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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Climate: Temperate maritime
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 3.9 million people live on the North Island.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is summer for warm weather and outdoor activities.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from visa-waiver countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations can enter New Zealand visa-free for short stays, typically up to 90 days. Others may require an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) or a visitor visa. US, UK, and EU citizens generally need to apply for an NZeTA before arrival. Visa on arrival is not commonly available; travelers should check official government sites for the latest requirements.
About North Island
North Island of New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant Maori culture, and diverse outdoor activities. It offers a unique blend of geothermal wonders, lush forests, pristine beaches, and modern urban centers. Visitors can explore the bustling city of Auckland, the cultural heart of Rotorua, and the historic sites of Wellington, the capital city. The island’s geothermal parks feature bubbling mud pools and geysers, while its coastline provides excellent opportunities for surfing and fishing. North Island’s rich Maori heritage is visible in its art, performances, and traditional villages, offering travelers a deep cultural experience. The island’s temperate maritime climate makes it pleasant year-round, encouraging hiking, cycling, and water sports. Its accessibility and range of attractions make North Island a compelling destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions
1. Rotorua Geothermal Parks – Famous for geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, showcasing volcanic activity and Maori culture. 2. Hobbiton Movie Set – A must-see for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, offering guided tours of the iconic movie set. 3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Unique underground caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms, providing a magical boat tour experience. 4. Tongariro National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic volcanic landscapes and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek. 5. Auckland Sky Tower – The tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic views and adventure activities like skywalking.
Popular Activities
Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and water sports such as kayaking and surfing. Cultural experiences include visiting Maori villages, attending traditional performances, and exploring local markets. Recreational options range from relaxing on beautiful beaches to exploring national parks. Unique experiences include geothermal spa bathing, blackwater rafting in caves, and scenic flights over volcanic landscapes.
North Island Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of New Zealand
- Duration Range: Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and water sports such as kayaking and surfing. Cultural experiences include visiting Maori villages, attending traditional performances, and exploring local markets. Recreational options range from relaxing on beautiful beaches to exploring national parks. Unique experiences include geothermal spa bathing, blackwater rafting in caves, and scenic flights over volcanic landscapes.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is summer for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack layers for variable weather and waterproof gear for rainy days. Respect Maori customs and local etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering homes or marae (meeting grounds). Stay safe by following outdoor safety advice and keeping valuables secure. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for remote areas.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $180
1350 Available Tour Excursions in North Island
Explore The Lakes Tour – 9am to 1pm By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value. With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Explore The Lakes Tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, the largest fresh water spring in the North island. Okere falls and Tutea falls with Native forest walk. lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. • Highlights • Small group, relaxed atmosphere. • Informative, outgoing driver-guide. • Breath-taking scenery. • No queues . • Half day tour.
Price: $92.29
Duration: 4 hours
Our grade 5, white water rafting trip is often recognised as one of the best half day trips in the world! It was recently voted in the top 8 white water trips in the world by Red Bull. With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about. This is a very active trip and you will need to work as part of a team to navigate your way through steep drops, chutes and major rapids in the grade 5 gorge. The trip starts off with some mellow grade 1-3 rapids, which are great practice for what lies ahead. Throughout the trip you will see some amazing New Zealand scenery along the way. And the trip finishes back at River Valley Lodge, for hot showers! You can also choose to add on meals or accommodation at the lodge after your trip.
Price: $163.04
Duration: 4 hours
Our tours are fun and engaging. Being a family run business and locals ourselves, we know how to make our guests feel right at home. Come and sample some of our award winning wines at three boutique vineyards, whilst soaking up the beautiful scenery along the way. We specialise in small group tours, which allows us to drop you right at the vineyard entrances. All tastings and lunch reservations are pre-booked, so no queuing, no disappointments when the vineyards are fully booked for walk-ins. Let us take care of the details, while you enjoy your day exploring the island.
Price: $128.59
Duration: 5 hours
Eat your way through Auckland's hidden lanes on this moving feast of mouth-watering New Zealand-style food. Discover where to find Auckland's best restaurants and rooftop bars. Your local guide will reveal four delicious food spots selected for their delicious tastes and cool vibes. Discover street art and other Auckland attractions on this fun culinary caper. Appetizers, main, dessert and a small-group guarantee included in the tour price.Tour unsuitable for Vegans. The minimum per booking is 2 people and this tour requires a min group size of 4 people to proceed.
Price: $134.74
Duration: 3 hours
Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this half-day or full-day self-guided adventure of Wellington. From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride. You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, you'll love exploring Wellington on these top-quality electric bikes!
Price: $52.30
Duration: 2-24 hours
Make your night out in Auckland worth remembering with a guided tour experiencing the best sips, sights, and stories of the city’s historical bar scene. Proudly showcasing craft beers from boutique local breweries and/or fantastic New Zealand wines, along with delicious non-alcoholic options this is an event with a difference. Our unique combination of a guided city tour, hosted social event and a fascinating Auckland and New Zealand history lesson offers an informative, engaging, and enjoyable evening for everyone – be they a tippler or a teetotaler.
Price: $86.75
Duration: 3-4 hours
An escape room like other: Brace yourself for an escape room experience that defies the ordinary. In Zombie Bite, we’ve crafted a post-apocalyptic setting—one where danger lurks around every corner. Zombies hunger for your wits, and your survival instincts will be put to the test. This room is a real challenge to most teams, but there are hints a plenty if you have a good look. Realism Meets Challenge: Unlike typical escape rooms, Zombie Bite immerses you in a realistic environment, not just a puzzle room, so you'll need to keep your wits, focus on the story and the main characters to help solve problems that lay ahead.
Price: $215.34
Duration: 1 hours
Customise your experience to your heart's delight for the fun and thrill of a Jetski ride and if you like enjoy fishing at the same time! Our company on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast believes that water sports should be fun, easy and worry free for you to create unforgettable memories. We provide you with an individual and customised Jetski hire experience ranging from a short fun filled joyride to a private group tour exploring the many scenic islands and beaches of the Hauraki Gulf. We strive for excellence in what we do and offer the highest quality service with our small fleet of new Yamaha Jetskis. Our prices are per Jetski, not per person, best suited to max. 190kg or 2 adults plus child.
Price: $110.75
Duration: 1-6 hours
Our knowledgeable guide will escort you through beautiful untouched caves here in the Waitomo district. This option is our Private Tour which consists of just your party of 2-8 people, plus a guide. We will tailor the tour for your group giving you the ability to move slowly through the caves to enjoy, explore and take in the surroundings, including our mesmerising glow worm displays. Come and check out why we are the #1 cave tour in Waitomo! Our eco-tours are through completely untouched and beautiful New Zealand scenery on our family farm. We are off the beaten track away from the crowds, we LOVE it that way and so do our customers! Don't forget small pocket-sized cameras are welcome. Within a short drive of Waitomo Caves Village and the small towns of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga.
Price: $676.17
Duration: 3 hours
This is the perfect trip for anyone who wants a relaxed day on the Hauraki Gulf. No previous kayaking experience necessary. Browns Island, named Motukorea (island of the pied oystercatcher bird) is one of the best preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Private boats and kayaks are the only means of access to this untouched island. On arriving at Browns Island, you will be given the chance to walk to the summit, which will give you an opportunity to experience spectacular views and the island's fascinating history. There are three pa sites on the island (Maori fortified village), with the largest occupying the slopes of the main scoria cone. Light refreshments are provided on the island before you head back to the sheltered waters from where you started. FREE Auckland City Center pick up and drop off available on request.
Price: $119.98
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy the ultimate Redwoods experience in Rotorua - feel the thrill of a high ropes course, get fast pass entry to Redwoods Nightlights, and go on a daytime Treewalk.
Price: $107.67
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides! Northern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. We’ll stop for lunch at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or have a picnic on the beach with food you’ve purchased or brought with you. Southern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy view of the city and sea.
Price: $258.41
Duration: 5 hours
Your tour is your tour only! No mixed groups! Purely a private tour. You get to have your own dedicated Driver/Guide and 'Memory Creator' for your entire tour. Enjoy a 7-hour private tour from Wellington to the South Wairarapa covering majestic scenery, visits to Gladstone and Martinborough Wineries including a spectacular platter lunch at one of the wineries we visit. We also visit the beautiful town of Martinborough well recognised for the 'Capital' of Pinot Noir of the North Island. We visit up to 4 wineries including lunch at a winery. Your tour also includes a private tour at one of the wineries visited covering the winery, vineyard and tastings. If you have any particular winery you wish to visit this can be arranged in advance. Please note this tour is only available for 18 years of age and older.
Price: $318.09
Duration: 7 hours
Discover this beautiful city with your own private guide.(not with other people) Make the most of a short stay on a full-day city tour. Visit the Auckland’s best top 7 spots, including West heave Marina Mount Eden Winter Garden Michael joseph savage memorial park Mission Bay Arataki visitor center Piha beach Get around in a comfortable private vehicle. We can flex the schedule based on your needs. Please contact us. This tour minimum required : 2people
Price: $215.34
Duration: 7-8 hours
Enjoy this full-day Excursion from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. Including pickup and drop-off from your centrally located hotel in Auckland, a 4 and half hour guided boat cruise tour with full commentary, 3-hour private scenic drive each way with beautiful scenic stops for photo taking.
Price: $282.40
Duration: 12 hours
Get connected with more of the Wellington that locals love. Kia ora, we are Jo & Suzee. We create fabulous & fun private tours and shore excursions tailored just for your family & friends. Check out Wellington's stunning beaches & rural locations or the rain forest at Kaitoke (known as Rivendell for LoRs fans). We taste local treats too eg chocolate, fish & chips & ice cream. Ideal if you have visited Wellington before or want to go further. We pick you up & drop you off at your hotel, ship or airport. We get in touch to create your bespoke Full Day itinerary. Why choose us? • Travel only with your family & friends. • Meet a new local friend with insider knowledge. • Poke around the hometown they love. • Experience stunning scenery. • Avoid busy tourist traps. • Comfortable environmentally friendly vehicles. • Help yourself to local refreshments from the chilly bin (cooler). • We know where the toilets are. Cruisers, we've got your back, we get you back to your ship on time.
Price: $276.87
Duration: 4-6 hours
Our Tongariro River expedition offers a unique blend of excitement and accessibility. Perfect for first-time rafters, the grade 3 rapids promise thrills and spills without the need for prior experience. Brace yourself as your pulse races and your senses are inundated with the sheer awesomeness of the journey. In the midst of thundering waters, surrounded only by your fellow adventurers, you'll discover the addictive allure of white water rafting firsthand. But the adventure doesn't end there. Paddle through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Lake Taupō region, where towering pine forests, native bush, and volcanic cliffs form the backdrop to your journey. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings of Whio, the endangered blue ducks, nesting along the river banks, and marvel at the colossal New Zealand trout gliding beneath you – some so large they've been known to snack on a passing mouse or two!
Price: $116.28
Duration: 4 hours
Get the most out of your visit with a package to explore more than just one unforgettable cave at Waitomo in this small group day tour from Auckland. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with the Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm only found in New Zealand. This most popular combo combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the stunning Ruakuri Cave providing an ultimate Waitomo caving experience.
Price: $276.87
Duration: 11 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in North Island.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
North Island’s cuisine features fresh seafood, lamb, and locally grown produce. Signature dishes include hangi (traditional Maori earth oven-cooked food), green-lipped mussels, and pavlova dessert. Dining customs emphasize casual, friendly atmospheres with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Noteworthy restaurants include those in Auckland’s vibrant food scene and Rotorua’s Maori cultural centers offering traditional feasts.
Getting Around
North Island is accessible by international flights to Auckland and Wellington airports. Domestic flights connect major cities and tourist spots. Local transportation includes buses, trains, and ferries, though services can be limited outside urban areas. Renting a car is popular for exploring remote regions and national parks. Costs vary, but public transport is generally affordable, while car rentals provide flexibility.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is summer for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack layers for variable weather and waterproof gear for rainy days. Respect Maori customs and local etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering homes or marae (meeting grounds). Stay safe by following outdoor safety advice and keeping valuables secure. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for remote areas.
Culture & Customs
North Island’s culture is deeply influenced by Maori traditions, including language, art, and ceremonies. Social customs emphasize respect, hospitality, and community. Important festivals include Waitangi Day celebrations and Maori cultural events. Visitors should greet with a hongi (traditional nose-to-nose greeting) when invited and show respect at sacred sites. Politeness and environmental care are highly valued.
