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Discover North Island Areas of Interest
for Every Kind of Tourist

Take a Look at Some of the Best North Island Areas of Interest

Bay of Islands — The 144 islands of the scenic Bay of Islands New Zealand offer an endless variety of things to do. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and cruises to such remarkable locations as the “Hole in the Rock.” Nearby towns of Waitangi, Russell, and Paihia offer great lodgings and plenty of fascinating sights.

Bay of Plenty — One of the largest bays on the North Island, Bay of Plenty New Zealand has an entire region named after it. Explore cities like Tauranga and Rotorua and other tourist destinations such as Whakatane and Te Puke.

Cape Reinga — NZ’s northernmost tip, Cape Reinga New Zealand, is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. Maori legend holds that the spirits of the dead depart for their ancestral homeland at Cape Reinga.

Cathedral CoveCathedral Cove New Zealand near Hahei and Whitianga is one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s most beautiful rock formations, surrounded by breathtaking beach scenery. Get ready for a refreshing hike to get there and for great boating, swimming, and fishing adventures once you arrive!

Climb Mt PakuClimb Mt Paku New Zealand near Tairua to experience exhilarating 360-degree views of the vicinity - including Pauanui Beach, Tairua itself, the nearby harbor, and the Coromandel mountain range.

Coromandel Coastal Walkway — If you want to explore the natural beauties of the Coromandel Peninsula, hike along the Coromandel Coastal Walkway New Zealand near Colville to see stunning beaches, coves, bays, valleys, and inlets and to get a true sampling of New Zealand’s flora and terrain.

Coromandel Peninsula — A true natural paradise can be found at Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand, where magnificent beaches, beautiful pohutukawa trees, and eternally verdant landscapes await your visit; towns like Colville and Tairua provide great views and accommodations.

Dive TutukakaDive Tutukaka New Zealand to experience the fascinating underwater world of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which Jacques Cousteau considered one of the planet’s top ten diving sites.

Dive Poor Knights Islands — Thousands of rare exotic fish, two shipwrecks, and remarkably warm water will delight you when you Dive Poor Knights Islands New Zealand near Tutukaka.

Goat Island — Near Goat Island New Zealand, the Goat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh offers a great diving experience among thousands of friendly fish - some of whom might even affectionately nip your fingers!

Hahei — Located near Cathedral Cove and one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s finest beaches, Hahei New Zealand is a popular destination for kayaking, boating, surfing, snorkelling, and diving.

Henderson Bay — Renowned for its tranquility and great surfing conditions, Henderson Bay New Zealand is close to Kohukohu and the Ninety Mile Beach; here, you can also collect remarkable seashells on the shore!

Hot Water BeachHot Water Beach Whitiango Coromandel New Zealand is just a two-hour drive away from Auckland; here, you can dig into the sand and create your own personal hot mineral pool - or you can surf and swim among breathtaking scenery.

Karikari Peninsula — Located in the northwest of Northland, Karikari Peninsula New Zealand features an abundance of beautiful beaches and bays, including Matai Bay, Karikari Bay, and Puheke Beach. The major settlement of Whatuwhiwhi has world-class golf courses and quality resort accommodations.

Kauri Museum — One of the best resources on NZ’s remarkable giant Kauri tree, Matakohe - Kauri Museum New Zealand attracts 95,000 visitors every year; discover this fascinating tree and the products that can made from it.

Kuaotunu Beach — Kayaking, horseback riding, luxury accommodations, fishing, golfing, tennis, and so much more can be experienced at Kuaotunu Beach New Zealand, just 15 minutes north of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Lady Knox Geyser — The amazing eruptions of Lady Knox Geyser Rotorua New Zealand occur at impressively regular intervals; the geyser lets out its stem without fail at 10:15 a.m. every day.

Mahamudra Centre — Founded in 1981 by lamas from Tibet, Mahamudra Centre New Zealand in Colville is a tranquil spiritual retreat which emphasizes yoga, meditation, and introspection in the beautiful environment of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Matai Bay — Come to Matai Bay New Zealand near the Karikari Peninsula to find wonderful places to eat, hike, fish, surf, dive, and enjoy your New Zealand vacation.

Matarangi Beach — The pristine environment of Matarangi Beach New Zealand on the Coromandel Peninsula near Whitianga is a genuine paradise and a wonderful base for tramping, surfing, and relaxation.

Matauri BayMatauri Bay Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand north of Kerikeri is famous for its pure white sand, great surfing conditions, and camping, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, and horse trekking opportunities.

Mitai Maori Village — Come to Mitai Maori Village Rotorua New Zealand to immerse yourself in Maori culture: songs, dances, great food, art, architecture, legends, and spiritual traditions.

New Chums Beach — A thirty-minute hike on the Coromandel Peninsula will get you to New Chums Beach New Zealand, whose pristine, scenic, captivating location is unparalleled; here, you can observe golden sand, blossoming pohutukawa trees, and a multitude of colorful, beautiful shells.

New Zealand Glowworms — Journey to the caves in Waitomo, Te Anau, or Te Aroha to witness tens of thousands of tiny New Zealand Glowworms putting on a light show that you’ll never forget!

New Zealand Spa Aix MassageNew Zealand Spa Aix Massage in Rotorua is a unique, ultra-refreshing experience; it combines massage with water jet therapy for double the relaxation and pleasure!

Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park — Also known as “The Hidden Valley” and “The Place of Adorning,” Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park New Zealand near Taupo and Rotorua offers the ultimate experience of New Zealand’s geothermal wonders; with 35 active geysers, including the famous Diamond Geyser, this is the place to go to see nature rage!

Puheke BeachPuheke Beach New Zealand on the Karikari Peninsula presents visitors with opportunities for deep sea fishing, shell gathering, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golf, birdwatching, and so much more!

Rainbow Warrior Memorial — The Rainbow Warrior Memorial on Matauri Bay Hill was commissioned by the Ngati Kuri Maori tribes to commemorate the sinking of the Greenpeace vessel, the Rainbow Warrior, by French government saboteurs in 1985.

Sky City OrbitSky City Orbit Aucklad New Zealand offers fine dining with a spectacular view from the top of Auckland’s colossal Sky Tower; here you can see for 80 kilometers in all directions!

Spirits Bay — Take a walk along Spirits Bay New Zealand on your journey to Cape Reinga; observe pristine beach scenery and discover why this captivating, mysterious region is featured in so many Maori legends.

Tapotupotu BayTapotupotu Bay New Zealand on the northernmost tip of North Island is not to be missed when visiting Cape Reinga; this bay offers excellent campsites and memorable panoramic views of the area.

Te Aroha Glow Worm Caves — Visit the Te Aroha Glow Worm Caves to experience an entire underground world of waterfalls, lakes, rock formations and - of course - delightful and mysterious New Zealand glowworms.

Te Aroha Mineral Pools — Want to take a hot bath in water from natural geothermal springs? Then visit the Te Aroha Mineral Pools and relax in style after exciting and rewarding New Zealand travels.

Te Papa MuseumTe Papa Museum Wellington New Zealand takes the entire concept of a museum to an entirely new level with interactive exhibits that simultaneously inform and entertain.

Tongariro CrossingTongariro Crossing New Zealand in Tongariro National Park is considered to be the best one-day hike in NZ and one of the world’ top ten treks; tramping here is truly an experience to be remembered for life!

Tutukaka — The coastal town and port of Tutukaka New Zealand is all about nautical adventures: diving, snorkelling, fishing, and so much more; the Poor Knights Islands - one of the world’s best diving sites - are in close proximity.

Wai-O-TapuWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua has geysers, geothermal springs, boiling mud pools, and incredible vibrant colors to delight and astound any tourist.

Waipoua Forest — If you wish to see some of the best specimens of NZ’s ancient giant kauri trees, visit Waipoua Kauri Forest New Zealand between Dargaville and Omapere.

Whakarewarewa Thermal VillageWhakarewarewa Thermal Village Rotorua New Zealand is the place to go to see traditional Maori culture in action; elaborate songs and dances, fine hangi meals, and exquisite art and architecture can all be sampled at this unique location.

Whangapoua Beach — For surfers on the Coromandel Peninsula, Whangapoua Beach New Zealand is a genuine treat; fine accommodations and great views are abundant at this beach in the vicinity of Tairua.

To take your exploration of the North Island further, examine some of the best North Island New Zealand Cities.