Home> Australasia> New Zealand> New Zealand North Island> Highlights

Visit New Zealand’s North Island

A beach on the Bay of Islands
Piha Beach

The best places to visit in the North Island

Welcome to New Zealand’s North Island: a sunny land of geysers, vineyards and volcanoes, home to the lively cities of Wellington and Auckland, and perhaps your greatest chance of encountering a hobbit. With world-class museums, art deco architecture and caves that glitter with glow worms, there’s plenty to see and do, either as a North Island only holiday or in combination with New Zealand’s South Island. To help you plan, we’ve listed our favourite North Island holiday stops below.

If you're planning a holiday in North Island, talk to a Travel Expert today on 0800 707 6010.

Rotorua

Rotorua

Rotorua

Geothermal wonderland
You’ll more than likely smell Rotorua before you see it, because here, there’s a distinct whiff of sulphur in the air. The characteristic eggy aroma comes from Rotorua’s many mud baths and hot springs, as well as the geysers that dramatically spurt jets of water 20 plus metres into the sky. Come to marvel at the earth’s powers and explore the lakeside bike trails and walking tracks.

Recommended holidays

Lake Taupo

Taupo

Taupo

Adventure capital
On the shores of the lake of the same name, Taupo’s tranquil setting lends itself well to chilled-out kayaking trips to waterfalls, forest mountain-biking excursions and relaxing lakeside strolls among the mountain scenery. It’s also the place to come to inject a dash of adrenaline into your holiday, with action-packed adventures including skydiving, jet boating and bungee jumping.

Recommended holidays

Wellington

Wellington

Wellington

Capital city
Hilly, rocky Wellington looks like it’s been taken straight from a postcard, with rugged shorelines and lovely Victorian architecture adding to its charms. It’s got a thriving arts scene and some great craft breweries, plus it’s home to New Zealand’s finest museum, the outstanding Te Papa. Stay at least two nights, or longer for day trips to nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations.

Recommended holidays

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

Beaches, kayaking & dolphins
A collection of almost 150 islets dotted among glittering turquoise waters, the beautiful Bay of Islands are filled with natural wonders and stunning scenery. See it all on the must-do Hole in the Rock Cruise, where you’ll also see the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. And don’t forget to keep a look out for wild dolphins splashing in the waves.

Recommended holidays

Save
Auckland skyline

Auckland

Auckland

The City of Sails

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland's skyline is dominated by the Sky Tower, 328 metres tall and offering sweeping views across the city, as well as a rotating restaurant. It's a great spot to get a city overview before you start exploring the museums and galleries, including the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The surrounding landscape is dotted with pretty volcanic cones, while out onto the deep blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf you'll find the relaxed beaches, vineyards and forests of Waiheke Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride away.

Recommended holidays

More about Auckland

How Round the World Experts will help you

Be inspired online

Enjoy browsing our destinations, holidays and expert tips online. See something you like? Save it into one place via our Triplist tool.

Talk to an Expert

Based on where you want to travel, we'll match you with an Expert who lives and breathes that destination and can offer first hand advice. Contact Round the World Experts.

Plan together

We'll take the time to get to know you, share our expertise and work with you to create the exact holiday you want, for the right price.

Travel safely

From your first call until you arrive home, your Expert will be on hand to help at every step, along with our 24/7 Emergency Support service.

Experience New Zealand with the Experts

At Round the World Experts we have a dedicated team of New Zealand specialists who know exactly how to create the perfect New Zealand holiday itinerary for you. We'll take the time to get to know your likes and dislikes in order to create a tailor-made trip for you, all the while keeping an eye on your budget. Want to know more? Start the conversation with our team today.

Round the World Expert Kaye Waapu

If you’re visiting the Bay of Islands, I recommend adding a day trip up to Cape Reinga. It’s where you can see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet, and one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

- Kaye Waapu, Expert
Steph Eagell standing infront of Hobbiton
Our Expert @stepheagell looking for Hobbits in Hobbiton. The charming Lord of the Rings movie set is in the Waikato region on the North Island #expertfinds #waikato #lotr #newzealand #hobbiton

Call us now to find a holiday to suit your interests and budget

Why book with us?

  • Flights, accommodation and transport are all included
  • Our travel concierge service helps you at every step of the way – and it’s free
  • Our Experts have been to the destinations and know the best places to visit

Call free on 0800 707 6010

We're open every day from:
9:00am to 7:00pm Mon-Fri
9:30am to 6:00pm Sat
10:00am to 5:00pm Sun and Public Holidays

Your details are safe with us, read our Privacy Policy

You're in safe hands
email us leave feedback live chat phone us visit us open menu