Adventuring in New Zealand’s North Island

Ah, New Zealand – the land that truly has it all. Adorned with everything from tranquil old growth forests through to arid plains and snowy mountains. You can watch brilliant vermillion sunsets on beaches without seeing another living soul. You can spend one night amongst lush, green rolling hills and the next in the shadow of a snowy giant (mountain). Aotearoa is a veritable playground for adventurers and intrepid travellers such as yourselves, and while Queenstown and the South Island are our most popular tourist destinations, you’d be silly to turn your nose up at what the North Island has to offer. 

When should I go?

Come anytime! It depends entirely on what you plan to do and see. If you love skiing and snowboarding, the winter season runs from about June-September. The Central Plateau is the only northern region you’ll get your snow sport fix, as other parts of the north island don’t tend to get THAT cold.

October-May is your prime window of opportunity for everything else. It’s generally warm enough to swim, run, bike, and hike to your heart’s content. December-February are the hottest months, so buy SPF 50 sunscreen by the bucket and don’t be afraid to use it, ours is nothing like that gentle European sunshine.

How do I get around?

Why, with Contiki of course! The Real New Zealand trip will give you a taste of both the North and South Islands, all from the convenience of a coach filled with like-minded adventurers such as yourself! 

If you prefer doing your own thing, and plan to do some serious adventuring, hiring a car is the way to go. You can rent anything from a Suzuki Swift to a self-contained van, giving you the agency to go where no traveler has gone before (no promises though, New Zealand is a small place). 

Feeling energetic? You can actually cycle the entire length of New Zealand on what’s called the Tour Aotearoa trail. This adventure mode is called bikepacking and it offers you the country at a pace you can really take it all in. Walking is also an option, on what’s called the Te Araroa. Bear in mind that walking or cycling the length of the North Island will take a decent chunk of time. Multi-day hikes are another excellent option, including the New Zealand Great Walks, of which the North Island is home to three. 

Where should I go?

Ask yourself what you want to get out of this trip. Are you coming here to conquer mountain peaks, become an adrenaline junkie, or simply go camping and connect with your friends? New Zealand’s North Island is filled to the brim with natural beauty regardless, but what you want to do should heavily inform where you go. 

From the top

1. Northland

You’ll likely touch down at Auckland International Airport, so why not hop in a car and head north! Within hours of touching down you could be washing away the jet-lag on an out-of-this-world beautiful beach, or looking for kiwi’s under the clearest starry sky you have ever seen. Due to the low light pollution of sparsely populated areas, this is a perfect area for some stargazing.

Mangawhai, Waipu, and Uretiti beach are all less than a 2 hour drive from Auckland, and make for an idyllic camping trip. Further north lies the Bay of Islands, where you can hire Kayaks, get your tan on, and potentially spot some orcas! Right up the top is a place called Ninety Mile beach (FYI – not actually 90 miles long), which you can drive on, just don’t dent the rental car! 

Dry land not doing it for you? Northland is home to some of the most abundant sea life in the country, so why not try your hand at some diving or snorkeling? A guided tour is your best bet to access those hidden gems. A wildlife cruise would also give you a great opportunity to see some dolphins and penguins! 

2. Auckland

All the decent adventuring to be had in Auckland exists outside the central city. Take a day trip to Rangitoto, Waiheke, and even Great Barrier Island! This should give you a real taste of what the North Island has to offer. Alternatively head west to Piha and Muriwai for the rugged west coast wilderness. In Piha be sure to take on the achievable Mercer Bay loop walk and Kitekite falls. Muriwai is home to a very long, very beautiful beach. It is home to a gannet colony to the south (mind the smell), and horse trekking to the north! If you don’t ride a horse on the beach in New Zealand at least, what are you really doing here?

PSA – The west coast is beautiful, and the waters may look inviting, but please be prepared. The currents are particularly strong and unforgiving, So much so that we even had a show called Piha Rescue about the lifeguards who have to save countless unsuspecting swimmers in the area. Know your limits and don’t get swept out to sea (that’s where the big sharks live too). 

3. Waikato

Hamilton is the big city around these parts, but don’t you worry about that. To the east lies the Hauraki Rail Trail, a cycling journey that will take you through some of our beautiful countryside and historic townships. Kaiaua to Matamata will take you 3-5 days. Want to get your bearings? Head for the hills. Te Aroha, Mt. Pirongia, and Maungatautari are all excellent day hikes. Maungatautari has the added advantage of being an eco-sanctuary, and is home to kiwis, amongst other endangered flora and fauna. If you aren’t lucky enough to see any kiwis here, fear not! Contiki will take you to the National Hatchery on your way through the country!

4. Waitomo

Two words. Glowworm Caves! South of Hamilton lies Waitomo, home to some truly out of this world experiences. A tour will take you on a pitch black boat journey underneath thousands of the emissive little fellas, complete with reflections bouncing playfully off the water. You can pretend you’re in Avatar – it’s more fun that way. There is also a blackwater rafting option, where you sit on an inflatable tube and rocket through caves in pitch black darkness. Sign me up! 

5. Bay of Plenty

Arguably the best beaches in the country lie waiting in the sunny Bay of Plenty. Come and learn to surf like you always said you would. Explore the Kaimai Mountain Range, go camping, fishing, boating, whatever you like. Similarly to Northland, you can also experience an abundance of sea life through snorkeling, diving, and dolphin safari adventures. 

6. Rotorua

Rotovegas as it is affectionately known, is a must for you adrenaline junkies. Mountain bike through giant Redwoods, luge down the side of a mountain, or visit the home of Zorbing. Rolling down a hillside in a giant plastic ball is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Afterwards, rest those aching muscles in one of Rotorua’s famous geothermal hot pools. 

On Contiki you will have the privilege to engage with traditional Māori culture. Experience a traditional welcome, called a Pōwhiri, before delving into local history at the Ōhinemutu Village. Learning about the rich indigenous culture of Aotearoa will undoubtedly set your travel experiences apart, giving you a deeper appreciation for what makes this little country so great. 

Ready for more? Rotorua is here to provide. Ziplining, white water rafting, and hiking are all at your fingertips. So get stuck in! 

The middle

1. East Coast

The East Coast is somewhat less frequented by tourists, but well worth the adventure. Deep in Te Urewera sits Lake Waikaremoana, a hidden gem by all means. You can take a boat out on the lake, or do the 3-4 day Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk! Further south is Hawkes Bay, home of Art Deco architecture and copious amounts of wine. If you’d like to work off some of that wine, there is an annual run through the vineyards, or climb Te Mata Peak! Going up it drunk is either a really good, or really bad idea. I’ll leave that up to you. 

2. Central Plateau

If you thought Rotorua was fun, wait until you hit Taupō! The drive between the two is full of forests, streams, secret spas and geothermal swimming holes, so be sure to venture off the beaten track a little. On your way into town you will find Huka Falls. The electric blue waters vary greatly between torrential rapids and lazy river, depending on the rain. Professionals kayak down it, but it’s not for your average adventurer (like you). 

Why not go for a jet boat ride instead! It will take you right up to the base of the falls and hurtle you down narrow canyons close enough to touch. Taupō itself is also home to a prawn farm, motorsport park, skydiving, and bungee jumping. Fun fact, Lake Taupō is said to be bigger than the entirety of Singapore! It is also the crater of one of the largest volcanic eruptions the earth has seen in the last 5000 years.

Further south lies the Desert Road, and with it the very beautiful and very active Mount Ruapehu (its a volcano). Home to skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, you would be remiss to skip this part of the country. A stone’s throw to the west is our next destination, Blue Duck Station! 

Sandwiched between Ruapehu and Whanganui National Park and on the banks of a river, Blue Duck Station truly has it all. Explore the local bush, learn about history and conservation in the area, go on a horse trek, kayak the Whanganui River, and gaze at those beautiful stars. Nearby is the Bridge to Nowhere, a majestic wooden bridge perched 40 meters above the river. This is one of those experiences you’ll take home and tell people it ‘changed you’. Not sure how to get there? Contiki will take you on the Real New Zealand trip!

Down to the bottom

1. West Coast

Between Taumarunui and Stratford is what’s known as the Forgotten Highway. It is a 155 km journey through largely unspoilt sub-tropical rainforest, taking you back to a time before human interference (minus the road and tunnel parts). On the way through you’ll find a place called Whangamōmona, which came to prominence in 1989 when the residents decided to cede from New Zealand and form a ‘republic’, and even went so far as electing a president. Once in the Taranaki Region, why not climb the majestic Mount Taranaki or explore the many hiking trails that circle its base? 

If a road trip doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not go for the Whanganui River Journey? It consists of a 5 day canoe ride down the river from Taumarunui, and takes you down past the Bridge to Nowhere and into a place called Pipiriki. Despite not being a walk, it is part of the New Zealand Great Walks list and is well worth the effort.

2. Wellington Region

I know what you’re thinking. Wellington? I came here for adventure, not some city slicker BS. Well, you’d be surprised what the region has to offer. North of the city sits the Tararua Forest Park, packed full of multi-day hikes to fill your cup. Head east and you’ll find more wine country, cycling trails, and tranquil countryside. Keep going to the coast and stop in at Castlepoint for some views of the endless Pacific Ocean, a lovely lighthouse, and keep an eye out for the local surfers. 

The city itself has a few aces up its sleeve. Between the suburbs of Kelburn and Karori is the Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, another amazing opportunity to interact with our endangered flora and fauna. Further west is Mākara, full of mountain biking goodness. You can also hike trails that take you to the south coast and Red Rocks, where you can find seals in their natural habitat! 

A note on adventuring

You now know where to go and what to do when it comes to the basics of adventuring in the North Island. Keeping this in mind, some of the best adventure experiences can be unplanned. So take the scenic route, go to that secluded beach, follow through with that skydive. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose, so don’t go home with any regrets!