Things to Do in North Island

There’s no doubting that New Zealand is one of the world’s most desirable destinations. After all, this is the land of Middle Earth—where the landscape is carved of mountain and sea and reality and fantasy are one. Despite the nation’s popularity, however, the eastern cape of New Zealand’s North Island largely goes unnoticed. Much of this has to do with the fact there’s no international airport, but for those who endure the winding journey to the land surrounding Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets is waiting out on the coast. The main towns of Napier and Hastings are awash in art deco architecture, and the region is rapidly making a name for its numerous award-winning wines. The Maori culture here in Hawke’s Bay is some of New Zealand’s strongest, and the Matariki Maori New Year is celebrated here more heavily and fully than anywhere else in the country. Take a stroll on Cape Kidnappers past thousands of nesting seabirds, or visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand on Napier’s Marine Parade. This is the world’s first spot to experience dawn and a land of empty shorelines—and New Zealand travelers would rave about it more if only they knew it was here.   

Auckland’s Harbor is one of those places that’s a complete sight unto itself. After all—this is the famous “City of Sails,” where something as simple as a stroll down the docks is a legitimate form of sightseeing. Even here in the harbor, however, there are traditional sights outside of the yachts that float and bob off the docks. One of these sights is the Ferry Building, a classically soaring yellow structure that was built in 1912. Compared to Auckland’s modern skyscrapers that rise across the street, the Ferry Building is an architectural throwback to days when New Zealand was beginning to forge a future it earned on its own. Today, the Ferry Building is a buzz of activity full of people-watching, shops, and cafés. It’s also the spot to catch the ferry to Devonport or Waiheke Island—and a conduit to the beauty of Waitemata Harbor and the dozens of ships sailing by. Even if you aren’t booked on a ferry to one of Auckland’s distant shorelines, there’s a certain magnetism in simply passing some time in the historic building. Order a coffee and smell the salt as it evaporates off of the dock lines, or listen to the song of seagulls mixed with the honk of passing boats. Viaduct Harbor and Queen Street are both a short stroll away, and it’s a building that forms the historic soul of Auckland’s modern harbor. 

By the bay and on a river, the fertile town of Kerikeri is a historic little town with a swag of natural attractions.

Walkways follow the course of the Kerikeri River as it meanders inland from the Bay of Islands, passing recreation reserves, pretty pools and Wharepoke and Rainbow waterfalls along the way.

Kayaking on the river is popular here, along with visiting winery cellar doors to sip local wines and sample local produce grown in the area’s rich agricultural soils.

There’s plenty of history here, including the 1830s Stone Store and 1822 Mission House, New Zealand’s oldest buildings. The furnishings and displays date from the early 19th century when missionaries first settled the area. Nearby, Rewa’s Village re-creates a pre-colonial Maori village.

New Zealand is known for its crisp whites and bold reds, and there is no better way to sample the flavors of the region than by taking a trip through Kumeu Wine Country. The scenic vineyards of this world-class wine destination are home to quiet cafes, small breweries, five-star restaurants and of course, some of the best wine-makers in the country.

One of New Zealand’s most visited natural attractions, just over a kilometer north of Taupo city, the mighty Huka Falls are the largest falls on the Waikato River, thundering over a 20-meter cliff edge into the rock pools below. Fed by the vast Lake Taupo (Australasia’s largest freshwater lake), the falls are created by the narrowing of the 100 meter wide river into a slim rock ravine, pushing a colossal 220,000 liters (enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools) over the cliff edge each second. Thanks to the build up of pressure behind the rock, an immensely powerful natural waterfall is formed. Named from the Māori word 'huka', meaning 'foam', the falls more than live up to their name as the surging water crashes onto the rocks below.

Those hoping to get a lookout over the falls can walk the footbridge overhead, where you’ll be close enough to feel the spray or else get a view from the Huka Falls Trail, a one-hour walk that follows the forested riverbanks to where the tranquil waters explode into the hurtling falls.  If it’s an adrenaline kick you’re after, opt for a jet boat ride instead, where you’ll get to zoom upstream to within meters of the falls.

There’s something exciting and wildly intriguing about touring the set of movie, where you get to stand in the exact same spot as some of your favorite characters. That sense of intrigue is heightened, however, when your favorite characters are hobbits—the little people with epic quests in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. Here in the rolling pasturelands and hills of Matamata, the set of Hobbiton, home of the hobbits, is masterfully maintained and exceptionally preserved, down to the smallest detail. Stand in the home where Bilbo hosts a party for his wizard friend, Gandalf, and grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, the local Hobbiton watering hole. Along with an exceptionally knowledgeable guide, wander the foot trails that weave through the village past rows of real-life hobbit holes, and soak up the pastoral beauty of The Shire—a hobbit village come to life.

What the Haruru Falls lack in height, they more than make up for in beauty, especially when floodlit at night. The falls are wide but relatively low at 16.5 feet (five meters), which makes for particularly good swimming and kayaking at the base. The falls are surrounded by holiday parks and recreation areas, making the most of the lovely riverside setting.

If bungee jumping and sky-diving over Lake Taupo sound a little too hair-raising for your tastes, the nearby Huka Prawn park might be just the kind of family-friendly destination you’re looking for. New Zealand’s only prawn fishing park, the Huka Prawn Park is likely the most fun you’ll ever have with the little pink crustaceans, and there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy for an afternoon.

The humble prawn takes center stage at the Huka Prawn Park, with a selection of fishing pools offering the chance to catch your own dinner and take it to the on-site restaurant to be prepared. Over 150,000 giant Malaysian river prawns swim in the waters at any one time, with the park growing 32 tons of prawns each year, meaning you’re bound to catch enough for a good meal. Equally interesting is visiting the hatcheries, where you can learn about the lives of the tiny sea creatures on an Interactive Hatchery Tour, including tackling the jumping rocks, indulging in a geothermal foot bath and feeding wild trout.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of quirky fun to be had even if you’re not a fan of eating the prawns—pedal away on the water-spurting bikes; bang out a tune on the water piano fountain; or have your photo taken with the park’s lovable mascot, Shawn the Prawn.