Things to Do in North Island

Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in North Island

Matamata

Before there was Frodo and the Eye of Sauron, and before there was Mordor and the city of Edoras, there was the affable Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his utopian home in the Shire. From these rolling green hills which are peppered with hobbit holes, and simple dwellings where Gandalf must crouch, Frodo would set out on his epic adventure which was chronicled in the Lord of the Rings.

Now, with the release of The Hobbit movie series, the area around Hobbiton has skyrocketed in fame as the Shire becomes central to the tale. More than just hobbits and wizards and horsemen, you, too, have the chance to visit the Shire on a trip to the town of Matamata.

Set in the hills to the east of Cambridge about two hours outside of Auckland, Matamata was the filming location for the joyous home of the hobbits. When filming was finished for the Lord of the Rings, the hobbit holes remained in the pasture they were set in since they blended so seamlessly with the landscape. There is even a sign that says “Welcome to Hobbiton!” that sits at the entrance to the hills. You can walk inside of the Green Dragon Inn, see the famous party tree, and learn about how the movies were filmed which took place in this very same spot.

More than just a look at the Shire, a trip to Matamata is also a glimpse of life in rural New Zealand. Farming and ranching are still a way of life in these rolling, grass-covered hills, and it’s a journey to the heart of where it all began for the world’s most captivating films.

Matamata, New Zealand

From $ 246

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, at over 230 square miles (596 square kilometers). Formed by a prehistoric supervolcanic eruption, the lake now sits in the volcano’s dormant caldera. Walk the pristine shores of this natural taonga (treasure), kayak or waterski, or enjoy the trout fishing for which the lake is famous.

The Basics

This massive lake is calm and picturesque—the perfect landscape for relaxing with friends and family. You can kick back at Acacia Bay, or avoid the crowds and head across the lake to quieter Dog Beach and Fish Beach. There’s plenty for adventurous travelers to do as well. The 6-mile (10-kilometer) Great Lake Walkway is a popular walking and cycling route, from Taupo Harbour to the end of Five Mile Bay. Swimming and kayaking are big here too, plus tour operators all around the lake offer jet boating, windsurfing, skydiving, bungee jumping, and other adventure sports. No matter your activity, you won’t help but notice the geothermal activity—there are giant steam plumes all over the place.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lake Taupo is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and waterbabies.
Accommodation is available all around the lake: backpackers might want to look into holiday parks at the lake’s south end, while families and others should head to Taupo, a town at the lake’s northern tip.
Other attractions in the area include nearby Huka Falls and the Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park, which gets you up close and personal to Taupo’s geothermal activity.
If you fancy fishing, you can enter the Lake Taupo International Trout Fishing Tournament, which happens each year on April 25.

How to Get There

Lake Taupo is located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Rotorua, about an hour’s drive away. From Auckland or Wellington, you can catch a daily flight to the town of Taupo, or drive along State Highway 1.

When to Get There

Lake Taupo and its surroundings are beautiful at any time of year. If you’re interested in getting on or in the water, summer is the best time to visit—though it’s also the lake’s busiest time, as it’s a popular New Year destination. Try visiting in November or February, when the beaches are less crowded.

Cruise Around Lake Taupo

If you’re looking to relax in style, take a cruise around the lake. These boat trips often include a visit to Mine Bay, where Maori Master Carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved a series of towering sculptures into the rock, each one telling a story about the local iwi (tribe) and their ancestors.

Taupo, New Zealand

From $ 33

North Head Historic Reserve

To early Maori this strategic viewpoint was known as Maungauika, and looking out over Auckland’s Harbor and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, the summit of this ancient volcanic cone was perfect for fending off an attack. In the 1800s, under European rule, the hill was fortified with cannons and guns to deter a Russian invasion, and was again fortified during both World Wars to protect the precious harbor. Though the attacks themselves thankfully never came, the tunnels, guns—and view—still remain. As the fortification of the hill slowly grew, it ultimately became the preeminent coastal defense system in all of New Zealand. The guns here were cutting edge for the time they were built and installed, and included a pair of “disappearing guns” that would actually recoil back into the ground once they had fired a shot. The guns are visible at the South Battery, which along with tunnels dug by prisoners using light from flickering lanterns, are eerie reminders of the lengths it takes to defend a nation’s coast. There’s a self-guided walking path that points out many of the sights, and from the hill’s summit looking out over Devonport, visitors are also treated with a view of Waiheke Island, the Coromandel, and Auckland’s downtown skyline.

Practical Info

The North Head Historic Reserve is open from 6am-10pm daily. From Auckland, ferries run to the Devenport terminal, which is 1.2 miles from the North Head Reserve.

Auckland, New Zealand

Open 6am-10pm daily

From $ 57

Muriwai Beach

The entire western coastline of New Zealand’s two main islands is known to be wild and windswept, and Muriwai Beach, to the west of Auckland, is no exception. The black sand beach with high cliffs and rugged waves are popular with adventurous surfers as well as bird spotters, who come to see the huge colonies of nesting gannets.

The Basics

Although quite close to Auckland, Muriwai is a welcome change from the development of the big city. It’s a popular weekend spot for Aucklanders and it offers great surfing for experienced surfers, lessons for beginners, golf with Tasman Sea views, and amazing bird watching in the late winter through to late autumn. In season, head to Otakamiro Point to see the thousands of gannets laying, nesting, and hatching on the cliff.

Visitors tend to come to Muriwai Beach on day trips from Auckland, although it’s also possible to camp nearby or stay in other local accommodation. Some organized day trips from Auckland also include a visit to Muriwai Beach, especially during gannet nesting season, or to visit the vineyards in the surrounding area.

Things to Know Before You Go

If surfing’s on the agenda, don’t fail to bring or rent a wetsuit. Even in summer, the sea off New Zealand can be quite cold.
The gannet colonies are within the Muriwai Regional Park, which has picnic areas, a cafe, and walking trails.
The sea all along the West Coast is notoriously powerful. Only strong swimmers should brave the surf, and always follow any warnings about rip tides or places that should be avoided.

How to Get There

To reach Muriwai Beach, head west from Auckland on State Highway (SH) 16. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Private organized tours can also be taken. Although Muriwai can be reached by bus from some parts of Auckland, this is not recommended as journeys can take more than three hours and require changing to different buses.

When to Get There

Muriwai Beach is accessible all the time, although the weather is best for beach and water sports in the summer (December-February). Weekends can get busy with day-tripping Aucklanders, especially when the weather is fine. The gannets nest at Muriwai between August and March.

Combine with a Trip to Popular Piha

Muriwai Beach isn’t the only West Coast beauty near Auckland. Popular and picturesque Piha Beach was made famous in the film, The Piano. It is to the south of Muriwai and can be visited on the same day, or camp overnight. The black sand, wild surf, and sheer cliffs make Piha a striking place.

Muriwai Beach, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

From $ 92

Manukau Heads Lighthouse

When it comes to the waters surrounding Auckland, popular Waitemata Harbor tends to get all the attention. This is probably because it fronts the city and is lined with sailboats and yachts, but many visitors aren’t even aware that Auckland has a second harbor. Forming the city’s southern boundary, Manukau Harbor is the industrial cousin to flashy Waitemata.

While the cargo ships don’t have the same charm as ferries to wine covered islands, there are still places in Manukau Harbor with beauty its neighbor can’t match. One such spot is the Manukau Heads Lighthouse, a lonely outpost at the harbor entrance facing the Tasman Sea.

Originally constructed in 1874, the lighthouse is one of a handful in New Zealand where it’s still possible to scale the steps and stand in the lightkeeper’s den. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was erected a few years too late, as 11 years prior, in 1863, the HMS Orpheus ran aground on a nearby Manukau reef. In the end, 189 sailors drowned in the waters just off the lighthouse, and the event remains New Zealand’s largest maritime disaster.

Today, Manukau Heads looks much the same as it did in the 1800s, with rolling fields and pastureland abutting the mostly-calm waters. If you’re lucky, it’s sometimes possible to spot whales and dolphins swimming near the mouth of the harbor—with one species, the Maui Dolphin, being the rarest dolphin in the world. On clear days, the summit of snowcapped Mt. Taranaki can often be seen to the south, and the shiny, steel Auckland skyline floats on the northern horizon.

Practical Info

The Manukau Heads Lighthouse is open from 9am-5pm daily. It’s located approximately 63 miles from downtown Auckland, or 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Be sure to pack food, water, and snacks, as there aren’t any shops or supplies, although there’s a small restroom by the parking lot at the base of the lighthouse steps.

Manukau Heads, New Zealand

Open from 9am-5pm daily

From $ 209

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

It’s tough to decide which is more beautiful: the cobalt hue of the aptly named Blue Lake sparkling in the midday sun, or the deep green of the Whakarewarewa Forest that hugs the shore of the lake. Either way, the natural beauty is what makes Lake Tikitapu an ideal place to connect with nature.

The Basics

Thanks to the pumice and rhyolite that lie at the bottom of Tikitapu and are reflected by the sun, the blue color of this small lake makes it very inviting to swimmers. Visitors can also splash into Lake Tikitapu on an amphibious Duck vehicle tour, or opt to soar above the lake and marvel at the aerial views on a helicopter or seaplane flight.

Things to Know Before You Go

Blue Lake is the best place in Rotorua for swimming and water skiing.
The site is a favorite of travelers with children.
There are public toilets, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, and a playground.
Select a guided day trip to see Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) in addition to geysers and mud pools.

How to Get There

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) lies 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) southeast of Rotorua. Of all the lakes around Rotorua, it is the closest to town. Scenic tours with a guide provide access to multiple natural features and often include round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

When to Get There

Blue Lake is accessible daily, year-round. A boat ramp on the north end of the lake can make the lake a busy destination on weekends. Despite its small size and shallow depth, the water is relatively cool, and the north-end beach is the place to be on the hottest days of summer.

Hiking Under Redwoods

If you’d prefer to work up a sweat before cooling off with a swim, a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) walking trail encircles the entire lake. Hike beneath the shaded redwood groves of the Whakarewarewa Forest, and leave footprints in the sand before jumping in for a swim. From parts of the trail, you can enjoy clear views of neighboring Green Lake and its protected, sacred waters.

Rotorua, New Zealand

From $ 49

Mount Eden

Auckland is covered in pretty volcanic mounds, and Mount Eden is one of the most famous. You can drive or hike to the summit for sweeping views right out into the harbor. The mount also lends its name to the upmarket suburb below, a lively neighborhood with hip coffee shops and bars.

The Basics

Mount Eden is 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from central Auckland. At 643 feet (196 meters), it’s the city’s highest natural lookout point—a good place for city views and to get a feel for the area’s broad geography. The spacious Eden Garden, at the foot of the mound, is home to many native bird and plant species.

Visible from much of Auckland, Mount Eden is hard to miss. Many guided tours stop at the mount for the views, or at some of the museums, galleries, parks, and other attractions around the neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

The broader Mount Eden suburb is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Domain park, both of which are highly worth visiting.
Mount Eden Road is full of vintage stores, book shops, cafés and bars.
Sports fans should check out Eden Park, a stadium that hosts some of New Zealand’s biggest rugby and cricket matches.

How to Get There

Mount Eden can be reached from central Auckland by local bus (LINK service) or train (on the Western line). It’s also easy to reach by car as it’s very close to central Auckland. Walking paths lead up Mount Eden from six directions, so whichever way you come from you are likely to find a trail. Note that tour buses can only drive halfway to the top of the mount, from which it’s a 10-minute walk to the summit.

When to Get There

Anytime is a good time to visit Mount Eden. During wet weather, retreat to a shop or gallery, and when it’s fine out, hike up the hill or relax in a park. Spend an evening exploring the neighborhood’s trendy bars and restaurants. The entrance to the road to the summit is open 7am to 8:30pm in summer and 7am to 7pm in winter.

Hike the Coast-to-Coast Walkway

For more than just a short hike to the summit, Mount Eden also connects to a 9.5-mile (15-kilometer) coastal walkway that runs from the Tasman coast at Manukau to Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific side. Although it leads through the big city of Auckland, the walk includes many parks, small forests, and wildlife habitats.

Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand

From $ 25

Mission Estate Winery

New Zealand produces some of the world’s most renowned, award-winning wines, and Mission Estate Winery on the outskirts of Napier is where it all began. Founded in 1851, Mission Estate was started by missionaries who journeyed from France with little more than a dream and a couple of vines. Now, nearly two centuries later, Mission Estate continues to operate as one of New Zealand’s best wineries, and is a staple on any shore excursion or wine tasting tour of Napier.

Head down the tree lined driveway toward the old fashioned estate and its fountain, and you'll immediately fall for the history and regal charm of the area. Step outside on the hilltop veranda for a view of the vineyard landscapes leading back to Napier’s downtown or to sip in the sun protected by the shade of one of the winery's big, white outdoor umbrellas.

Practical Info

Mission Estate Winery is located around 5 miles (8 km) from the heart of downtown Napier, and is about a 10-minute drive. You can access the winery by car, bike, and organized tour—a great option for anyone looking to enjoy their wine without drawing straws for designated driver.

The winery is open daily from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and from 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sunday.

Did You Know? Along the Mission Estate driveway, there is still one row of Muscat grapes that have been grafted from the original vines that were brought by the French missionaries.

198 Church Road, Napier, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm; Sun: 10:30am–4:30pm

From $ 39

Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia)

Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute was established by the New Zealand Parliament to guard and preserve Maori culture, housing the national schools of carving and weaving. Visitors interact with master craftsmen as they turn native hardwood and plant fibers into beautiful pieces of traditional art, spinning stories as they work.

Touring the facilities is interesting, informative and not to be missed, but the highlight is Te Po, Te Puia's authentic evening experience. As evening falls, you'll assemble in a carved meeting space and go on to participate in Maori rituals of friendship and greetting. As the night progresses, you'll feast on traditional cuisine as your guides will share Maori heritage, song and weaponry.

Te Puia is also the staging area for tours of the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where there are numerous geysers and 3 regularly erupt - Kereru, Tohu and the world famous Pohutu geyser, which erupts around 20 times a day reaching heights of up to 30m (100ft).

In addition to preserving to the Maori culture through performances and demonstrations, Te Puia also preserves New Zealand national culture with the Kiwi House. As its name implies, the Kiwi House is dedicated to helping the little flightless birds in their fight against extinction.

Hemo Road, Rotorua, Rotorua, New Zealand

Open daily. Summer: 8am – 6pm (until 5pm in Winter)

Adults: NZ$40 - NZ$130, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$20 - NZ$65

From $ 40

Mitai Maori Village

Travelers don’t need to venture all the way to the bush for a taste of traditional New Zealand life thanks to the conveniently located Mitai Maori Village. This authentic cultural destination showcases the famed warriors in traditional attire and grants visitors unlimited access to their unique ways of life.

From hand-carved canoe rides to an evening hike through a glowworm forest, to a stop at a sacred freshwater spring a Mitai Maori Village trip features all the highlights in a single evening of fun. Travelers can sample a hangi meal cooked in the earth and enjoy a night of entertainment that includes poi dancing, hand-to-hand combat performances and traditional ta moko tattooing.

Practical Info

The village is located on Fairy Springs Road in Ngongotaha. Shows usually start at 6:30 p.m. and last for three hours.

196 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, New Zealand

Open every evening except for Christmas Day

Adults: $116 NZD; Child (10-15) $57.50 NZD; Child (5-9) $22.50 NZD

From $ 83

New Zealand's Parliament (Beehive)

New Zealand’s architectural symbol is the beehive-shaped Parliament House in Wellington.

Hosting the executive wing of parliament, ‘the Beehive’ was built between 1969 and 1981, and features murals and artworks by noted New Zealand artists.

The building has 10 floors, filled with cabinet rooms, prime ministerial offices, a banqueting hall, function rooms and several restaurants.

Take a free guided 1-hour tour or drop into the visitor center in the ground-floor foyer. You can sit in the public galleries of the debating chamber when the House is sitting.

Practical Info

The Parliament Buildings are a 5-minute stroll from Wellington Station in the city center.

Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

Open daily

Free

From $ 18

Ninety Mile Beach

The North Island’s Ninety Mile Beach runs northwards along the west coast near Kaitaia all the way to Cape Reinga on New Zealand’s northernmost tip.

This seemingly endless stretch of wave-lapped sand is rimmed by dunes and topped by the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

A 90 mile (145 kilometer) marathon is run along the beach each year, commemorating the race run by a legendary athlete along the stretch of sand in pre-colonial times.

Practical Info

The Ninety Mile Beach sand is hard enough to drive along, and tours here do just that when tides are favorable.

A popular access point is Waipapakauri, north of the main regional town, Kaitaia.

Ninety Mile Beach Road, Kaitaia 0410, New Zealand

Free

From $ 110

Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa)

The Museum of New Zealand, also known as Te Papa Tongarewa, takes visitors on an inspiring and interactive excursion through the country's history, art, and culture. Called Te Papa ("our place") by locals, the site and its prized collections focus on Maori culture, as well as the natural environment and the Pacific.

Travelers will find a huge set of Maori artifacts, a hands-on activity center for children, contemporary art, high-tech displays and models of Maori meeting houses and colonial settlements. Take a tour of the highlights or target your favorite area of interest.

Practical Info

The modern building housing the Museum of New Zealand dominates Wellington’s waterfront in the city center.

55 Cable Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Daily 10am–6pm (10am–9pm on Thursday)

Free, but some charges may apply for special exhibits

From $ 14

MJ Savage Memorial Park

Michael Joseph Savage is often regarded as the most popular Prime Minister of New Zealand. Not only did Savage lead the nation into the depths of World War II, but he was the founder of many of the social programs which still exist to this day.

Although he passed away in 1940 at the age of 68, his memory lives on near the Auckland waterfront at the park which bears his name. At MJ Savage Memorial Park, not only can you pay your respects to one of New Zealand’s most loved politicians, but you can enjoy the ornately-landscape surroundings and drink in the stunning view.

Located a five minute drive from downtown Auckland, the park sits along a stretch of waterfront which lies just east of the city. The view from the park gazes out over the water towards symmetrical Rangitoto Island, and the famous skyline of Waitemata Harbor occupies the view to the west. From this vantage point, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best views of Auckland you’ll get from along the waterfront.

Once you’ve walked the grounds, toured the mausoleum, and snapped photos in front of the reflection pool, you can walk down the hill to Mission Bay and enjoy the popular eateries and cafés. While tour buses occasionally make stops at the MJ Savage Memorial Park, this is somewhat of a removed attraction you’ll be more than happy you stumbled upon.

MJ Savage Memorial Park, Auckland, New Zealand

From $ 37

Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay

The unique art and handicrafts produced by New Zealand’s Maori population are among the country’s most vibrant and celebrated art works. There are few better examples of the Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay. One of the most striking attractions of Lake Taupo, the immense carvings adorn the cliff faces of the bay, towering over 10 meters high.

Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970s, taking three summers to complete. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world, depicting Ngatoroirangi – the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years before. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are two smaller carvings depicting the south wind and a mermaid, and utilizing traditional Maori stone-carving techniques.

Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat excursion from Taupo, but it’s also possible to get there by kayak, offering an incredible up close view of the figures as you float beneath the cliffs.

New Zealand

From $ 20

Mount Victoria Reserve

Mount Victoria Reserve is located on a volcanic hill in Devonport, a seaside town on Auckland’s North Shore. The climb to the top is quite quick and manageable for active travelers, and the views are impressive, as you can look back to the central Auckland skyline with its skyscrapers and sailboats bobbing in front.

The Basics

In addition to a 10- to 20-minute scenic walk to the summit, Mount Victoria offers local culture and history as a former Maori pā, or fortified village (identifiable throughout New Zealand as hills with grassed-over terraces on their slopes). European settlers later developed the fortifications on the site in readiness for an invasion from Russia; the disappearing gun at the summit is one of the few examples of this obsolete artillery left in the world.

Visitors to Mount Victoria Reserve often come on a day trip from elsewhere in Auckland. Devonport can be reached independently by ferry from central Auckland. Popular tours of the area include nighttime tours, tours of Auckland’s volcanoes, and historical tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Devonport is a fashionable neighborhood with lovely cafés, bars, and boutiques. It’s worth combining a visit to Mount Victoria with some time in the town.
Look out for the colorfully painted ‘mushrooms’ at the summit, actually vents for a water-pumping station beneath the surface of the mountain.
Cars were banned from the summit of Mount Victoria in 2018, so walking (or cycling) up is the only option.

How to Get There

Devonport is connected to Central Auckland by road and ferry, with the ferry having the advantage of being faster and having scenic views. Ferries depart frequently throughout the day. You can reach the Mount Victoria Reserve on foot from the Devonport Wharf by walking along the high street, Victoria Road.

When to Get There

Mount Victoria is always accessible, but it’s best to go during daylight hours when the weather is fine, for the best views and walking conditions.

Maori History Trail

The Devonport and Mount Victoria area was inhabited by local Maori for several centuries before Europeans arrived. A trail has been developed around Devonport for visitors to follow that stops at points of interest in Maori history. The trail, which takes around two hours to walk, includes Mount Victoria, grave sites, other volcanic pā sites, and a museum.

Mount Victoria Reserve, Auckland, New Zealand

From $ 106

Motutapu Island

Located alongside the scenic island of Rangitoto, the emerald landscapes, striking coastline and thick forests of Motutapu Island attract visitors from across the globe. Sandy beaches and easy walking paths offer up plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation, while the 300 Maori archeological sites that scatter the land showcase a rich history and detail ancient lives of early inhabitants.

Travelers can explore one of the Island’s popular walking tracks, like the Motutapu Walkway, which connects the causeway to Rangitoto and the Matutapu ferry dock. Several World War II military sites in the northern junction offer history buffs with a look at gun pits, shelters and other fortresses. Outdoor adventurers can overnight at one of the island’s popular campsites and those looking to give back can volunteer at the Motutapu Restoration Trust, where locals and out-of-towners work alongside each other to plant trees, clean up beaches and monitor wildlife.

Practical Info

The island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, just northeast of the city of Auckland. It is easily accessible by local ferry from the city and the ride is approximately 30 minutes. The ferry only operates on weekends and public holidays.

Auckland 1010, New Zealand

From $ 159

Mount Victoria Lookout

One of the best places to get your bearings in the city of Wellington is from the Mount Victoria Lookout.

The panoramic views stretch from the harbor islands all the way to planes taking off and landing at the airport south-east of the city center.

Mount Victoria is 196 meters (642 feet) high. The lookout is topped by a triangular memorial to Antarctic explorer Admiral Byrd.

Practical Info

Mount Victoria Lookout is east of the city center in an area of parklands known as Town Belt. Buses run to the lookout on weekdays.

Lookout Road, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

Free

From $ 42

Lake Rotorua

The Rotorua area boasts dozens of lakes, but Lake Rotorua is larger, deeper, and older than its neighbors. Geologists believe that Rotorua, the second-largest lake on the North Island, dates back more than 200,000 years, while most of the region’s other waterways were created by the Tarawera eruption of 1886.

The Basics

Lake Rotorua is surrounded by a geothermal playground and offers a variety of activities for travelers. Visitors may take a cruise through the Ohau Channel, which connects with Lake Rotoiti, and relax with a soak at the remote Manupirua Thermal Springs. Tour options include kayaking along the lakeshore, jetting around on a speedboat, or hurtling over falls on a white-water rafting trip.

Among other specialized tours are seaplane flights, which include a thrilling water takeoff and landing, and helicopter tours that offer aerial views of the city and lake. Adventure travelers may opt for a solo or tandem parasailing experience above Lake Rotorua. Horseback rides and 4WD buggy tours take travelers off the beaten path. Combine your adventure with a day trip to the Blue and Green lakes and bubbling geysers.

Things to Know Before You Go

This natural feature is hard to miss, and is a must-see for visitors to Rotorua.
A large grassy area includes a children’s playground.
Wheelchair-accessible walkways make for easy strolling.
Outdoor activities last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while day trips take you to other lakes and beyond.
A 10-minute Skyline Rotorua gondola ride guarantees panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Ngongotaha.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water.

How to Get There

The shores of Lake Rotorua are only 10 minutes north of downtown Rotorua by car. Many tours and day trips offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and there is ample parking available for those who opt to self-drive. Walking and public transport options are within easy reach of most accommodations.

When to Get There

Lake Rotorua is open year-round. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times for photo ops, whether you’re walking along the shore, taking a cruise, or setting out for a romantic evening stroll or family picnic. Sunny days in warmer months are ideal for water sports, but mud baths and thermal pools are perfect in winter.

What’s in the Lake?

Though it’s not as large as neighboring Lake Taupo and not as nice for swimming, Lake Rotorua offers plentiful activities and views. The 920-foot (280-meter) elevation makes Rotorua’s water cooler than some other lakes in the region. The water’s green hue comes from sulfur and minerals. The lake is also alive with fish; go fly fishing for trout and try to reel in a big one!

Lake Rotorua, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

From $ 22

Mt Tarawera

Near the northeast coast of the North Island is Mount Tarawera, the volcano responsible for a massive eruption that destroyed the famed, naturally occurring Pink and White Terraces and buried three Maori villages, including Te Wairoa, in 1866. The volcano is currently dormant, but visitors can book several different guided tours of the mountain, ranging from helicopter, 4-wheel drive vehicles and mountain bikes.

The area around Mt. Tarawera is breathtaking in its beauty and captivating in its thermal characteristics. Nearby are both the Geothermal Wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu and the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley near Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. At Tarawera's foot is Lake Rotomahana, which offers numerous recreational activities including fishing, water skiing and boating.

In addition to Lake Rotomahana, Mt. Tarawera's eruption formed many others, as the rift and domes formed from the explosion dramatically altered the surrounding landscape. In fact, the blast was so massive that its ash could be seen as far away as Christchurch, nearly 500 miles to the south. The resulting topographic challenges have created some of the most exhilarating bike trails in the world.

Practical Info

Since January 2010, independent hiking on Tarawera (and even being on the roads that approach it) is forbidden, due to health and safety issues, vandalism, and traffic. If you want to visit it you must book a tour.

Mt. Tarawera, Rotorua, New Zealand

Open Daily, accessible via tours only

NZD 46

From $ 25