Updated by Rach, the resident Kiwi, in April 2026
There’s so much to do in New Zealand’s North Island, and while it’s not quite as adrenaline-fuelled as the South Island (thanks Queenstown), it’s absolutely worth the visit. The place is packed to the rafters with amazing natural locations giving you more things to see and do than you could shake a stick at.
Not sure what to choose? Here’s a few of our favourite things to do in New Zealand’s North Island in 2026. Whether you’re backpacking solo or exploring on a guided New Zealand tour, these are the highlights you won’t want to miss.
Feel the wind in your hair at the Te Paki sand dunes near 90 Mile Beach. You won’t be carving surf here - instead you’ll be speeding down nearly 140 meters of sand. It’s low key thrills with a high chance of spills, and it never gets old.
Just grab a board, walk up the dunes barefoot (trust us, it’s easier that way), get mentally prepared, and bomb it down to the bottom. Then do it all over again. Sandboarding at 90 Mile Beach is one of those classic North Island experiences that every backpacker should have on their list.
Hot tip: You need a specific board for sandboarding. There’s a place right next to the car park that sells them for $15, but there’s a local that sells better quality ones for $10. You can find them a few kilometres down the road at 8970 Far North Road in Te Kao.
Tucked into the picturesque hills behind Piha Beach is a steep volcanic rock valley called Piha Canyon. Think thunderous cascading waterfalls, hidden pools, water-sculpted gorges and gorgeous grottos. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.
But the best part? You get to explore it. Head over to Piha for some canyoning action and have the time of your life rappelling down waterfalls, navigating rivers, jumping off cliffs into deep water and chilling in natural rock pools. It’s one of the most exciting adventure activities on the North Island and it’s relatively easy to get to. So why wait?
If you need a break from all the fast paced action that New Zealand is famous for, Waiheke Island is calling your name. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, it feels like a world away - blue skies, blue water and nothing but good vibes.
If you’re a bit of a wine lover you’re in luck. Waiheke is famous for its vineyards that produce some seriously great drops. There are also stellar nature walks, mouthwatering food and stunning coastal scenery. If you’ve had enough of the relaxing, jump on an Ecozip adventure and speed over vineyards and native bushland on a flying fox. Waiheke is one of the most popular day trips from Auckland and it’s easy to see why.
The glowworm species found here is incredibly rare and can only be found in two countries in the world - Australia and New Zealand. At Waitomo Caves you can see them in their thousands, lighting up the cave ceiling like a constellation of stars in a dark night sky.
Interestingly, glowworms aren’t actually worms at all. They’re a species of baby gnat that uses threads of bioluminescence to catch food, much like a spider’s web. While you’re in the area we also recommend getting your adrenaline fix with some black water rafting. Speed down rushing ravines in near-total darkness - like those dark water slides at theme parks, but more extreme and way more fun. Waitomo is a must-visit stop on any North Island itinerary.
Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand and is home to three mighty active volcanic mountains. Mt Ngauruhoe, the youngest of the bunch (relatively speaking - it’s at least 2,500 years old). Mt Ruapehu, which hosts some great ski slopes and snowfields in winter. And Mt Tongariro itself, the namesake of the park and famous for its world-class alpine crossing.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes about 7-8 hours and features stunning crater lakes, volcanic landscapes and scenery that famously doubled as Mordor in the Lord of the Rings films. It’s rated one of the best single day hikes in New Zealand and one of the top multi-day treks in the world. Challenging at times, but worth every single step. Make sure to book your transport in advance as it’s one of the most popular hikes on the North Island.
Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of New Zealand’s most important conservation success stories. Over 120 years ago the 220-hectare island was stripped of 94% of its native bush. Since then, thousands of volunteers have replanted trees and the island has been almost completely restored to its former glory.
Today the island is teeming with rare and unique wildlife, including the flightless takahe - one of the world’s rarest birds. It makes a brilliant day trip from Auckland. Take in scenic views from various lookout points, explore the lush regenerating rainforest and hopefully cross paths with some of the incredible rare birds that now call this island home.
Jet boating is the best way to experience the raw power of Huka Falls up close. Jump into a Hukafalls Jet - the only operator with permission to get right up close to the falls - and hold on tight as you slide past banks, cliffs and trees while performing wild 360° spins.
The Waikato River here is extraordinary. “Huka” actually translates to foam in Maori, which couldn’t describe these incredible falls more perfectly. It’s one of the most thrilling things to do near Taupo and a highlight of any New Zealand tour.
Cathedral Cove is truly beautiful. So beautiful in fact that it was used as the gateway into Narnia in the Chronicles of Narnia films. But with a track record for blockbuster backdrops like New Zealand has, it’s no surprise.
You can explore Cathedral Cove in a few different ways, but we highly recommend grabbing a kayak and going for a paddle. Head out to sea for stunning ocean views and then turn around to take in the incredible natural rock arch the cove is famous for. Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed spots on the Coromandel Peninsula and a brilliant stop on any North Island road trip.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not - head over to Waikato and immerse yourself in the land of Middle-Earth at Hobbiton. Explore hobbit holes, rolling green hills and the kind of scenery that makes you do a double take.
If you’re feeling thirsty, head over to the Green Dragon Inn for beers inspired by the finest ales of Middle-Earth. Feel like you’re having a frothie with Frodo at the fantasy-styled bar. You’d be Samwise not to miss it. Hobbiton tours are extremely popular in 2026 so book ahead to avoid missing out.
Feel weightless and experience the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands from a completely different perspective. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver, the crystal clear water here delivers something special.
Dive in and discover schools of colourful fish, eels, sea urchins and all kinds of incredible marine life. The Bay of Islands is consistently rated one of the best dive destinations in New Zealand, with the nearby Poor Knights Islands also offering world-class scuba diving. Get suited up and jump in for an experience you won’t forget.
New Zealand’s North Island truly steals the show when it comes to natural wonders. Volcanic parks, rare wildlife, incredible beaches and ocean adventures - the place is a nature lover’s dream. And these are just 10 of our favourites. There’s a whole lot more to discover on a New Zealand guided or flexible tour - so what are you waiting for? Follow us on Instagram and let us know which ones made your list!
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