North Island New Zealand Cities

Ahipara — A small town at the end of the 90-Mile Beach and next to the notorious Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara New Zealand features a diversity of architecture, comfortable accommodations, outdoor camping facilities, and historic gumfields.

Auckland — New Zealand’s and Polynesia’s largest city is Auckland New Zealand - a major center of culture, adventure, and recreation; come here to taste remarkable food, explore the beautiful downtown area, and see the colossal Sky Tower.

Colville — Formerly a kauri milling town, gold mining site, and capital of New Zealand hippie culture, Colville New Zealand is now a prime tourist destination, offering ample accommodations for backpackers, walking trails, mountain biking adventures, and diverse landscapes.

Devonport — The quaint Auckland suburb of Devonport New Zealand features a plethora of cafes, shops, and restaurants - along with museums, art galleries, musical performances, and so much more!

Hamilton — The home of Waikato University, Hamilton New Zealand is a center of New Zealand student life, art, culture, education, and research. It features a variety of parks, gardens, inexpensive restaurants, and ample live entertainment.

Helensville — One of the “Top Ten Small Towns of New Zealand,” Helensville New Zealand features a relaxing rural atmosphere just 45 kilometers northwest of downtown Auckland. Historic buildings from the 1930s, comfortable accommodations, and cruises on the nearby Kaipara Harbor await tourists.

Kahoe — A prime destination for outdoor adventure, Kahoe New Zealand offers kayaking along the Kahoe River, hiking, backpacking, and tramping. The historic Kauri dams are nearby, along with numerous prosperous farms and the Whangaroa Harbor, from which tourists can travel to the Cavalli Islands.

Kaitaia — The northernmost large town in New Zealand, Kaitaia New Zealand is a center for culture, recreation, and commerce. It features numerous shopping centers, recreational and business facilities, and an introduction to the life and culture of the Maori at the Maori Cultural Centre.

Kawakawa — An eccentric vacation destination, Kawakawa New Zealand proudly features some of the world’s best flush toilets, designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser. The nearby Kawiti Glow Worm Caves of Waiomio provide another great tourist attraction.

Kerikeri — One of New Zealand’s first settlements, Kerikeri New Zealand features restaurants, stores, artists, horticulture, accommodations, and some of New Zealand’s oldest buildings. The scenic Rainbow Falls and the world-class Kauri Cliffs Golf Course offer outdoor adventures.

Kohukohu — A former kauri milling town, Kohukohu New Zealand is now a small, pleasant village, featuring the beautiful Waiora Gardens, an art gallery, and scenic paths for walking, tramping, and backpacking. Horseback riding, kayaking, yoga, and more are available in the vicinity.

Lake Taupo — One of New Zealand’s centers of tourist adventure, Lake Taupo New Zealand hosts a variety of local and worldwide sporting events, including the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, the Great Lake Relay, and the A1 Grand Prix. Pasttimes like sky diving, jet boating, and paragliding abound in Taupo.

Matakohe — Located in a peaceful pastoral setting, Matakohe New Zealand is a top destination for tourists wishing to learn about New Zealand’s giant kauri tree. The Kauri Museum, Gumdiggers’ Cafe, Coates Memorial Church, and other historic, cultural, and artistic sites attract 95,000 visitors a year to Matakohe.

Napier — Widely known as NZ’s Art Deco City, Napier New Zealand is famous for its charming 1930s architecture; it is also a renowned center of New Zealand wine production in the Hawke’s Bay area.

New Plymouth — The largest city in the Taranaki region, New Plymouth New Zealand is located near the colossal Mount Taranaki, New Zealand’s most frequently climbed mountain. This city of 100,000 features exquisite restaurants and cafes, as well as abundant art shops and outdoor adventure opportunities at the nearby beaches and Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park.

North Island — The adventure never ends on North Island New Zealand with so many areas to explore; visit the Bay of Plenty, the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Northland, Hawke’s Bay, and many more exciting tourist destinations!

Paihia — Paihia New Zealand is an optimal base for visitors to the Bay of Islands; in this convenient small town, you can shop, attend magnificent restaurants and ice cream parlors, and hike, swim, or dive in the vicinity.

Palmerston North — Palmerston North New Zealand is NZ’s “Knowledge City” or “City of Learning.” 40 percent of its population is involved in higher education, and Massey University, the second-largest in New Zealand, is situated there, along with great rose gardens, pools, cafes, and restaurants.

Rangiputa — The beaches of Rangiputa New Zealand on the Karikari Peninsula are breathtaking in their beauty; come here to relax, collect seashells, fish, engage in boating adventures, and sample fine wines at the nearby Carrington Estate.

Rotorua — If you want to observe exciting geysers, boiling mud pools, and fascinating geothermal springs, come to Rotorua New Zealand; at this popular New Zealand vacation destination, you can also become introduced to authentic Maori Culture at the Mitai Maori Village.

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.

Tairua — Located in the heart of the Coromandel Peninsula, Tairua New Zealand is the place to go to immerse yourself in all that this beautiful area has to offer: see great art exhibits, go bush walking in the area, climb Mt. Paku, eat at spectacular restaurants, and do so much more!

Te Aroha — Te Aroha New Zealand is a spa town with a rich history and abundant geysers and hot water springs. The nearby area features remarkable glow worm caves, the abandoned gold, silver, and lead mines at Tui, and numerous walking trails, historic buildings, museums, gardens, and antique shops.

Te Paki — The sand dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs, and great surf at Te Paki New Zealand near Cape Reinga and the Ninety Mile Beach offer some of the best outdoor adventure possibilities anywhere in the world.

Tongariro Crossing — Tongariro 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.

Waitakere — An “eco-city” that comprises the western part of Auckland, Waitakere New Zealand blends nature and outdoor adventure with the conveniences of city life. Hiking opportunities at the Waitakere Ranges, a vast variety of model trains and boats at the Model World, New Zealand’s first mall, Lynnmall, and more await tourists in Waitakere.

Waitangi — A scenic town in the Bay of Islands, Waitangi New Zealand is where NZ as we know it today came to be. It features numerous beautiful, well-maintained walking paths, luxurious hotes and beach resorts, the house where the 1840 Waitangi Treaty was signed, and the biggest Maori war canoe on the entire planet.

Waitomo District — The captivating Waitomo District New Zealand features mysterious glow worm caves, excellent surfing environments, great accommodations, and wonderful places to hike.

Wellington — Wellington New Zealand is NZ’s cosmopolitan capital - home to some of the world’s most interesting museums, architecture, art, food, and recreation activities; it is New Zealand’s second largest city.

After getting a taste of NZ city life, explore some North Island Areas of Interest to extend your adventure even farther!