2025 North Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

During our road trip across New Zealand's North Island, we noticed numerous grasslands along the way. New Zealand's North Island features several grassland areas, which are part of its diverse ecosystems. These grasslands range from lowland to alpine regions and include both natural and managed environments. 🌟 Lowland grasslands are often found in river valleys and coastal areas. 🌟 Alpine grasslands are located in higher altitude areas like the Central Plateau, including the regions around Tongariro National Park. 🌟 Pastoral grasslands are grasslands converted for pastoral farming, primarily sheep and cattle grazing. #grassland #100WaysOfTravel #newzealand #roadtrip #nature #tripblazers #grasslands

#North Island The North Island of New Zealand (Te Ika-a-Māui in Māori) is one of the country’s two main islands, known for its vibrant cities, geothermal activity, and strong Māori cultural heritage. Here’s an overview of its key features: 1. Major Cities • Auckland: The largest city in New Zealand, a multicultural urban hub with beaches, volcanoes, and a strong economy. • Wellington: The capital city, located at the southern tip of the island. Known for its arts scene, government institutions, and the national museum, Te Papa. • Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier-Hastings, and Whangārei are other significant urban areas. 2. Geography & Nature • Volcanic Plateau: Home to active volcanoes like Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro in Tongariro National Park. • Geothermal Areas: Notably in Rotorua and Taupō, with hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. • Beaches: The Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, and East Cape feature beautiful coastlines. • Lakes & Rivers: Lake Taupō is the largest lake in New Zealand, and the Waikato River is the longest. 3. Culture • Strong Māori cultural presence, with numerous marae (meeting grounds), and historical sites such as Waitangi Treaty Grounds. • Blend of Māori and European (Pākehā) influences. 4. Economy • Dominated by services, agriculture (especially dairy and horticulture), tourism, and technology. • Auckland and Wellington are major business and political centers. 5. Attractions • Hobbiton Movie Set (near Matamata) • Waitomo Caves (glowworms and underground rivers) • Rotorua (Māori culture and geothermal wonders) • Bay of Plenty and Northland (subtropical beaches and cultural landmarks) Address - Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - Avg. Price per Person - Rating -

Day 1: start in Wellington and spend two night there. Some of the best things there include visiting the Wētā workshop to see how they make props for many films. There is also the opportunity to walk around the city to take in the great culture and eat seafood at the ferry area. Staying at the Rydges hotel in the CBD is a good idea as the average price is around 100 NZD and the ambience is nice and relaxed. Eating local seafood at Tommys cafe is a good idea as it is very fresh and the tuna tartare is delicious. Day 2: travel to Rotorua and spend two nights there. This area is geothermal so there are lots of natural attractions to see. The Rydges hotel is located in the CBD and is also around 100 NZD a night with great facilities like a games room and hot tubs. In the area, there are attractions like the Huka Waterfalls and the geothermal park. Inside the CBD there is a great restaurant called O’Mills serving Irish food with a spicy twist. Day 3: travel to Auckland for two nights and stop at Hobbiton movie set on the way. This is where they filmed the Hobbiton film and it is a great experience. The Pullman hotel in the CBD area is around 200 NZD a night and it has a great location, within walking distance to all attractions. Some of the top attractions include the New Zealand All Black experience which relates to the rugby team and their origins. Having food on the observation desk of the Sky tower is a must as it only costs 75 NZD and has great views. A good tip for this trip is renting a car as it is a big island and it is more effective to be able to drive yourself

#celebrateit North Island is packed with so many awesome experiences! Auckland’s got the hustle and bustle of city life and nearby islands are good to celebrate a quick getaway. Rotorua is all about hot springs and an interesting culture of Maori. Don’t skip the Tongariro National Park for beautiful hikes and views. I would say the glowworm caves in Waitomo are trulh magical and can’t be missed. Lastly, Wellington has great food and a cool arts culture. Totally recommend it.

Today we are sharing a beautiful beach...Milford Beach🌊 Initially driving by saw many yachts, quietly docked at the dock, originally just thinking of taking a few beautiful photos, so we strolled along the bridge to the sea. Beautiful beach, almost no tourists, only some locals swimming in the sea 🏊 walking the dog, really relaxing, sitting on a bench, blowing the sea breeze, looking at the sea, all worries disappear...

Explore the geothermal parks of New Zealand's North Island, where the colorful volcanic lakes are truly breathtaking, but the geysers are a bit unexpected...🫣 I visited the geothermal parks on the North Island in February this year, and I finally want to share this natural wonder with everyone~ 🌋 🗺 Address: Near Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. Search for the name of the geothermal park on your GPS (e.g. Wai-O-Tapu or Hell's Gate). 🎫 Ticket prices: 1️⃣ Geothermal park: NZD 45/person, quite cost-effective! 2️⃣ Hell's Gate volcanic mud hot spring: NZD 115/person (3 hours) I went crazy smearing mud on myself and soaking in the sulfur lake, and my skin really improved for a long time after soaking! It's really worth the ticket price 🤪😆 ⏰ Recommended visit time: It's best to arrive at the geothermal park early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the park's activities and performances. The geyser is a timed performance! After visiting the geothermal park, you can go to the hot springs! 🩵 Highlights 1. Colorful volcanic sulfur lakes The geothermal lake water appears in different colors due to mineral deposits, with orange, green, and yellow interwoven, making it perfect for photos! The weather was also particularly good that day! The live photos on my phone turned out just like the ones in the picture above ⬆️ 2. Geothermal geyser performance There is a fixed time for the geyser to erupt every day, and we were really looking forward to it! However... (honest warning ⚠️) we thought it was a natural eruption at a fixed point, so we arrived early and sat down to wait! But it turned out to be artificially catalyzed with chemicals, which felt a bit unworthy of the ticket price 👀

🌟Highlights: It was a sunny day today and we came to the Stedwick walkway, which is located in Torbay on the North Shore. The walking route is great👍There are many beautiful and diverse trails. Cycling and walking are both possible and suitable for people of all ages. The walk includes wonderful native New Zealand bush and two large ponds with plenty of birdlife. By the way, we also came across a small school on the way that was open to the public, but with a time limit. The playground was very big and we could play football, and there were also some play equipment for children. I guess this was also an unexpected surprise!

Highlight [Sun]: Freyberg Park, free of charge, is a great place for hiking. There are wide open spaces, a good network of paths through meadows, bushland and leading to the playing fields and cricket pitches at Freyberg Park, and a children’s play park. I have to say that the swings here also allowed me to experience the fun of my childhood. By the way, I also picked up a fallen pine cone. The TAIAOTEA creek in the park is a prime example of Auckland's native ecology, with wild ducks swimming leisurely, purple moorhens strolling leisurely, and fish, calla lilies and other flowers to admire. There is a wealth of biodiversity and natural experiences here. Wide shared paths provide ample space for walking and cycling. Look, it's a good place to practice skateboarding. On the way back, I also saw magpies, which made me feel very happy. I will come here again next time I hike!

Mount Ruapehu, located in the central North Island of New Zealand, is the largest active volcano in the country and one of its most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Standing at 2,797 meters (9,177 feet), it’s the highest peak in the North Island and is part of the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, skiing resorts, and scenic hiking trails, Mount Ruapehu is a hub for year-round adventure. Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 2007. Its summit houses a crater lake known as Te Wai ā-moe, which periodically warms up due to volcanic activity. When not in a state of eruption, the lake is accessible for guided tours and provides a stunning, otherworldly view with its milky, turquoise waters surrounded by volcanic rock. In the summer, Mount Ruapehu is a popular destination for climbers. Its rugged terrain and volcanic features provide an exciting challenge for mountaineers. Several routes lead to the summit, offering views of the North Island and, on a clear day, the chance to see the surrounding volcanoes, Mount Taranaki, and even the distant Lake Taupo. Mount Ruapehu’s combination of volcanic activity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation makes it one of New Zealand’s most exciting and diverse natural attractions. Whether you’re there for skiing, hiking, or simply soaking in the stunning views, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, is an iconic and perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone located on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stands at 2,518 meters (8,261 feet) and is the central feature of Egmont National Park. Renowned for its resemblance to Japan’s Mount Fuji, Mount Taranaki offers dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and significant cultural and historical importance. Mount Taranaki’s near-perfect volcanic cone shape makes it one of the most photogenic mountains in the world. On clear days, the mountain’s snow-capped peak contrasts beautifully with the surrounding forests and plains, offering breathtaking views from multiple vantage points.Although it is a relatively accessible peak, Mount Taranaki is still a serious challenge for climbers, especially in winter when snow and ice make conditions hazardous. Its volcanic origin means the slopes are steep, and climbers must be prepared for sudden weather changes. The mountain has claimed many lives, and climbers are advised to check conditions and take proper gear. Mount Taranaki’s majestic presence and the surrounding Egmont National Park make it one of New Zealand’s top natural attractions, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or simply enjoying the views, Mount Taranaki is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Muriwai Beach, located on the west coast of Auckland’s North Island, is a dramatic and wild stretch of black sand coastline, known for its rugged beauty, surf culture, and the iconic gannet colony. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for outdoor adventures or a scenic coastal getaway. Muriwai Beach is a hotspot for surfers, offering consistent surf breaks that attract both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and board rentals. The waves can be powerful, typical of the west coast, making it an exciting destination for surfing enthusiasts. In addition to surfing, Muriwai is a popular destination for kitesurfing and paragliding. The strong winds and open space make it an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies looking for some excitement on the water or in the air. While Muriwai is great for adventure, it's important to note that the beach can have strong rips and currents. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months in the patrolled swimming areas, so it’s best to swim between the flags. Muriwai Beach is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can drive along the beach, with four-wheel-drive vehicles allowed on the sand at certain times. However, it’s important to follow local regulations and check tide times to avoid getting stuck in soft sand or rising tides. Muriwai Beach has basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ areas. There are also a few cafés and accommodation options nearby for those wanting to stay longer and explore the area in depth. Muriwai Beach offers a unique combination of rugged natural beauty, adventure sports, and fascinating wildlife. Whether you're there to surf, hike, or simply enjoy the stunning coastal views, it's a destination that showcases the wild, untamed spirit of New Zealand's west coast.

North Island, New Zealand..

Mount Ruapehu is located on the North Island of New Zealand, not far from Wellington. The top of the volcano is covered in snow all year round, and the driving conditions are good. There is a tourist center and convenient parking, making it easy for visitors to learn about relevant information. There are multiple hiking trails to choose from based on time and personal condition. Necessary equipment and precautions for hiking can be learned at the tourist center, where there are also videos and tour maps available for viewing and understanding before setting off. It is strongly recommended to hike here and enjoy the scenery along the way! Set off with your loved ones and let loose in the wilderness of the southern hemisphere!

Its the season of New Zealand camphor tree. Are you planting grass?

The Whanganui River is an important traffic channel for the Maori people. It also appeared in the Lord of the Rings. At present, the total length of kayaking is 150 kilometers, which takes 4 to 5 days. It is also possible to choose a drifting section with a relatively low difficulty of 100 km, which takes 3 days. Once you get down the river, you have no choice but to give up and drop in the middle of the road. No matter whether it is rain or shine, you only have to work hard, or cross the rapids, or be subverted by the rapids!