{"id":26264,"date":"2021-02-02T01:45:42","date_gmt":"2021-02-02T09:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/?p=26264"},"modified":"2023-05-25T16:25:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T21:25:31","slug":"new-zealand-north-island-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand North Island Itinerary with 10 Essential Stops"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Are you trying to figure out what to include on a New Zealand North Island itinerary? Well, I\u2019m not surprised! I know from personal experience how hard the task can be. This place is so inundated with incredible sights that you\u2019re spoiled for choice!<\/p>\n<p>Everywhere you go will blow your mind with its natural beauty, laid-back kiwi vibes, and room for adventure. However, whether you\u2019re planning a short New Zealand North Island 7 day itinerary, or have months to play with, there are certain spots you shouldn\u2019t miss.<\/p>\n<p>Want to know what they are? Keep reading to discover 10 top NZ attractions to include on your New Zealand North Island self drive itinerary,<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-693fae422d9b9\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-693fae422d9b9\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#10_Essential_Stops_on_North_Island\" >10 Essential Stops on North Island<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#1_Cape_Reinga\" >1) Cape Reinga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#2_90_Mile_Beach\" >2) 90 Mile Beach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#3_Bay_of_Islands\" >3) Bay of Islands<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#4_Whangarei_Heads\" >4) Whangarei Heads<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#5_Auckland_and_the_Sky_Tower\" >5) Auckland and the Sky Tower<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#6_Waitomo\" >6) Waitomo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#7_Lake_Taupo\" >7) Lake Taupo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#8_The_Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing\" >8) The Tongariro Alpine Crossing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#9_Coromandel_Peninsula\" >9) Coromandel Peninsula<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/new-zealand-north-island-itinerary\/#10_New_Plymouth_and_Mount_Taranaki\" >10) New Plymouth and Mount Taranaki<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Essential_Stops_on_North_Island\"><\/span>10 Essential Stops on North Island<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These places will help make your trip to the NZ North Island itinerary one to remember. Oh, and don\u2019t forget to take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsdannydoing.com\/blog\/best-backpacking-cameras\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best backpacking camera<\/a> possible to help record the trip!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Cape_Reinga\"><\/span><b>1) Cape Reinga<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Reinga\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cape-Reinga.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cape Reinga is (pretty much) the most Northern part of New Zealand.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s definitely the most northerly tip you can access&#8230;And it\u2019s an amazing place. In Maori culture this is a sacred site of deep significance. In Maori folklore, this is where the spirits of the dead jump into the waters below to begin the journey back to Hawaiki, their ancestral home.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Cape Reinga provides you with the ultimate panoramic view. Following the walkway from the car park, you\u2019re high up on the hillside. You walk down to a lighthouse and viewing platform, all the while overlooking the water that stretches to the horizon all around.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s hard not to be impressed at the beauty of it. In front of you, the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide, creating a tumult of surf that crashes far below, like some divine musical instrument.<\/p>\n<p>There are numerous walks to do around Cape Reinga and you can descend to the beaches below if you wish. More than anything though, it\u2019s the perfect place to sit and drink in the surroundings. It\u2019s also prime real estate for watching the sunset.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It isn\u2019t just the obvious beauty on offer here. There\u2019s a deep, emotive and palpable atmosphere to Cape Reinga that shouldn\u2019t be missed. Follow in the footsteps of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsdannydoing.com\/blog\/greatest-explorers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">famous explorers<\/a> and see this inspiring place for yourself.&nbsp;<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_90_Mile_Beach\"><\/span><b>2) 90 Mile Beach<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<a title=\"Mike Dickison , CC BY 4.0 <https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons&#8221; href=&#8221;https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Nine_Mile_Beach_MRD.jpg&#8221;><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/84\/Nine_Mile_Beach_MRD.jpg\/512px-Nine_Mile_Beach_MRD.jpg\" alt=\"Nine Mile Beach MRD\" width=\"512\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Just down from Cape Reinga, on the western side, is the misleadingly named 90 Mile Beach.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>It\u2019s actually only 55 miles. But, nonetheless, that\u2019s a lot of beach!<\/p>\n<p>Again, this is an incredible part of the country that offers travelers the chance to explore seemingly endless expanses of sand and sea. It\u2019s uniquely beautiful: colors blend into one, as sand, sea, and sky merge. Horizons distort; perceptions of space and distance alter.<\/p>\n<p>Given the right set of wheels, you can drive on 90 Mile beach too. Moving at pace over golden sand and through rivulets of glistening water, with the sun in your eyes and barely another soul around is very special.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For the sake of safety and practicality though, make sure you have a 4&#215;4, or at least know someone nearby with a winch and tow bar! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gorentals.co.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go Rentals<\/a> offer a range of vehicles. People frequently ignore the warnings and get stuck&#8230;a lot. You could also pay to go on one of the special buses that take tourists.<\/p>\n<p>The famous Te Paki sand dunes are just off 90 Mile beach too. You can access them directly via the Te Paki Stream (again, think 4&#215;4) from the beach, which is a memorable feat in itself. Get to the dunes, park up, and you can hire a sandboard to toboggan down the dunes until your heart\u2019s content. This is an exhilarating, novel way to spend the afternoon- and good exercise walking up those dunes too!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Bay_of_Islands\"><\/span><b>3) Bay of Islands<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a title=\"W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons&#8221; href=&#8221;https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:00_1776_Bay_of_Islands,_New_Zealand.jpg&#8221;><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/e\/e8\/00_1776_Bay_of_Islands%2C_New_Zealand.jpg\/512px-00_1776_Bay_of_Islands%2C_New_Zealand.jpg\" alt=\"00 1776 Bay of Islands, New Zealand\" width=\"512\" title=\"\"><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>To do the Bay of Islands justice would require an entire post to itself! It\u2019s one of the greatest tourist attractions on the North Island, and for good reason too. Comprised of 144 isles it is home to some of NZ\u2019s most impressive wildlife and beautiful scenery.&nbsp;<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The scale and popularity of the Bay of Islands mean there\u2019s a huge amount to do here. Whether it\u2019s hiking, sea kayaking, dolphin &amp; whale watching, or simply enjoying a drink or two in one of the many bars and restaurants, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>In peak season (think November through February) the atmosphere is buzzing as travelers flock to the area. However, despite its vibrancy and liveliness, it can also feel a little <i>too busy<\/i> at times. It\u2019s definitely far more touristic than other parts of NZ, which may or may not be your thing.<\/p>\n<p>However, even if you only come for the afternoon, the beauty and variety of the place shouldn\u2019t be missed.<\/p>\n<p>While you\u2019re there, it\u2019s worth visiting Waitangi and the Waitangi Treaty Ground. This is another site of cultural and historical significance in NZ. It was here that the British and native Maori, who\u2019d long been at war, signed in 1840 an accord known as the Treaty of Waitangi. It was not without its issues and is contended to this day.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Learning about the Treaty of Waitangi and the history of Maori-Pakeha (European) relations is essential to understand present-day social and governmental issues in NZ.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Whangarei_Heads\"><\/span><b>4) Whangarei Heads<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a title=\"Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Whangarei_Heads._Northland_NZ_(19830067709).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/3\/34\/Whangarei_Heads._Northland_NZ_%2819830067709%29.jpg\/512px-Whangarei_Heads._Northland_NZ_%2819830067709%29.jpg\" alt=\"Whangarei Heads. Northland NZ (19830067709)\" width=\"512\" title=\"\"><\/a><br \/>\nWhangarei Heads is a peninsula situated on the North-Eastern side of North Island and one of the lesser-known gems of the country. It\u2019s another heavenly place and the most underrated stop on this North Island itinerary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Stunning beaches, bays, inlets, and isles abound here. There\u2019s also great coastal and overland hiking as well as ample opportunity for fishing- whether from land or out at sea. If you have access to a boat, you\u2019ll be in your element. Two highlights are:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Mount Manaia, where the panoramic views from the top over the beauty of the area justify the reasonable climb up.<\/li>\n<li>Ocean beach, on the Western side, where mile upon mile of white sand creates the perfect place to spend the afternoon. It is a great place for snorkeling, surfing, and sand-duning too.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Auckland_and_the_Sky_Tower\"><\/span><b>5) Auckland and the Sky Tower<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"Auckland in New Zealand\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-200x134.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-400x269.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-600x403.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-800x538.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-1200x806.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-in-New-Zealand.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Any trip to NZ should include a trip to its biggest city: Auckland.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to do here, but one of the main attractions is the Sky Tower, which you can choose to jump from if you so wish. At 192 meters it\u2019s a reasonable fall, so it\u2019s not for the faint-hearted. However, if you\u2019re into this sort of adrenaline fuelled activity, then why the hell not?!<\/p>\n<p>I could write a whole new piece on things to do in Auckland. There\u2019s masses on offer. Take the time to explore it. And be sure to head across the bridge to the north shore and Devonport. This trendy little town is an awesome break from the city, with cafes and bars galore.<\/p>\n<p>Sit with a beer, swim in the sea, and revel in the views of the Auckland skyline in front of you.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Waitomo\"><\/span><b>6) Waitomo<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a title=\"\u041d\u0438\u043a\u043e\u043b\u0430\u0439 \u041c\u0430\u043a\u0441\u0438\u043c\u043e\u0432\u0438\u0447, CC BY 3.0 <https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons&#8221; href=&#8221;https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Waitomo_Caves_-_panoramio.jpg&#8221;><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/8\/82\/Waitomo_Caves_-_panoramio.jpg\/1024px-Waitomo_Caves_-_panoramio.jpg\" alt=\"Waitomo Caves - panoramio\" width=\"1024\" title=\"\"><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Waitomo is a tiny little place on the Western side of North Island. It\u2019s also one of my personal favorites. People flock from all over the globe to visit.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Why? Because it\u2019s one of the world\u2019s best places to see glow worms in their natural environment. Beneath Waitomo, there\u2019s a labyrinth of caves that are home to these incredible creatures. There are a number of operators in the area offering different caving\/glow worm experiences, but a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is one of the most popular.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Descending into the dark of this otherworldly environment, you take a boat, underground, to float lazily along an underground river while gazing upwards at the green luminescence from the glow worms above. It\u2019s a magical, ethereal experience.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Lake_Taupo\"><\/span><b>7) Lake Taupo<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26269\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Taupo New Zealand\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Lake-Taupo-New-Zealand.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Slap bang in the center of North Island is the momentous Lake Taupo.<\/p>\n<p>Taupo is a traveler\u2019s dream and offers something for everyone. It\u2019s another popular destination on the road through New Zealand. With dozens of bars, restaurants, hostels, and cafes, there\u2019s a real buzz to Taupo.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Nightlife is lively but there\u2019s also plenty of opportunity to escape the noise. Go for a swim in the lake or a foray into the surrounding area. As a favored spot for hiking and mountain biking, Taupo has plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to do something more extreme, check out Skydive Taupo and jump out of a plane from 15,000ft. It\u2019s not cheap, but worth the money for an experience, you\u2019ll never forget. You can get a video as a memento of the experience.<\/p>\n<p>Taupo is also a famous geothermal area, boasting some unmissable (and free!) hot pools right next to the river. Head to the Spa Thermal Park 2km outside town for some awesome free hot pools just sat off from the river. I recommend going at night. Lazing in the hot water and gazing up at the starry night sky above is an extra special experience.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a good little free campsite in Taupo too. It\u2019s not far from the hot pools but on the other side of the river, along its bank. It\u2019s called Reid\u2019s Farm Free Campsite. This is a good bet if you\u2019re traveling on a budget.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Head further down the river to see the sublime Huka Falls. Enough turquoise blue water floods this fall an Olympic sizes swimming pool every 11 seconds. That\u2019s a lot of water! And it\u2019s epic to behold. A lovely riverside walk extends from the Spa Thermal Park to the Huka Falls. This makes for a nice afternoon activity.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing\"><\/span><b>8) The Tongariro Alpine Crossing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a title=\"Ryancoke2020, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons&#8221; href=&#8221;https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing_(Emerald_Lake)_-_NZ.jpg&#8221;><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing_%28Emerald_Lake%29_-_NZ.jpg\/512px-Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing_%28Emerald_Lake%29_-_NZ.jpg\" alt=\"Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Emerald Lake) - NZ\" width=\"512\" title=\"\"><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This is, for me, a must-do activity on the north island. Situated in the Tongariro National Park, just south of Lake Taupo, the Tongariro Crossing is a 19.4km hike that\u2019s worth every iota of effort it requires to complete.<\/p>\n<p>7-8 hours is the recommended completion time, but at a reasonable pace, it\u2019s possible in less. Having said that, taking the time to enjoy it is worth it. Taking the walk slowly is not only safer, but it also enables you to take it all in. The hike takes you up and over leg and lung-busting paths, past pristine emerald lakes, and through Lord of the Rings style terrain.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, there\u2019s good reason for the LOTR resemblance: Mount Ngauruhoe (nah-ruh-hoe-ee), which you have the option to climb as part of the route. This conical volcano was \u2018Mount Doom\u2019 in the actual films.<\/p>\n<p>Take exceptional care if you choose to climb Ngauruhoe. There\u2019s no real pathway up. It\u2019s a matter of scrambling up the shingle any way you can. It\u2019s very steep and hard work. People get injured on it every year and get medivacked off.<\/p>\n<p>A general tip: wait for good weather. The winds can get to crazy speeds up there. It\u2019s genuinely dangerous at times. Furthermore, bad weather means zero visibility. And that would be an enormous shame given the immense views on offer on a good day.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Coromandel_Peninsula\"><\/span><b>9) Coromandel Peninsula<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Coromandel Peninsula\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-400x265.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-800x530.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-1200x795.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Coromandel-Peninsula.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On the Eastern side of the North Island, the Coromandel peninsula is another special part of the country. There are many highlights in this region, but Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are two that stand out.<\/p>\n<p>Cathedral Cove is a famous beach that\u2019s accessible on land by foot, or from the sea by boat and\/or kayak. It\u2019s a world-famous and picture-perfect geological feature so named due to the cathedral-like cavern that\u2019s been worn away over millennia. This is a fascinating, unique beach with a great atmosphere. But it gets busy!<\/p>\n<p>Hot Water Beach is down the Eastern side of the peninsula. Here, you can hire a spade, or bring your own, to dig yourself a bathing pool. If you\u2019ve dug in the right place, your hole quickly fills with hot water, heated by the geothermal activity beneath the surface.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sitting in a self-dug, natural hot water sand pool, while gazing over endless expanses of the ocean isn\u2019t something you do every day!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s an amazing place but it gets utterly jam-packed with people wanting the same experience. Get there early to ensure there\u2019s space and it isn\u2019t overcrowded.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_New_Plymouth_and_Mount_Taranaki\"><\/span><b>10) New Plymouth and Mount Taranaki<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Mount Taranaki\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mount-Taranaki.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, is an active 2518m volcano situated in New Plymouth, on the West Coast of North Island. This is another sacred site in Maori culture and the story in Maori history is worth checking out.<\/p>\n<p>As far as volcanoes go, it\u2019s a good-looking one! It\u2019s the quintessential volcano you draw as a child (minus the crater and lava spewing down its sides, of course!). Mount Taranaki is an upside-down V shape with a perfect conical top, rising mightily from the ground, dominating its environment.<\/p>\n<p>The surrounding region is flat as a pancake, which makes its towering presence even more impressive. Get there on a good day, and it is a breathtaking sight.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, in poor weather, it literally disappears. I had to go on two separate occasions to actually see it. It\u2019s well known for eluding travelers. So go on a sunny day!<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a car park and visitor center (with a great little cafe) and numerous hikes to do around it. Huts are scattered around, providing comforting shelter for overnight expeditions. It\u2019s well worth the trip to the West Coast of North Island simply for a chance to see this incredible volcano.<\/p>\n<p>As another quick aside, New Plymouth itself is quite nice too! There\u2019s not a huge amount to do here. However, there are some stunning beaches to wander along, and masses of farmland to explore. I liked its laidback, fairly rural feel.<\/p>\n<p><b>Exceptional Places in New Zealand&#8217;s North Island<\/b><\/p>\n<p>That brings to a close my pick of 10 essential attractions on New Zealand\u2019s North Island. Alas, there are so many other amazing things to do here, which I\u2019ve not been able to include on this list.<\/p>\n<p>Go to the North Island and you\u2019re bound to end up in extraordinary places doing awesome things. However, if you\u2019re putting some thought into the must-dos for an upcoming trip, hopefully, these suggestions will have helped.<\/p>\n<p>Which parts of New Zealand North Island do you think sound best? Drop a comment below to let us know!<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Guest Author:<\/strong><\/em> &nbsp;Danny Newman is currently writing and traveling his way around the world in a bid to figure out exactly what he\u2019s doing with his life. He\u2019d love you to follow along with his journey over at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsdannydoing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What&#8217;s Danny Doing<\/a>. You can also follow him on <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/whatsdannydoing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read Next:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/top-family-travel-destinations-for-2018\/\">15 Awesome Family Travel Destinations<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/perth-australia-family-travel-guide\/\">Perth Australia Family Travel Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/top-off-the-grid-vacation-locations\/\">24 Top Off-the-Grid Vacation Locations<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the top 10 must-see places to include on your New Zealand North Island itinerary including gorgeous beaches and mountains.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":26265,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"MSN_Categories":"Uncategorized","MSN_Publish_Option":false,"MSN_Is_Local_News":false,"MSN_Is_AIAC_Included":"Empty","MSN_Location":"[]","MSN_Add_Feature_Img_On_Top_Of_Post":false,"MSN_Has_Custom_Author":false,"MSN_Custom_Author":"","MSN_Has_Custom_Canonical_Url":false,"MSN_Custom_Canonical_Url":"","rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_aToxMzYzMDE4MDA7_136301800":"","facebook_10216960885986637_122283935708":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1789],"tags":[1790],"class_list":["post-26264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand","tag-new-zealand"],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":26265,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Auckland-Hobbit-House-in-New-Zealand-300x200.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26264"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26264\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mommytravels.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}