15 Must Do's in New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand’s North Island is home to some truly unique experiences.

Thinking about booking a campervan hire to explore some of the great things to do in the North Island? Excellent idea! Dotted with geothermal attractions, rich Māori culture, and picturesque landscapes, the North Island makes for an idyllic New Zealand road trip destination. 

With an Apollo camper, you can set your own pace, linger at your favourite spots, and travel effortlessly from one destination to the next. But with so many incredible North Island activities on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you plan the perfect travel itinerary, we've put together this handy guide packed full of the best places to visit in the North Island.

Let’s start exploring …

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Hit the dunes at Ninety Mile Beach

Sweeping along the western edge of the Aupōuri Peninsula in the Far North, Ninety Mile Beach is a must-visit destination on your North Island road trip. Contrary to its name, the beach is actually 55 miles long, but its expansive sandy stretches and rolling surf will leave you awe-inspired nonetheless. While you’re here, have a go at sandboarding down the towering Te Paki Sand Dunes. There are several tour operators that hire out body boards, or you can bring your own. 

Just a short drive away, you'll find the Ngapae Holiday Park, a campervan-friendly spot perfect for an overnight stay. 

Cruise around the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is an aquatic playground known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. And one of the best ways to make the most of it is with a Bay of Islands cruise. Relax onboard as you take in breathtaking views of secluded beaches, lush forests, and New Zealand marine life including dolphins, seals, and an array of bird species. 

After a day on the water, park up for the night at the Bay of Islands Holiday Park. This great campsite offers easy access to the bay, modern facilities, and a peaceful setting.

Go to great heights at the Auckland Sky Tower

Taking pride of place in the heart of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland’s Sky Tower stands as an iconic symbol of the city's skyline. At 328 metres high, the Sky Tower is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest free-standing structure, offering panoramic views of Auckland and beyond.

The Sky Tower isn't just for sightseeing, though. Adrenaline seekers can take on the SkyJump, a guided cable-controlled base jump, or the SkyWalk, an exhilarating walk around the pergola at 192 metres up.

Head across to the North Shore to park up your Apollo camper beachside at the popular Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. Just 20 minutes from central Auckland, this lovely campground is a beautiful spot to rest and recharge.

Take a Waiheke Island wine tour

Situated a quick 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is an oasis of beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, and world-class wineries. 

One of the unmissable activities, while you’re here, is to take a wine tour. Sample renowned local wines while enjoying captivating views of the vineyards and the surrounding Hauraki Gulf. Most tours offer a range of experiences, from guided tastings at award-winning wineries to lunch options that showcase local produce. 

With so much to do on Waiheke, you’ll want to stay a night or two. The good news is you can take your campervan with you. Just book in on the Sealink Ferry. A great spot to stay is the Poukaraka Flats campground.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Discover the beauty of Cathedral Cove in Coromandel

Tucked away in the Coromandel Peninsula, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Auckland, is the majestic Cathedral Cove. This natural wonder is renowned for its massive arched cavern that links two secluded beaches. The picturesque blend of white sand, turquoise water, and towering cliffs makes it a magical spot for swimming, snorkelling, and photography. 

To access the Cove, you’ll need to take the enjoyable 45-minute walking track from the car park. Don't forget to soak in the panoramic views from the lookout points.

A short drive away, you'll find Mercury Bay Holiday Park. After a day at the Cove, there's no better place to relax and plan your next day’s activities.

Experience movie magic at Hobbiton

Just a two-hour drive south of Auckland, you'll find the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set. Immortalised in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, this destination promises a unique journey into the magical world of Middle-earth.

Take a guided tour through the Shire where you’ll visit Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. You’ll also get to hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets of the film production. It's truly an unforgettable experience for fans and non-fans alike.

For your overnight stay, consider the nearby Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park. This campground offers spacious lots, top-notch amenities, and is a great rest stop on your North Island road trip.

Go underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Nestled into the King Country region of the North Island, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offers a captivating underground adventure like no other. Illuminated by an abundance of glowworms, the cave system showcases stunning stalactite formations and fascinating geological features. 

The must-do here is a guided boat tour along the subterranean Waitomo River, beneath the luminous glowworm galaxies. You'll be mesmerised by the blue-green glow of these tiny creatures that light up the darkness like a starry sky.

The caves were discovered over a century ago by local Māori Chief, Tāne Tinorau. Many of the guides who share the wonders of the caves with visitors today are descendants of Chief Tinorau, carrying on the tradition of their ancestors. The Māori regard the caves as a taonga (treasure), cherishing the beauty and spiritual connection they provide. Their storytelling adds an invaluable cultural depth to your Waitomo visit, intertwining the natural wonder with its rich heritage.

Make the most of your Waitomo visit by staying just next door at the Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park. 

Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua

Renowned as a tourist mecca, Rotorua is brimming with unmissable geothermal wonders. Discover bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, and natural hot springs that conjure images of a primordial world. 

At Te Puia geothermal park, stand in awe of the legendary Pohutu Geyser, shooting water up to 30 meters into the air. Embrace tranquillity and rejuvenate your senses at the Polynesian Spa, a world-leading, natural hot mineral bathing experience. The geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu further unveils surreal beauty with its vibrant Champagne Pool and the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.

The Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a comfortable retreat just 10 minutes from the city centre. The holiday park is just over the road from the Blue Lake, a great spot for a summer swim. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Unleash your adrenaline in Taupō

Situated in the very heart of the North Island, Taupō is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering a generous serving of adrenaline-fuelled activities. Plunge from the sky with Taupō Tandem Skydiving, or power through the rapids on a white-water rafting adventure. Not enough? Feel the adrenaline rush as you leap off the edge with Taupō Bungy, New Zealand's highest cliff-top Bungy jump. Or take on the exhilarating speeds of the AJ Hackett Swing, launching yourself over the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River. 

After a heart-pounding day, retreat to the Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort. It's a superb base for exploring Taupō, offering a variety of camping options and soothing hot pools. 

Marvel at the amazing Huka Falls

Just a short drive from the centre of Taupō, Huka Falls is an unforgettable spectacle of natural power and beauty. Here, the Waikato River – New Zealand's longest river – narrows from 100 metres wide into a 15-metre-wide gorge. As a result, over 220,000 litres of water per second surge over the cliff face, creating an awe-inspiring display of force. 

A must-do, while you’re here, is to walk the easy one-hour Huka Falls trail. For the more adventurous, opt for a thrilling jet boat ride up to the base of the falls.

Park up at the nearby Great Lake Holiday Park Taupō and relax in the peaceful grounds just a few minutes from the town centre.

Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Located among the central North Island's volcanic peaks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing stands as New Zealand's premier day hike. 

Around an hour’s drive south from Taupō on SH1, the trail is the jewel in the crown of Tongariro National Park. The park is a place of profound significance as it not only holds the distinction of being New Zealand's oldest national park but is also a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spanning 19.4 kilometres, the hike offers striking volcanic landscapes including craters, glacial valleys, and stunning emerald lakes. 

The demanding hike is not for the faint-hearted, but the rewarding panoramic views make it well worth the effort. To ensure you’re safe and well-equipped, it’s a good idea to plan your crossing with a Tongariro Guided Walk.

After a fulfilling day on the trail, unwind for the night at the Mangahuia Campsite (non-powered).

Canoe down Whanganui River

A North Island road trip isn’t complete without exploring the captivating Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway. Steeped in Māori history and fringed with verdant native bush, this scenic river extends from the mountains of the central North Island to the Tasman Sea. 

One of the most authentic ways to experience this natural wonder is with a canoe journey. Choose from a short half-day paddle, or go all in on a three or five-day adventure. As you glide down the river, there’s a sense of leaving the rest of the world behind as you’re immersed in the untouched beauty of the river. 

Enjoy an overnight stay at Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park. Don’t forget to take some time to explore the city of Whanganui – there’s lots to see and do.

Climb Mt Taranaki

Dominating the western skyline of the Taranaki region, Mt Taranaki offers an exceptional mountaineering challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Climbing Mt Taranaki (or Egmont, as it's also known) is a rewarding endeavour, particularly for the panoramic views from the summit. The sight of the sweeping coastline, Tasman Sea, and the North Island's central plateau is truly breathtaking. Do keep in mind, the climb is challenging and recommended only for well-prepared hikers with good fitness levels.

Spend the night at North Egmont Retreat. Located within easy reach of the park, this campsite offers a cosy base for campervan travellers.

Explore Napier's Art Deco

Sitting on the eastern coastline of the North Island, the vibrant seaside township of Napier is known for its striking Art Deco architecture. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the iconic style of the era, creating an urban landscape unlike any other in New Zealand.

Stroll through the city centre to admire the geometric designs, ziggurat structures, and ornate detailing of the beautifully preserved buildings. Don't miss the opportunity to delve deeper into the history with an Art Deco guided walking tour. 

Just a short drive from the city centre, Kennedy Park Resort Napier offers excellent facilities for campervans. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Go back in time at Te Papa Museum

Sitting proudly on the central Wellington waterfront is Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand). This must-visit destination offers a deep dive into the country's diverse natural environment, Māori culture, and colonial history. 

Check out fascinating exhibits like Gallipoli: The scale of our war or Te Marae, a living exhibition that offers visitors an insight into marae experience. The museum's collections span art, history, Pacific, Māori, and natural sciences, promising an engaging visit for all ages.

Just a 15-minute drive from Wellington's city centre, the Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect spot to park up and explore the capital city.

Ready to explore the North Island?

From the golden stretches of Ninety Mile Beach to the enchanting luminescence of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the North Island is brimming with unique attractions and unforgettable experiences. 

An Apollo campervan hire gives you the freedom to explore the North Island at your own pace and create your dream road trip itinerary. With comfort, convenience, and flexibility, Apollo campers offer the ideal home-away-from-home.

Ready to start your North Island adventure? Book an Apollo campervan online today and pick it up from our Auckland branch near the international airport.