New Zealand’s most populous island is the North Island, a melting pot of progressive cities (looking at you, Auckland and Wellington), volcanoes and geothermal attractions, glorious beaches, vineyards, and rich history. Around 90 percent of New Zealand’s Māori population live here, so this is the place to come to learn more about this thousand-year-old culture. Whether you start in the winterless north or windy Welly, there are plenty of things to do on the North Island.
The North Island’s climate varies between its coastal and inland, mountainous areas. The Far North is nicknamed the winterless north, while Wellington is notorious for its bracing wind, and the central North Island is no stranger to snow. Visit in summer (December-February) to make the most of the beaches of Northland or Coromandel. The big cities of Auckland and Wellington can be visited at any time, as there are many indoor activities.
Being New Zealand’s more populated island, the North Island has better public transportation options than the South Island, but most travelers still find it more convenient to have their own vehicle to reach more rural areas. Long-distance intercity buses connect many of the North Island’s major cities, and local buses and trains can be helpful for getting around Auckland and Wellington. A scenic train connects Auckland and Wellington.
Like in other parts of New Zealand, it’s important not to underestimate the size of the North Island, or the amount of time it will take to drive around. While it’s possible to drive nonstop between Auckland and Wellington in one day, a much more leisurely itinerary allows for detours to the Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, and Taranaki areas, as well as other more rural parts of the island.
Local Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) | Time Zone NZST (UTC +12) | Country Code +64 | Language(s) English | Attractions 151 | Tours 994 | Reviews 63,788 |
New Zealand’s North Island is known for the geothermal geysers and mud pools in Rotorua, its Maori culture, Bay of Islands beaches, multicultural Auckland, and Wellington, its small capital. It’s also New Zealand’s population center, as more than 75 percent of the population lives here.
...MoreYou can holiday almost anywhere on the North Island, as there are many beaches, mountain areas, towns, cities, and a few national parks. Popular North Island travel destinations include the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Taupo, Coromandel Peninsula, Tongariro National Park, Napier-Hastings, and Wellington.
...MoreDriving the length of the North Island, from Cape Reinga to Wellington, would take around 14 hours. However, most visitors don’t make this trip in one go. Places along the way that are worth stopping at include Auckland, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, and Kapiti coast.
...MoreNo, the North Island is not better than the South Island. Both islands contain a wealth of attractions that travelers enjoy. Some people prefer the culture, beaches, and geothermal attractions of the North Island, while others prefer the mountains and wilderness areas of the sparsely populated South Island.
...MoreCape Reinga is at the top of the North Island. There’s a lighthouse and walkways down to beautiful, rugged beaches. It’s culturally significant to the local Maori. Although it’s not quite at the northernmost point of the North Island, Ninety Mile Beach is another popular attraction in far northern Northland.
...MoreYes, the North Island is worth visiting. There are many things to see and do here, no matter your tastes or preferences. Enjoy the beaches of the Bay of Islands and Coromandel Peninsula, hike through the Tongariro National Park, marvel at Rotorua’s geothermal activity, and more.
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