North Island

New Zealand’s North Island offers an exciting mixture of impressive nature, buzzing city life, Maori culture, and an endless list of activities! 

Most backpackers start their journey in Auckland, where you can go on a whale and dolphin safari, make a bungee jump from the Harbour Bridge, or sign up for the Auckland Sky Tower Skywalk Experience. This way, you can overlook the city while hanging on the outside of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Leave the big city of 1,3 million, and start exploring the different regions of the North Island. One of the prominent destinations is Rotorua, a resort town that has magnificent volcanic landscapes and numerous enterprises. Discover the nature in a calm manner during the Rotorua Stand-Up Paddle Tour, join an action-packed adventure with the Kaituna River White Water Sledging tour, or dig deeper into the culture of the Maori during the Mitai Maori Village Experience. The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with its mud pools and geyser is the perfect example of the magical nature Rotorua has.

New Zealand is famous for its scenic tramps, and the heart of the North Island is an excellent area to stretch your legs. Discover volcanic peaks and craters while doing the guided hiking experience on Mount Tarawera, or get soaring views on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The shuttle bus takes you to the start of the trail in a breeze!

The North Island is also famous for its enchanting caves. The Ruakuri Cave Tour and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour display the best of the island’s underground world. In both cases, you’ll be stunned by the light show of the mysterious glowworms.

Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the Lord of the Rings movies or you simply want a typical Kiwi experience, a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland is hard to beat. Walkthrough the rolling hills of the Shire, and have a drink in the Green Dragon Inn where Frodo and his friends made a toast regularly!

In terms of variety in activities and hair-raising experiences, the North Island can absolutely compete with the South Island!