15 Things To Do On New Zealand’s North Island

1. Go Sailing in the Bay of Islands

For a very scenic and relaxing experience, go sailing in the Bay of Islands. Located in the Northland Region, the Bay of Islands is close to the northern tip of the country.

This area is a world class region for sailing and a collection of over 140 islands with a coastline sporting four villages, including the charming town of Russell. For day sails or a late afternoon cruise visit  Tucker.co.nz.

Bay of Islands

2. Enjoy the Hot Thermal Springs in Rotorua

“In Rotorua all you can do here is eat, sleep, and spa,” our waiter told us one evening. Indeed, when you visit Rotorua, the thermal experience is everywhere.  It steams up from the pavements; there are geysers fields,  mud pools, fumaroles and hot springs.

This thermal activity makes itself known in every corner of the city, and is the reason for the area’s famed sulphur scent.  And one of the best thermal experiences you can have is at the world renowned Polynesian Spa, voted as a world top 10 spa.

Thermal Pools

3. White Water Raft the Tongariro River

If you’re after a real wilderness experience, then go White Water Rafting on The Tongariro River. It’s one of New Zealand’s most famous rivers.

In between conquering each rapid, you will witness ancient beech forests, rainbow trout swimming upstream, breathtaking gorges, limestone and volcanic cliffs, and water so clean and fresh you could drink it. This river is known as the perfect river for your first rafting experience.

Rafting Tongariro

4. Beer Tasting at Hallertau Brewery in Auckland

Did you know that New Zealand has some pretty good local beer? We didn’t either. The Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant, a New Zealand first, is nestled in the greenery of Riverhead, only a twenty minute drive from the city.

Hallertau, with it’s combination of brewing and epicurean lifestyle, will allow you to sit back and enjoy for a couple of hours. And the food is damn good too. Order the pumpkin risotto.

Beer Sample at Hallertau

5. Sky Dive

When I went Sky diving in New Zealand it was the first time that I have ever jumped. I faced my fears in the Northland’s region, near Whangarei, and it was awesome.

I jumped with Dave, one of the regions most experienced tandem jumpers, and the scenery was spectacular. Skydive New Zealand with Ballistic Blondes.

Ready to face my fears

6. The Burried Village in Rotorua

The explosion of Mt Terewaka over a century ago burried the whole village, including what was considered a natural wonder of the world, the pink and white terraces.

And before the recent earthquake in Christchurch earlier this year, it was New Zealand’s biggest natural disaster. A visit to the burried village is fascinating and the story  is told to you by a knowledgeable and passionate guide as she walks you through the village sharing with you stories from that time.

The burried village

7. Sea Kayaking

The Northland region offers diverse sea kayaking opportunities to explore coves, white sand beaches, and spectacular coastal formations in clear subtropical waters in what is the countries warmest region.

Experiencing the scenery first hand is what New Zealand is all about, and sea kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and close to nature.  Pacific Coast Kayaks runs local half day tours and full day tours  to suit every level of ability and age.

Sea kayaking

8. Picturesque Whangarei Falls

The 24 metre high Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in all of New Zealand. Because of its ease of access, picturesque bush setting, and guaranteed 365 days per year flow, it is a must see if you are in the Whangarei area.

The falls is a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic or a walk amidst the native bush.

Whangarei Falls

9. Bungy Jump in Taupo

The bungy jump is a New Zealand invention. Well, not entirely, for centuries the people of Vanuatu have been leaping from tall towers with vine ropes attached to their ankles, but in the 1980′s commercial bungy jumping was developed by a group of Kiwi’s and the rest is history.

At 47 meters high and the inviting waters of the Waikato River below, Taupo Bungy is the highest water touch bungy in New Zealand.

Taupo Bungy

10. Cycling Winery Tour Around Hawke’s Bay

Located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast, the Hawke’s Bay area is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions.

And one of the best ways to visit the wineries in the Hawke’s Bay area is by bicycle as the land is flat and most of the wineries are within easy cycling distance. The bike path is via the coastal cycleway which is a dedicated cycle path that’s flat and easy to navigate.

Hawks Bay Wineries region

11. Discover Maori Culture at the Tamaki Cultural Experience

“We are a proud culture who has had dramatic changes over the past 150 years.”  ~ Maori elder as he spoke in farewell to us about his culture. There are some cultural experiences around the world that are too touristy in the fact that they are done for the tourists and to make money.

But what I loved about the Tamaki village experience is that it was more about sharing. Sharing a culture, knowing that they had something of value to offer the world.  The Tamaki Village experience is the BEST ”touristy” cultural experience I have had.

Tamaki village

12. Freak Yourself Out on Auckland’s Sky Walk

Consider this…using only a safety harness while walking on a one meter wide platform with no handrails, walk 360 degrees around the external circumference of the tower suspended 192 meters above the ground…with nothing but air on either side of you.

That’s what awaits you on Auckland’s Sky Walk. Whilst on the platform you’ll stop at various points to have your photo taken, learn some Auckland history, and have a go at leaning over the edge. Just do it…

Sky walk

13. Cuba Street in Wellington.

One of the more bohemian areas of Wellington, Cuba Street is the home to an eclectic collection of cafes, op-shops, boutique, small fashion stores, art galleries, and music shops.

It is the centre of one of the four ‘quarters’ of downtown Wellington, the Cuba Quarter. And it’s one of the best locations to grab a coffee. Check out Fidel’s Cafe.

Coffee at Fidels on Cuba street

14. The Town of Russell

This tranquil seaside town is well worth a visit. The elegant township was once known as “the hell hole of the Pacific” when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century.

Russell is the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. But today Russell is a popular holiday destination with historic buildings and a great starting off point to go sailing in the Bay of Islands.

Russell

15. Experience a Rugby Game at Eden Park

New Zealand is rugby mad and they have an obsession with the game and their beloved All Blacks to rival any other countries love of their national team.

Their players are treated like god, and they appear constantly in all forms of media and advertising. The mood of the entire country rides on the back of the results of their national team. And there is no better place to watch an All Blacks rugby game than at their home ground, Eden Park in Auckland.

Eden park, Auckland

Can you add to this list?