upper North Island of
Explore the Must-Sees &
Hidden Experiences of the
There is so much information about New Zealand on the internet, but the below is not just a list scraped from a general search. You’ll find enough practical tips and highlights of these areas of Aotearoa to get you started planning your own trip from someone who has actually lived the experience! For deeper guidance, links and pricing, full travel plans, and even more hidden gems, purchase the complete Travel Guide! (coming soon)
New Zealand
Auckland
Sky Tower
Standing at a total height of 328 meters, Sky Tower is NZ’s tallest structure and an iconic part of Auckland’s skyline. Enjoy calm, breathtaking views from the observation decks, dine with a panoramic backdrop, or take the ultimate leap with a “SkyJump” - a smooth, controlled base-jump-by-wire - from the 192-meter tall platform. Whether you’re after thrills or scenery, Auckland’s Sky Tower delivers an unforgettable high!
Mount Eden
Just minutes from Auckland’s city center, Mount Eden (Maungawhau) offers one of the best panoramic views in the region. This dormant volcanic cone features a stunning grassy crater and walking trails that lead to a 360-degree lookout over the city and harbor. Rich in Māori history and natural beauty, it’s a peaceful escape with a view like nowhere else!
Pro Tip #1: Taking an Uber to and from the CBD is the most convenient option when visiting Mt. Eden as it takes you all the way to the base of the cone (especially nice in rainy weather), but the bus is also a reliable option. It will drop off at the bottom of a paved road that leads up to the base of the cone. The walk up/down is only about 10 minutes each way.
Pro Tip #2: Stop in at the Friend & Whau Cafe during your visit for some delicious lunch, pastries, and coffee/tea! Also learn more about the volcano’s rich history at the adjacent museum.
Piha Beach
Only a 45-minute drive from central Auckland, Piha Beach is a must- visit for travelers craving NZ’s raw natural beauty. Known for its dramatic black sand, powerful surf, and iconic Lion Rock towering between two sweeping bays, Piha offers a striking contrast to the city. The beach is a favorite among surfers and photographers (like me!), but even casual visitors will find something to love!
Pro Tip #1: Hire a car and drive yourself for total flexibility or hire a transfer service that will take you to and from Piha. The beach is not crowded (but may be busier on summer mornings) and return car services are difficult to arrange once out on the coast (no Ubers or taxis!).
Pro Tip #2: There is a nearby Muriwai Gannett Colony just down the road from Piha Beach worth visiting.
Hobbiton
TOUR OPTIONS
Several guided tours are available, ranging from the standard walking tour to evening banquets lit by lanterns. The standard tour includes a two-hour guided walk through the set, finishing with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. For something extra special, consider booking the Evening Banquet Tour - it starts at dusk and includes a full feast!
BOOKING TIPS
Tours often sell out days or weeks in advance, especially in peak season. It’s best to book online through the official Hobbiton website. Prices vary depending on the tour type, with discounts available for children and families. If you're road-tripping, factor in the time it takes to get there. Many tours begin promptly and won't wait for late arrivals!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Hobbiton is stunning year-round, but the lush greenery peaks in spring and summer (October–March). The photos on this site are from early November. Mornings tend to be quieter, especially during the week. Aim for the earliest tour possible to enjoy the experience with fewer crowds and softer lighting (for the photographers!).
Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
This geothermal wonderland is one of New Zealand’s most surreal landscapes and an absolute must-see while visiting Rotorua. It is a spectacular demonstration of Earth’s powerful and natural beauty! Stroll well-maintained paths past bubbling mud pools, steamy vents, and the vibrant Champagne Pool with its dramatic orange rim (or the neon green Devil’s Bath pictured above!).
Pro Tip:
There is a geyser, called the Lady Knox Geyser, that erupts daily at 10:15 am, soaring a dramatic jet of boiling water up to 20 m high. While it’s an impressive sight, I was surprised to learn that the eruption is manually triggered by a ranger using a powder mixture. Knowing it’s not a naturally timed geothermal event made the experience feel more staged rather than a spontaneous phenomenon... Something to keep in mind when deciding whether to include it in your visit!
Spellbound Glowworm &
Cave Tours
Seeing the glowworms light up a completely dark cave like the night sky is true, natural beauty worth experiencing. You may be familiar with the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tours, and it would be comparable to Spellbound. However, Spellbound keeps their tour groups small (12 people max) and the majority of the time is spent in the water - this is unlike popular Waitomo, where most of the time is spent walking through the cave(s) and their group size can be up to 23 people.
Mitai Maori Village Culture Experience
Immerse yourself in Rotorua’s living Māori heritage! Over a three-hour evening, this family-owned venue offers a warm welcome ceremony, a thrilling war canoe display on the Wai-o-Whiro stream, and one hell of a cultural performance! You’ll enjoy a hearty traditional buffet, slow-cooked underground and infused with earthy, smoky flavors. Mitai is an amazing opportunity to learn about and experience authentic Māori culture!
Rotorua is home of the original downhill ball rolling experience, ZORB! Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down grassy hills. It’s wild, different, and an absolute blast for all ages!
Redwoods Tree Walk
Walking high above the forest floor, surrounded by towering redwoods, is a wild perspective you must consider! The Redwoods Treewalk offers a beautiful stroll through the lush Rotorua redwood forest via suspended bridges. During the day, the experience is peaceful and scenic, giving you a closer look at the natural beauty and scale of these majestic trees. At night, the entire forest canopy becomes illuminated by a magical light display! It feels more like walking through a dream than a forest. The glow of the lanterns, the hush of the forest, and the gentle sway of the walkway create a surreal, unforgettable atmosphere that’s hard to describe
Pro Tip: If you only go once, go at night!
Float Plane Experience
You won’t truly see Rotorua unless you view it from the sky - that’s my humble opinion! Fly over its geothermal valleys, crater lakes, and volcanic landscapes in a floatplane that takes off right from Lake Rotorua. The ride feels smooth and the scenery is breathtaking. It’s a splurge, but one of those rare experiences that sticks with you long after you’re back on the ground.
Pro Tip: There is also a helicopter option where you land on the volcano, Mt. Tarawera!
Skyline Rotorua
At Skyline Rotorua, most visitors come for the luge - a gravity-powered ride that winds down the mountainside with sweeping views of Lake Rotorua - but they quickly discover there’s much more to explore. With multiple tracks of varying speed and difficulty, the luge is fun for both first-timers and thrill-seekers. What makes Skyline stand out is how it bundles excitement with scenery: you start with a scenic gondola ride to the top, and from there, you can choose between ziplining, mountain biking, or relaxing with a drink at the Stratosfare Restaurant or Volcanic Hills Winery. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and versatile for just about everyone!
Rotorua Night Market
Every Thursday evening, just off Eat Streat, the Rotorua Night Market brings the heart of the city to life! It’s a lively and laid-back spot where locals and visitors from all over mingle amongst street food, handmade crafts, and live music. You’ll find everything from dumplings and churros to locally made art, jewelry, and clothing. It’s such a wonderful hang out and a great way to get a very real taste of the culture.
Pro Tip:
Check out their Facebook page for announcements about cancellations, updates, and other helpful info about the market.