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You are here: Home / Archives for Travel / New Zealand / North Island (excluding Auckland)

North Island (excluding Auckland)

New Zealand’s North Island is a paradise as well as being a population centre. It is known for varied landscapes including a geothermal wonderland, backdrop for movies, and cultural diversity. This section includes the North Island (excluding Auckland).

With plenty of regional parks that are now open bird sanctuaries, there is an abundance of wildlife on the island.

The main cities on the North Island include Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Napier, and Tauranga. They each offer something unique and different to visitors. Auckland articles are featured here.

If you want to discuss NZ with other travellers or residents, join our Facebook group: Explore New Zealand and share travel tips, stories, photos, or just ask questions.

Enjoy our other North Island (excluding Auckland) New Zealand-based articles:

One of many stunning views on our Auckland to Napier drive, this one is just before we reach Napier.

Auckland to Napier Drive: Our 11 Best Stops on the Way

Read moreAuckland to Napier Drive: Our 11 Best Stops on the Way
Harmony suite at Rua Resort, in Hamilton. Rua Resort is Hamilton is one of the many answers to where to stay in New Zealand

Where to Stay in New Zealand: Our Favourite Upscale Hotels in NZ

Read moreWhere to Stay in New Zealand: Our Favourite Upscale Hotels in NZ
Mount Maunganui is one of three great options from the Tauranga Cruise Port

Tauranga Cruise Port 3 Great Choices: Rotorua, Hobbiton, Beach

Read moreTauranga Cruise Port 3 Great Choices: Rotorua, Hobbiton, Beach
The best things to do at the Wellington Cruise Port. Explore top attractions like this view of the Carter Fountain in Oriental Bay

Wellington Cruise Port: 10 Must-Dos for Amazing DIY or Tours

Read moreWellington Cruise Port: 10 Must-Dos for Amazing DIY or Tours
View of Napier from Bluff Hill, the commercial port which serves as the Napier cruise port is behind me

Napier Cruise Port is Art Deco, Impressive Views, Wine, & More

Read moreNapier Cruise Port is Art Deco, Impressive Views, Wine, & More
Queen Elizabeth cruise ship at a mooring as there is no actual Bay of Islands Cruise Port in New Zealand

Bay of Islands Cruise Port: 11 Exciting historic Fun Options

Read moreBay of Islands Cruise Port: 11 Exciting historic Fun Options
Endless and impressive views from Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, one of the best things to do in Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand

11 Fun Things to Do in Mangawhai: Beaches, Hikes, Dining, and More

Read more11 Fun Things to Do in Mangawhai: Beaches, Hikes, Dining, and More
Views from Paekakariki Hill lookout in the Kapiti coast, Wellington New Zealand

Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip with 7 Epic Stops

Read moreWellington to New Plymouth Road Trip with 7 Epic Stops
Looking down on Waipu Cove Beach from the walkway is one of the best things to do in Waipu

15 Fun Things to Do in Waipu & Bream Bay for Everyone

Read more15 Fun Things to Do in Waipu & Bream Bay for Everyone
Sunset from our deck at Baycrest Thermal Lodge in Taupo

9 Fascinating Things to Do in Taupo From Exciting to Serene

Read more9 Fascinating Things to Do in Taupo From Exciting to Serene
Deluxe Diner is one of many great places to eat gluten-free in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand

Eat gluten-free in New Plymouth – 18 Tempting Places We Love

Read moreEat gluten-free in New Plymouth – 18 Tempting Places We Love
View of Whanganui from top of Durie Hill elevator

20 Things to Do in Whanganui: Reasons to Stop and Explore

Read more20 Things to Do in Whanganui: Reasons to Stop and Explore
Marokopa Falls is one of our favourite stops on our Auckland to New Plymouth road trip.

Auckland to New Plymouth Coastal Road Trip: 10 Must-see Stops

Read moreAuckland to New Plymouth Coastal Road Trip: 10 Must-see Stops
Visiting Mt Taranaki is one of the top things to do in the Taranaki region.

37 Fantastic Things to Do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand

Read more37 Fantastic Things to Do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand
Dawson Falls Waterfall is a must-see when visiting Stratford New Zealand

Stratford NZ: Discover Shakespeare and Majestic Mt Taranaki

Read moreStratford NZ: Discover Shakespeare and Majestic Mt Taranaki
Standing on the north end of Te Rewa Rewa Bridge we had lovely views of Mt Taranaki in background. It was high on our list of things to do in New Plymouth.

16 Things to Do in New Plymouth: Exploring this Coastal Gem

Read more16 Things to Do in New Plymouth: Exploring this Coastal Gem
Visiting Castlepoint lighthouse is one of our favourite things to do in Wairarapa

25 Things to Do in Wairarapa: Fall in Love with the Region

Read more25 Things to Do in Wairarapa: Fall in Love with the Region
Tirau is one of many fascinating stops along our drive from Auckland to Rotorua.

Auckland to Rotorua Drive: 9 Stops on an Epic Journey

Read moreAuckland to Rotorua Drive: 9 Stops on an Epic Journey
Cathedral Cove is one of the must see things to do in North Island New Zealand. This sunrise shot brings out more colours.

20 Unmissable Things to Do in North Island New Zealand

Read more20 Unmissable Things to Do in North Island New Zealand
Lush green rolling hills dominate much of our drive from Napier to Wellington

Napier to Wellington Road Trip: Our Favourite Stops Along the Way

Read moreNapier to Wellington Road Trip: Our Favourite Stops Along the Way
A section of the art gallery on the upper floor of Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand is one of the best Wellington indoor activities

Wellington Indoor Activities – Fun on a Rainy Day in Wellington, NZ

Read moreWellington Indoor Activities – Fun on a Rainy Day in Wellington, NZ
View from about half way to the top of Mt. Maunganui.

Auckland to Tauranga Itinerary Loop: 16 Unique Stops

Read moreAuckland to Tauranga Itinerary Loop: 16 Unique Stops
Colourful Hundertwasser art centre overlooking the marina basin is one of many cool things to do in Whangārei

15 Cool Things to Do in Whangarei and the Surrounding Area

Read more15 Cool Things to Do in Whangarei and the Surrounding Area
Waterfall at The Lost Spring in Whitianga on the Coromandel in New Zealand

Whitianga Hot Pools: Relax in Lost Spring Mineral Rich Water

Read moreWhitianga Hot Pools: Relax in Lost Spring Mineral Rich Water
Seeing the kauri trees along the path in Parry Kauri Park is one of the interesting things to do in Warkworth, New Zealand

Things to Do in Warkworth: Parry Kauri Park, Sheepworld and More

Read moreThings to Do in Warkworth: Parry Kauri Park, Sheepworld and More
St Andrews Anglican Church in Cambridge, New Zealand

Things to Do in Cambridge NZ: Rural Charm and Sporty Fun

Read moreThings to Do in Cambridge NZ: Rural Charm and Sporty Fun
Vivid blue water of Blue Spring Putaruru

Blue Spring Putaruru: Crystal Clear Water at Te Waihou Walkway

Read moreBlue Spring Putaruru: Crystal Clear Water at Te Waihou Walkway
Driving Creek Railways in Coromandel Town

Driving Creek Railway: Blending Art, Nature, and Adventure in New Zealand

Read moreDriving Creek Railway: Blending Art, Nature, and Adventure in New Zealand
Coromandel Road Trip in New Zealand

27 Things to Do in Coromandel – Road Trip Highlights

Read more27 Things to Do in Coromandel – Road Trip Highlights
Hiking is one of the many things to do in Raglan New Zealand

17 Things to Do in Raglan: Even if You’re Too Old to Surf

Read more17 Things to Do in Raglan: Even if You’re Too Old to Surf
Hundertwasser Centre for the Arts is one of three NZ Hundertwasser structures by the artist. The others are the Hundertwasser toilets and the Pavilion for Nature.

3 NZ Hundertwasser Wonders: Art Centre, Toilets, Pavilion

Read more3 NZ Hundertwasser Wonders: Art Centre, Toilets, Pavilion
A dirt road leading to the mountain as part of several New Zealand road trips

New Zealand Road Trips: Our Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

Read moreNew Zealand Road Trips: Our Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures
Huka Falls, one of the free things to do in Taupo

Free Things to Do in Taupo New Zealand

Read moreFree Things to Do in Taupo New Zealand
Due to it's shape, this New Zealand Parliament building is named the Beehive

Heaps of Free Things to Do in Wellington New Zealand

Read moreHeaps of Free Things to Do in Wellington New Zealand
Overlooking the Waikato River is one of many things to do in Hamilton

10 Surprising Things to Do in Hamilton NZ – Our Guide to Fun

Read more10 Surprising Things to Do in Hamilton NZ – Our Guide to Fun
Hot & Cold Pools near Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua, New Zealand

15 Free Things to Do in Rotorua: Budget-Friendly Fun

Read more15 Free Things to Do in Rotorua: Budget-Friendly Fun
Watching the sun set over the water is one of the many things to do in Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Things to Do in Russell: Dark History of NZ’s First Capital

Read moreThings to Do in Russell: Dark History of NZ’s First Capital
White silica sand at Rarawa Beach on the Aupouri Peninsula New Zealand

Rarawa Beach – Weird Squeaky White Silica Sand

Read moreRarawa Beach – Weird Squeaky White Silica Sand
View from Te Mata Peak in Hawkes Bay including the hang gliding launch ramp.

Things to Do in Hawkes Bay NZ from Wine Trails to Art Deco

Read moreThings to Do in Hawkes Bay NZ from Wine Trails to Art Deco
Intricately carved waka house, where the Maori war canoes are stored at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Visit the Birthplace of New Zealand

Read moreWaitangi Treaty Grounds: Visit the Birthplace of New Zealand
Looking down at the dock in Paihia New Zealand in the Bay of Islands

22 Things to Do in Bay of Islands That Keep Us Coming Back

Read more22 Things to Do in Bay of Islands That Keep Us Coming Back
Stone Store in Kerikeri. New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building

Kerikeri Mission Station: Discover 2 of NZ’s Oldest Buildings

Read moreKerikeri Mission Station: Discover 2 of NZ’s Oldest Buildings
Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour in Gisborne New Zealand

Dive Tatapouri: Wild Stingray Feeding, Gisborne New Zealand

Read moreDive Tatapouri: Wild Stingray Feeding, Gisborne New Zealand
From boat at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua New Zealand

Waimangu Volcanic Valley: World’s Youngest Geothermal System

Read moreWaimangu Volcanic Valley: World’s Youngest Geothermal System
Auckland to Wellington drive itinerary-the ultimate New Zealand road trip

Auckland to Wellington Drive Options: Our 16 Favourite Stops

Read moreAuckland to Wellington Drive Options: Our 16 Favourite Stops
Tudor Garden, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton New Zealand

Hamilton Gardens – 18 Incredible Themed Gardens in Waikato NZ

Read moreHamilton Gardens – 18 Incredible Themed Gardens in Waikato NZ
Redwood Treewalk is one of many things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand

20 Fun Things to Do in Rotorua: A First Timer’s Guide

Read more20 Fun Things to Do in Rotorua: A First Timer’s Guide
Artist Palette in Champagne Pool Wai-O-Tapu, in geothermal Rotorua region in New Zealand

Wai-O-Tapu: Nature’s Masterpiece in Geothermal Rotorua NZ

Read moreWai-O-Tapu: Nature’s Masterpiece in Geothermal Rotorua NZ
Riding the Cable Car is a Wellington must do in New Zealand

Wellington Activities: 37 Fun Things to Do in Wellington NZ

Read moreWellington Activities: 37 Fun Things to Do in Wellington NZ
Stonehenge Aotearoa, a stone circle in New Zealand

Stonehenge Aotearoa: Our Visit to New Zealand’s Powerful Stone Circle

Read moreStonehenge Aotearoa: Our Visit to New Zealand’s Powerful Stone Circle
Napier art deco buildings, New Zealand

Enjoy Napier Art Deco Buildings with a Walking Tour

Read moreEnjoy Napier Art Deco Buildings with a Walking Tour
An example of classical revival built in 1921 and repaired after the Napier earthquake in New Zealand

16 Unique Things to Do in Napier, New Zealand’s Art Deco Capital

Read more16 Unique Things to Do in Napier, New Zealand’s Art Deco Capital
Karangahake Gorge mine shafts in the Bay of Plenty New Zealand

Karangahake Gorge Walks: Windows out of Old Gold Mines

Read moreKarangahake Gorge Walks: Windows out of Old Gold Mines
glow worm kayak tours-Waimarino Tauranga GlowWorm Kayak Tour 1

Tauranga Glow Worm Tour Review: Night Kayaking in NZ

Read moreTauranga Glow Worm Tour Review: Night Kayaking in NZ
Things to do in mt Maunganui New Zealand

25 Fun Things to Do in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui

Read more25 Fun Things to Do in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Fruit on a mature green kiwifruit vine in New Zealand

Kiwifruit Country: Behind the Scenes at a New Zealand Kiwi Fruit Farm

Read moreKiwifruit Country: Behind the Scenes at a New Zealand Kiwi Fruit Farm
Beachfront villa at Papamoa beach New Zealand

Papamoa Beach Resort: Beachfront Stay in Bay of Plenty, NZ

Read morePapamoa Beach Resort: Beachfront Stay in Bay of Plenty, NZ
Bridge, pond, lily pads, fish and crocodile heads at Ngatea Water Gardens in New Zealand

Ngatea Water Gardens: Nature with a Sense of Humour in New Zealand

Read moreNgatea Water Gardens: Nature with a Sense of Humour in New Zealand
Old wharf in Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand

East Cape NZ Road Trip: Our Gisborne to Opotiki Itinerary

Read moreEast Cape NZ Road Trip: Our Gisborne to Opotiki Itinerary
Sunrise in Gisborne New Zealand

20 Things to Do in Gisborne NZ – First Place to See Each New Day

Read more20 Things to Do in Gisborne NZ – First Place to See Each New Day
Little Spotted Kiwi seen on the Zealandia Night Tour, Wellington New Zealand

Zealandia Night Tour vs Day Visit: Our Wildlife Sanctuary Review

Read moreZealandia Night Tour vs Day Visit: Our Wildlife Sanctuary Review
Inside Milky Way Glow Worm Cave at Waipu Caves Farm Park

Exploring 2 Waipu Caves: Glow Worm Tour Vs Free Cave

Read moreExploring 2 Waipu Caves: Glow Worm Tour Vs Free Cave
Gallipoli The Scale of our War at TePapa the National Museum of New Zealand. It is one of two war exhibits in Wellington

Quinn’s Post Joins 2 Powerful Wellington War Exhibits

Read moreQuinn’s Post Joins 2 Powerful Wellington War Exhibits
Whangarei Falls during the Winter in Whangarei New Zealand

4 Must-See NZ Waterfalls Between Auckland and Bay of Islands

Read more4 Must-See NZ Waterfalls Between Auckland and Bay of Islands
The beach near Cape Reinga is a great place to learn a few kiwi sayings

Auckland to Cape Reinga: New Zealand Road Trip Tips

Read moreAuckland to Cape Reinga: New Zealand Road Trip Tips
A rainbow of colorful hydrangeas in Wellington Botanic Garden New Zealand

Wellington Botanic Garden: Colourful Must-see in New Zealand

Read moreWellington Botanic Garden: Colourful Must-see in New Zealand
Gluten-free pasta dinner at 1154 Pastaria, one of the best gluten-free Wellington restaurants.

Our 24 Go-To Gluten-free Wellington Restaurants in NZ

Read moreOur 24 Go-To Gluten-free Wellington Restaurants in NZ
View while hiking Mount Victoria in Wellington New Zealand

Mount Victoria Lookout: Wellington New Zealand’s Best Views

Read moreMount Victoria Lookout: Wellington New Zealand’s Best Views
Walking path to the Cape Reinga lighthouse at the top of the North Island in New Zealand

Cape Reinga – Two Oceans Meet at the Spiritual Top of New Zealand

Read moreCape Reinga – Two Oceans Meet at the Spiritual Top of New Zealand
Mangonui Fish Shop is one of New Zealand's must-try Far North restaurants

Three Must-Try Far North Restaurants in New Zealand

Read moreThree Must-Try Far North Restaurants in New Zealand
Gum washing machine in Gummdigges Village, Awanui New Zealand

Gumdiggers Park: See Ancient Kauri in New Zealand

Read moreGumdiggers Park: See Ancient Kauri in New Zealand
A girl sandboarding New Zealand style - full speed down the Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes in Northland, New Zealand

Sandboarding at Te Paki Sand Dunes, New Zealand

Read moreSandboarding at Te Paki Sand Dunes, New Zealand
Sun Bear at the Wellington Zoo, New Zealand

Interesting Animals at Wellington Zoo, with NZ’s Only Bear

Read moreInteresting Animals at Wellington Zoo, with NZ’s Only Bear
Tui Brewery on the Mangatainoka River, North Island, New Zealand

Tui Brewery Tour – Is It Really Run by the ‘Gorgeous Women’ in their Ads?

Read moreTui Brewery Tour – Is It Really Run by the ‘Gorgeous Women’ in their Ads?

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