North Island - Map of Attractions, Shops & More

1 Bay of Islands

Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends

9.4

Highlights:

🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village

1 Kerikeri Airport

Gateway to historic vineyards and coastal charm

Serving the Bay of Islands region, this small public airport offers regular flights to Auckland and regional destinations. The runway is paved, facilities include a terminal building and basic passenger services.

1 Ninety Mile Beach

Beach

1 Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Lighthouse

2 Whangarei Airport

Gateway to North Island’s coastal charm

Regional hub serving North Island’s northern coast, connecting to major cities and nearby islands. Modern terminal offers convenient flights, while surrounding area features rugged coastline, lush forests and historic sites.

2 Hawke's Bay

Sunlit shores and vibrant marine life

8.9

A vibrant hub of outdoor adventure and cultural heritage, Hawke’s Bay offers rolling vineyards, rugged coastlines and historic towns. Visitors can explore art galleries, sample award‑winning wines, hike volcanic landscapes or relax on pristine beaches.

Highlights:

🏄‍♂️ Surf at Bream Bay's renowned break
🏜️ Hike Te Paki Track through sand dunes
🗼 Explore Cape Reinga's iconic lighthouse and flagpole

3 Taupō

Volcanic Lake, Adventure and Hot Springs

8.2

Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, sits amid volcanic peaks and geothermal springs. The town offers adventure sports, Maori cultural sites and scenic walks along the shoreline, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Highlights:

🌋 Explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon
🛶 Kayak to the famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
🌊 Witness the thunderous power of Huka Falls

3 Taupō Airport

Adventure gateway near Lake Taupō

Serving Taupō and surrounding Rotorua region, this regional airport offers daily flights to Auckland and Wellington. The runway accommodates small jets, while the terminal provides basic amenities for travelers comfort.

4 Rotorua

Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture

8.2

Highlights:

🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu

2 Te Pā Tū

POI

1 Rotorua Night Market

Marketplace

1 Wai-O-Tapu

Soothing geothermal waters amid lush landscapes

This geothermal wonder features bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, offering unique outdoor experiences near Hamilton. The landscape is volcanic and dramatic, with colorful mineral deposits creating striking natural formations along the Wai-O-Tapu trail.

Highlights:

🍲 Taste local Maori cuisine in a traditional marae
🥾 Hike to the vibrant Wai-O-Tapu crater
🛁 Explore geothermal pools at the Pink Baths

4 Whakatāne Airport

Gateway to volcanic landscapes and marine wonders

Serving the Bay of Plenty region, this regional airport offers frequent flights to Auckland and Hamilton. The runway accommodates small jets, while nearby coastal scenery provides a scenic backdrop for arrivals.

5 Rotorua Regional Airport

Gateway to Geothermal Wonderland

This regional gateway on New Zealand’s North Island serves Rotorua and geothermal zones, offering convenient flights to Auckland and Wellington. Travelers enjoy its short runway, friendly staff and quick access to geysers and Māori culture.

5 Tongariro National Park

Volcanic landscapes and epic hikes

8.1

Highlights:

💧 Relax by the vibrant Emerald Lakes along the trail
⛰️ Climb to Red Crater for stunning panoramic views
🥾 Hike the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing and witness volcanic craters

2 Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Way

3 Whanganui River

River

6 Palmerston North Airport

Gateway to vibrant North Island adventures

Serving Palmerston North and surrounding regions, this regional airport offers daily flights to major New Zealand hubs. The facility features modern terminal amenities, a single runway and convenient access for business travelers.

6 Waitomo

Underground wonders beneath rolling farmland

7.5

Highlights:

🌊 Go black water rafting through underground cave rivers
🦟 Explore Ruakuri Cave’s limestone formations and glowworms
🚤 Take a boat ride through the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves

3 Waitomo Caves

POI

7 New Plymouth Airport

Gateway to West Coast’s coastal charm

Serving the West Coast region, this regional airport offers frequent domestic flights to major cities and convenient access to nearby national parks, beaches and cultural sites, plus a modern terminal with free Wi‑Fi.

2 Mount Taranaki

Volcano

7 Auckland

Where Urban Life Meets Nature

7.5

A vibrant hub on New Zealand's North Island, it offers a mix of modern city life and natural beauty. The waterfront hosts iconic viaducts, while nearby parks provide hiking trails and scenic views for families.

Highlights:

🌋 Climb Mount Eden for panoramic views over volcanic landscapes
🍷 Cruise across Waitematā Harbour and visit Waiheke Island’s vineyards
🌆 Take in sweeping city views from the Sky Tower

4 Sky Tower

Auckland's Iconic Skyline Giant

Auckland's Sky Tower stands as an iconic landmark offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor. Its observation deck provides thrilling experiences, while restaurants serve delicious meals high above the bustling streets below.

Highlights:

🪂 Experience the thrill of SkyJump free fall
🚶‍♂️ Walk the SkyWalk ledge 192 meters above city
🌆 Enjoy panoramic 360º views from the Sky Deck

4 North Piha Beach

Beach

2 City Centre

Place

5 Auckland War Memorial Museum

Cultural Heart of Auckland City

This poignant museum honors New Zealand's fallen soldiers within Auckland's war memorial complex. Its exhibits detail military history and sacrifice, offering a solemn tribute to those who served in conflicts across the globe.

Highlights:

🦕 Examine dinosaur skeletons and natural history displays
🎖️ Visit the War Memorial Hall for poignant exhibits
🪓 Explore intricate Māori carvings in the Māori Court

6 Waiheke Island

Island

3 Auckland Domain

Historic Volcano Park Oasis

This historic domain features manicured gardens, war memorials and sweeping views of the city skyline. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined paths or explore the museum buildings that tell Auckland's story in a peaceful setting.

Highlights:

🦆 Relax with a picnic by the tranquil duck ponds
🌋 Climb Pukekawa volcano for panoramic city views
🌿 Stroll through the serene Wintergardens glasshouses

8 Auckland Airport

New Zealand’s Premier International Hub

The main international gateway to New Zealand’s North Island offers extensive connections across Asia, Australia and Europe. Modern facilities include multiple terminals, a wide range of dining options and efficient transit services.

4 Te Tara-o-Te-Ika / Coromandel Peninsula

Peninsula

8 Napier

Art Deco, Wine & Seaside Charm

7.4

Known for its Art Deco architecture and vibrant wine scene, Napier sits on New Zealand's North Island coast. The city offers scenic harbor views, historic gardens and a thriving culinary culture centered around local produce.

Highlights:

🌊 Stroll along scenic Marine Parade and beachfront
🐠 Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand
🏛️ Take a guided Art Deco walking tour in Napier

9 Hawke's Bay Airport

Gateway to Scenic Hawke’s Bay

Serving Napier and surrounding Hawke’s Bay region, this regional airport offers frequent domestic flights to Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Modern facilities include a single terminal, car rental services and easy access to local vineyards.

10 Gisborne Airport

Gateway to East Coast’s coastal charm

Serving the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, this regional airport offers direct flights to major cities and acts as a gateway for visitors exploring the Bay of Plenty’s vineyards, beaches and Maori heritage.

9 Wellington

Creative capital by wild seas

7.1

This capital of New Zealand's North Island sits where the Pacific meets the Southern Alps, defining the nation's political heart. While often overshadowed by Auckland, Wellington offers a vibrant, wind-swept culture centered on its iconic cable car and film heritage.

Highlights:

🦜 Explore Zealandia urban ecosanctuary’s rare wildlife
🚠 Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for city views
🏛️ Visit the interactive Museum of New Zealand Te Papa

7 Museum of New Zealand

Museum

3

POI

5 Zealandia

Urban Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington

This unique research center sits within Wellington's Zealonia, offering a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's past. Its expansive ruins and ball courts provide an engaging historical experience for visitors exploring the North Island's cultural heritage.

Highlights:

🌌 Join night tours to see kiwi and glow worms by torchlight
🌲 Explore scenic forest trails with expert wildlife guides
🦜 Spot rare native birds like kākā and takahē on guided tours

6 Wellington Botanic Garden

Tranquil Urban Oasis in Wellington

Sprawling over 20 hectares, this garden showcases New Zealand’s native flora and curated collections from around the world. Paths wind through themed areas, offering panoramic city views and tranquil spots for reflection.

Highlights:

🦆 Relax by the duck pond in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden
🌲 Walk native bush trails with panoramic city views
🌺 Explore exotic tropical plants in the Begonia House

8 Wellington City

Place

9 Wellington Cable Car

Iconic Funicular with Panoramic Views

A historic funicular connects city center to Kelburn hill, offering panoramic views of harbor and skyline. Operated since 1902, it remains a popular transport link and tourist attraction for daily passengers.

Highlights:

🌳 Walk down through the stunning Wellington Botanic Garden trails
🏛️ Explore the free Wellington Cable Car Museum at the top station
🚠 Ride the historic funicular for iconic city and harbour views

11 Wellington International Airport

Gateway to New Zealand’s Windy Capital

Serving New Zealand’s capital, this modern hub offers direct flights to Asia, Australia and Europe. Its compact layout features efficient security, a range of dining options and panoramic views of the harbor.

12 Kapiti Coast Airport

Gateway to lush vineyards and coastal adventures

A regional hub serving Wellington and surrounding areas, offering daily flights to major New Zealand cities. The airport features modern facilities, a single runway and easy access to nearby coastal attractions.

10 Matamata

Gateway to Middle-earth Magic

7.1

Explore Matamata’s rolling hills and lush farmland, home to the iconic Hobbiton film set. The town offers charming cafés, local art galleries and easy access to nearby Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences and.

Highlights:

🌊 Hike to Wairere Falls, North Island's highest waterfall
🏛️ Explore Firth Tower Museum showcasing local pioneer history
🏡 Tour the famous Hobbiton Movie Set and hobbit holes

10 Hobbiton Movie Set

Theme Park

13 Hamilton Airport

Gateway to scenic Waikato countryside adventures

Serving Hamilton and surrounding Waikato region, this regional airport offers frequent domestic flights to Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Modern facilities include a single terminal, parking and on‑site car rentals services.

5 Raglan

Town

14 Tauranga Airport

Gateway to Bay of Plenty’s coastal charm

Serving the Bay of Plenty region, this regional airport offers frequent domestic flights and charter services. Modern facilities include a single terminal, ample parking and easy access to Tauranga’s coastal attractions.

6 Hot Water Beach

Place

Places of interest in North Island