmustdo #visitnz #visitnewzealand #discovernewzealand #discovernz #nz🌿 #newzealandphotography #nzphotography #nzphotographer #newzealandfinds #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #newzealand🇳🇿 #newzealandnatural #travelnewzealand #travelnz

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Taranaki

Mount Taranaki is part of Egmont National Park. You can circle it (and admire it!) with various hikes available in the park or simply climb it. On your way there, stop in New Plymouth where you can enjoy Pukekura Park with its lake and botanical gardens as well as its small free zoo. Don't hesitate to do the Coastal Walkway on foot or by bike to cover these 13 kilometers along the sea.

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The Coast along Mt.Taranki is showing off! Look at this beautiful Sand Reflection! Taranaki, East Coast, North Island, New Zealand Photo by @laurie_winter Tag @newzealandwithme and #newzealandwithme to get featured! – – –#taranaki #northislandnz #northisland #newzealand #southisland #southislandnz #beautifulnz #travelnewzealand #ig_newzealand#travelnz#nzmustdo#nz#purenz#purenewzealand#newzealandfinds#newzealandguide#newzealandvacations#aotearoa#newzealandphotography#capturenz#gottalovenz#lovenz#kiwipics#nz🌿#explorenz#explorenewzealand#visitnewzealand">">A post shared by New Zealand With Me (@newzealandwithme) on Oct 13, 2018 at 11:35 PDT

Wellington

It is obviously impossible to overlook the capital of New Zealand: Wellington, especially if you're taking the ferry to go to South Island or if you're coming back from there. Between sea and mountains, this city offers numerous activities both cultural like the magnificent Te Papa museum or its famous funicular, Cable Car, as well as for nature lovers like different hikes to discover the waterfront or Zealandia, a natural area that preserves New Zealand's flora and fauna.