This Is Your Sign To Take A Road Trip Around NZ's North Island

There's never been a better time.

1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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This amazing maze of limestone caves are lit from within by thousands of living glowworms — it's an amazing sight to see. Explore the subterranean wonderland on a guided walk or boat tour, or a thrilling Black Water Rafting trip through the cave's waterways.

A similar option is the smaller, less touristy (and free!) Waipu Caves. Just bring your own headlamp.

2. Pouakai Crossing

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The Pouakai Crossing is a 19-kilometre trail that winds through Egmont National Park across the slopes of Mount Taranaki. If you love hiking, add it to your list — this track is one of the best in the North Island. The landscape is remarkable, especially at the Pouakai tarns. On a clear day, these alpine pools reflect the mountain perfectly, giving you views better than any postcard.

3. Cape Reinga

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Cape Reinga is a far-flung location in the North Island, accessible by a magical road trip down Northland’s Twin Coast Highway. Head out to the lighthouse for sweeping ocean views and spot the place where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Spend some time exploring the rest of the Northland region, with its slow-paced coastal towns and pristine beaches and harbours that make it the perfect area to relax.

4. Waipoua Forest

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The Waipoua Forest near Hokianga Harbour is where you'll find Tāne Mahuta — the world’s largest Kauri tree. If you're into nature, definitely book a tour to learn from a local storyteller who will guide you into the ancient kauri forest at twilight.

If you're in NZ for the adrenaline experiences, you can zoom around the harbour at high speed on a jet ski safari tour. Don't leave without getting fish 'n' chips from Opononi Beach Takeaways, or try their famous Opo Burger.

5. Cathedral Cove

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You've definitely seen this place on a postcard or screensaver somewhere. The Coromandel is famous for its golden beaches — the most famous of which is Cathedral Cove, with its majestic limestone archway. It's easily reached via a short coastal walk, on a kayak trip, or by taking a scenic cruise along the coastline.

6. Hot Water Beach

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Just down the coast from Cathedral Cove is the unmissable Hot Water Beach, where you can dig holes in the sand (within two hours of low tide) and enjoy a DIY thermal bath.

7. Hobbiton

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This is by no means an undiscovered gem, but Hobbiton is definitely something for the list — even if you're not a LOTR fan. Set in the lush green countryside of the Waitomo region, you can take a tour of the set, then chill out in the The Green Dragon and get as merry as a Hobbit drinking their own exclusive ale.

8. Port Knight Islands

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Beneath the water around the Poor Knights Islands lie caves, arches, cliffs and tunnels, creating a perfect place for diving and snorkelling. It's home to a diverse array of marine life, so there's plenty to look at while you're in the water. On the boat trip out to the islands, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, orca, or Bryde's whales.

9. Goat Island Marine Reserve

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Easily accessible from Auckland, Goat Island is a top spot for a day trip. Pack a picnic, take a hike around the rocky coastline, then jump into the water to get a closer look at all the marine life hanging around the beaches. Kayaks, wetsuits and snorkels are available for hire at the beach, but if you prefer to stay dry, you could take a glass-bottom boat tour.

10. Waiheke Island

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You'll find one of the best places in New Zealand right in the middle of Auckland Harbour. Just a short ferry ride away from the city, you'll find the vineyards, olive groves and white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island. Come for a day trip, but you might want to stay overnight once you see how much is going on. Take a wine tour around the island, or hire a bike or scooter to explore at your own pace. Lunch and wine at Mudbrick is always a good idea, or pack a picnic and explore the secluded sandy coves of the island.

11. Taupō

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Taupō is the place to come if you want to vibe with nature. The thunderous Huka Falls can be seen from a viewing platform at the end of a short walk, or take the adventurous option with a jet boat ride up the river. Other spectacular falls straight into Lake Taupō include Otupoto Falls, where the water comes out of a cliff and Tieke Falls, which you can reach via the Waihaha River Cycle Trail.

12. Wellington

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Damn, the food in Wellington is so, so good. There are many reasons to visit this cool-as-hell capital city, but make sure you come with a big appetite. Start off in Hannah's Laneway, where you'll find Wellington Chocolate Factory, famous cookies at Leeds Street Bakery, peanut butter excellence at Fix & Fogg, epic pizza at Pomodoro, dive bar vibes at Goldings and modern, sustainable dining at Shepherd.

13. New Plymouth

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This small city on the west coast is a choice spot to break up a road trip. Tackle the paved Coastal Walkway which stretches from the city to the harbour and takes you past waterfront parks and black-sand beaches.

14. Hawke's Bay

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How good is wine? The Hawke's Bay region has to be the best place in the North Island to get some wine tasting under your belt, where the rolling green hills are covered in vineyards as far as the eye can see. Rent a bike and head off on a self-guided wine tour, or book onto an organised tour if you want to really lean into the drinking.

15. Raglan

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Beach bums will be obsessed with Raglan, a sleepy coastal town with some of the best surf in the country. This is where you want to come, camp by the water or book a sweet Airbnb and do nothing but swim, surf and eat fish 'n' chips.

16. Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley

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Rotorua is a typical destination for travellers seeking hot springs, but you might be better off 20 minutes south at Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. It's home to the largest hot spring in the world, with beautiful thermal pools set into the lush Kiwi forest. Explore by hiking through the valley, or make the most of the hop on/off shuttle to get around.

17. Mount Maunganui

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This oceanfront town in the Bay of Plenty is a cute hidden gem to hit up whether you're there in summer or winter. Climb to the top of Mauao for epic views of the town and surrounding countryside, then top it off with a swim in the crystal clear water.

18. Whangarei Falls

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If you're a fan of a waterfall, don't miss this one in the Whangarei scenic reserve. The falls drop into a huge pool where you can swim and feel the spray of the water on your face. It's definitely worth hiking from the top of the falls down to the bottom to see it from both perspectives.

19. Te Paki Sand Dunes

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Te Paki is home to some seriously massive sand dunes that make your calves ache just by looking at them. If you're game, rent some boards, hike to the top and take a fun ride back down to the bottom.

20. Hamilton Gardens

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If you think botanic gardens are pretty but kinda boring, you'll be changing your tune after a trip to Hamilton Gardens. It's focused more on design than on the flora, with each small garden in the collection telling a story and giving an insight into a different civilisation.

21. And finally, Kapiti Coast

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This stretch of coast — just north of Wellington — is one of the best places in the country to watch the sunset. It's pretty remote and undiscovered, even though it's only a half-hour from the capital. Sit on the west-facing Paraparaumu beach, with a beer in hand and watch the sun sink over the horizon and the silhouetted Kapiti Island. If you're up for a trek, the top of the Hemi Matenga track has great views of the region and even down to the South Island on a clear day.