Things to see and do North Island

An ancient volcano turned into a 3,400-hectare protected reserve where New Zealand's endemic flora and fauna can flourish without predators. 48 km of fences make the area a veritable sanctuary. At 28 km from Te Awamutu, the entrance to the southern slopes is marked by a visitor center and the start of hiking trails. Species that live here and can be encountered include kaka, hihi, takahe, giant weta, popokatea, kiwi and tuatara.

Twenty-five minutes south of Waitomo Village and a bit more off the beaten path, Down to Earth offers intimate tours (maximum eight people per group), from two to eight people and lasting a total of three hours, with two hours underground. A good physical condition is required due to the nature of the terrain, but the experience is unique. Children are not accepted, only teenagers from 13 years old.

Te Toto Gorge, south of Raglan, offers exceptional views of the west coast. From the parking lot, where you can leave your vehicle, a small path leads to an observation platform. This is also the starting point for those wishing to reach Mount Karioi. Before reaching this magnificent viewpoint, stop off at Manu Bay and Whale Bay to watch the surfers for a few minutes. If you've got a stove, why not make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and settle down comfortably on a bench or your camping chair.

Bridal Veil Falls is a 55 meter waterfall just past Te Mata. It is about a twenty minute walk round trip to the top of the waterfall where there are two viewing platforms. This part is wheelchair accessible. If you want to continue to the base of the waterfall, allow another fifteen minutes and tackle the 261 steps. It is well worth the effort. Both views (top and bottom) are magnificent.

This is one of the most popular islands in the Bay of Islands. It has everything you need to have a great time: beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, beautiful views, picnic areas, cafes, restaurants and three DOC-run campsites to camp in. A DOC reception is available at Otehei Bay during the high season. This island is pest free. You will need to check and clean your gear (especially shoes) to make sure you don't bring any pests with you from the mainland.

Deepwater Cove is a beautiful small cove, accessible by the Cape Brett Walk (1 hour round trip).

Accessible by private boat, this island is not very touristy. It is a reserve managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The white sand beaches are superb. There are also several hiking trails that allow you to visit the island and the remains of Maori dwellings. When accessing this island, it is more than important to check and clean your belongings in order not to bring back any parasites, essences or undesirable species (soil, seeds, insects).

Less popular than Taupo, many hiking trails are accessible from Kinloch, around Lake Taupo. An ideal leisure base for water sports.

The park offers seven hiking trails of varying difficulty, from 1.3 to 5.5 km. Each route is a different loop that can be done in either direction. Two of them climb to the summit, from where you'll have a superb view of the bay, from Mahia to Cape Kidnappers. For the less courageous, you can drive up. If the sky's in the mood, plan your ascent for sunset - the spot lends itself particularly well to this! The park also offers a number of mountain bike trails and geocaching challenges.

It's a 45-minute walk to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of stairs to test your calves! From up here, the view of the city and its bay is spectacular. On the other side of the slope, there's a magnificent view of the wind farm populating the nearby hills. On a clear day, you can even see the South Island across the Cook Strait. Mount Kaukau is VERY exposed to the wind, so if it's blowing down below, expect to be seriously tousled at the top.

Situated 48 km off the coast, the 325-hectare island is Whakatane's main attraction. Its famous andesite stratovolcano, Whakaari, is one of the most active in New Zealand. The island is just the tip of a much larger underwater volcano. Legend has it that it first appeared when the priest Ngatoroirangi summoned fire from the land of his ancestors to warm his frozen limbs when he was lost on Mount Tongariro. In its path, the fire pierced the earth's surface and created White Island. In 1883, a factory was built at Tauranga to transform sulfur into sulfuric acid. Mining ceased in 1934, but its remains are still visible. Today, the island is a reserve that can only be visited by air, and since December 9, 2019, without landing for safety reasons.

December 9, 2019: it's easy to think that the country isn't as dangerous as it seems, and to take advantage of volcanic hazards without worrying about them. On this day, however, no one would have imagined the unthinkable. It was 2.11pm when Whakaari erupted. Just under 50 people were on the island at the time (the official announcement was 47 people, 2 missing). The phreatic eruption released steam and gas at extreme temperatures. The toll is very heavy: 22 people lose their lives, 2 are not found, 25 seriously injured.

See The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, a documentary directed by Rory Kennedy in 2022.

The Whanganui River is the second longest in the North Island, and has the longest navigable course in New Zealand. It is often referred to as the "Rhine of New Zealand" or the "Mississippi of the North Island". Easily accessible, it was soon used by the Maori people and then exploited by European settlers. In 1891, in recognition of its scenic value, the Whanganui River Trust was set up to preserve the river. Its source is near Mount Tongariro, but it is also fed by the melted snow of the majestic Mount Ruapehu. Its waters travel 290 km and flow into 239 rapids before returning to the Tasman Sea. Māori legend has it that Taranaki and Tongariro, once living side by side, fought for the favors of the beautiful Pihanga (another volcanic peak between Tongariro and Taupo). At the end of the battle between the two mountains, Pihanga decided to stay close to Tongariro. Taranaki, enraged and saddened, headed west. On his way towards the setting sun, he left a deep wound in the earth. The next day, a spring of fresh water gushed out of Tongariro and flowed along the wound left by Taranaki in his frantic race to the coast. This formed the Whanganui river and nurtured a lush forest along this new valley.

Some Māori were afraid to live between the two mountains, for fear that Taranaki would one day decide to head back inland to resume his battle with Tongariro.

The lake, and its winter garden, is a wonderful place to relax. at dusk a trail is illuminated.

The Spellbound company welcomes small groups of twelve people or less to explore two caves in Waitomo. The first is by boat and the other by foot, lasting over three hours. Throughout the exploration and initial shuttle ride, commentary is provided to enlighten visitors on the incredible natural beauty of the area. Hot drinks and cookies are also included in the ticket price.

Towards Cape Reinga a road on the left leads to the «Te Paki Recreation Reserve». This reserve offers one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems across the country. This is also where you find the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, renowned for their dunes through which we walk. For those who want to try surf on sand, it is possible to rent them on site but Kaitaia's information center proposes to rent them for much cheaper.

From Kawhia, driving west to the coast, after passing through the Tainui Kawhia Forest along Te Puia Road, the road arrives at Te Puia Ocean Beach. From the parking lot, a two-minute walk leads to large black sand dunes. At low tide on the beach, visitors can dig their own hot water pool (38°C). For those who don't have a shovel, it is always possible to borrow one from the amateurs present or to offer to give a hand.

The road is not paved, and you will have to take your time to make the trip from Raglan, but the scenery is worth it. Otherwise you can always go back to Hamilton and go to Kawhia by the SH31. Here is a town even more peaceful than Raglan. Maori tradition mentions that the Tanui canoe (coming from Hawaiiki) would have landed in this area. The port of Kawhia is located about 40 km south-east of Hamilton and is full of surprises such as its hot springs, located another 4 km south.

This long-distance hiking trail skirts the lake from the west and is one of New Zealand's eleven Great Walks. The landscape is varied, but the difficulty is not extreme, making it accessible to as many people as possible and practicable all year round.

Camping or hut accommodation must be booked before starting the walk. This can be done online, or by visiting the Te Urewera visitor center in Aniwaniwa, where you are strongly advised to find out about weather and trail conditions beforehand.

Waikanae, with its 8 660 inhabitants, is the borough of Wellington. It is a nice small town with many craftsmen. Waikanae's main attraction is Nga Manu Nature Reserve, which spans 15 hectares (birds and reptiles). You can also walk through the Hemi Matenga Memorial Park or hike the Reikorangi Valley of the Reikorangi Valley. Between Waikanae and Paraparaumu, a few kilometres away, the coast is only a succession of beaches (Waikanae Beach, Paraparaumu Beach, Raumati Beach) which make this region a popular tourist destination of the Kiwifruit.

There are many walks along the lake (2-3 hours). From Ocean Beach, climb a mountain bike to Wainuiomata west of the Rimutaka Range. Other activities are possible: horse riding, jet boat, 4 x 4 or quad. This beautiful region - like its sunsets - remained natural, untouched. With a little time in front of you, you should not hesitate to go there for a few days.

Wairarapa Lake, a vast 70 km ² lake, flows into the Lake Onoke which is empty in Palliser Bay. It houses many wildlife species. Duck or swan can be hunted and sail there. Beautiful walks are also possible.

These caves glittering from luisants. Explorers will have to equip themselves with torches and good shoes.

Here the waves are excellent for surfing and just behind the hill, old Maori fortifications can be visualized.

Whanarua Bay is considered by many to be the most beautiful bay of the coast with its microclimate. It offers many nautical activities and beautiful walks. Visitors can admire waterfalls and see many of them vers. Just behind the bay, Kairangi Hill, a former Maori site, offers a beautiful view of the region.

Do not miss the beautiful beach of Torere. It is recommended that you do not bathe because of the strong currents. The church built for Ngaitai Tribe can visit. About 5 km further, it is the beach of Hawaii where swimming is excluded for the same reasons as in Totere.

These water sources are at the beginning of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. Ideal for those who want to see what this hike looks like without doing it entirely. The departure takes place from the Mangatepopo Car Park.

Around Turangi, in the vicinity of Tokaanu, you can see many hot springs. This region has strong geothermal and volcanic activity (geyser, Mud Pools…). In 1974, a hydroelectric station was built there. It is possible to stop to dip in water from 37 ° C to 41 ° C.

A picnic park, walk between basins, sculptures and botannique garden.

The Sugar Meatloaf Islands Marine park houses a pile of large rocks of several tens of metres, which are at sea, between 700 and 1 500 m off the coast. This 749-hectare reserve is a refuge for wildlife: sea, dolphins, whales, birds, fish… Many tour operators offer the tour, offering, moreover, the possibility of diving, fishing, sailing… Volcanoes also feature local attractions which some companies offer discovery.

This is the longest beach in New Zealand where Surfing is king! It is possible to travel, but it is essential to check the tides. Its safest section is located between Baylys Beach and Glings Gully. Again, car rental agencies do not allow vehicles to travel on the beach. The best thing is to go with a local guide. Information at I Site.

This mural is an Auckland landmark. It celebrates one of the country's feminist prides: the right to vote granted to women in 1893, a world first. This mural, in bright, cheerful colors, celebrates the women who contributed to this pioneering success. It was painted by two women, Jan Morrison and Claudia Pond Eyley, in 1993, to mark the centenary of women's suffrage. The fresco is rich in detail and symbolism.

Firstly, it features portraits of nine suffragists, seven of whom are highly renowned: Amey Daldy and Anne Ward, who held leadership roles in feminist unions; Lizzie Rattray, one of the country's first female journalists and a member of the Auckland Women's Franchise League (chaired by Amey Daldy); Matilda Allsopp and Fanny Brown, two of the first women to exercise their right to vote; Elizabeth Yates, the first female mayor in the British Empire; Annie Schnackenberg, founder of the National Council of Women.

Above them, the names of two other women: Elizabeth Caradus, treasurer of theAuckland Women's Franchise League, and Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, the first woman to demand the right to vote in the Māori parliament.

Elsewhere, several symbols of the suffragette movement can be found. Among them, white camellias, distributed to members of parliament who supported the passage of the law; and bicycles, with which the feminists rode hundreds of kilometers to collect signatures on their petition.

The Three sisters are two rocks (there have been up to 4 rocks, then 3) 25 m tall planted in the middle of the waves. You will need to turn to Pilot Road from SH 3 and access the beach where the sisters are located. Just next, another training called Elephant rock has the Shape, guess… an elephant!

One of the most scenic mini walks in the park. You only have to walk ten minutes through the forest, but that's enough time to take in its unique atmosphere. Dense and lush, alternately illuminated by light filtering through the canopy, or shrouded in a mystical mist, it feels like an enchanted forest. You're instantly under its spell and begging for more. To make matters worse, the walk leads to an 18 m high waterfall. A very pleasant appetizer before setting off to tackle the park's other trails.

From the parking at the end of the street, cross the field then the bridge. Here, entering the Waikato River, a source of hot water blends into the cold stream of the river. Ideal for bathing, completely free.

Guided tours of one or more days in the national park and across the North Island.

Whale Island (Moutohora) is smaller (143 hectares) and less well-known than its offshore neighbor, White Island (Whakaari). Moutohora rises to 353 meters and was formed by volcanic activity in the region. Its last eruption dates back to the Pleistocene (11,000 years ago). Since 1965, it has been an important nature reserve, renowned for its whale and dolphin watching. Only the following companies are authorized by the Department Of Conservation (DOC) to operate in the area: Prosail Yacht Charters, Ngāti Awa Tourism Ltd and Diveworks Charters.

A museum that celebrates the country's lesbian culture. In Auckland, the Charlotte Museum contributes to the preservation, revaluation and democratization of the narratives of the lesbian, and more broadly LGBTQIA+, community. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the premises also feature an art gallery, an archive center and a bookshop. The visit is thus a particularly complete, playful and rich experience. A safe place that fosters intellectual and artistic emulation, and allows you to immerse yourself in New Zealand's activism.