Wild And Fun Adventures To Try On New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand’s North Island is a picturesque destination with an outdoor ethos, full of interesting cultural activities, art, history, and natural wonders. You won’t have to travel too far outside of Auckland, a beautiful harbor city, to experience diverse islands in the Hauraki Gulf, native forest ranges, beaches, animal sanctuaries, farmers markets, and more. Keep reading to learn about enjoyable things to do in and around Auckland, New Zealand.

Auckland

Travel to New Zealand’s North Island and you’ll experience Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand with a population of 1.5 million Kiwis. This multicultural city, full of fantastic restaurants, culture, green spaces, and history, is where you’ll find the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, and the immersive and hands-on Wētā Workshop Unleashed.

For thrill seekers, check out Skydive Auckland; the Skyjump and Skywalk experiences at Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest building; or go bungy jumping off of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The city is also an ideal starting off point for other exciting and newfangled adventures further afield.

Where to Stay: In Auckland, stay at Hotel Britomart, where you’ll enjoy modern and stylish accommodations in the heart of the city, near the downtown waterfront. The restaurant, kingi, offers an all-day menu with a focus on sustainably caught seafood and curated wines. Borrow a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels.

Waiheke Island

An easy 40-minute ferry ride (Fuller Ferries or Sealink are both recommended) will transport you from the city center to Waiheke Island, a beautiful outdoorsy haven full of vineyards, beaches, olive groves, and adventurous activities like zip lining.

Head straight to EcoZip Adventures, for a fun-filled experience and a great introduction to the island. Not only will you bring up your heart rate flying down dual lines with your loved one, but also, you can take pride in knowing that you’re supporting a certified climate positive eco-tourism business that protects a regenerating native forest.

The hard part is choosing which winery to visit after zip lining. Impressively, Waiheke Island is home to over 30 wineries and cellars. Popular choices to taste wine include Mudbrick, Wild Estate, Man O’ War, and Batch Winery.

Good to Know: Transportation to and from island activities may be arranged through Ananda Tours, creators of bespoke itineraries for over two decades. Let them drive you around, from winery to winery, so you can responsibly imbibe without worry.

Rangitoto Island

Another nearby island adventure is located across the harbor from the downtown district on Rangitoto Island, the youngest and largest of Auckland’s 48 dormant volcanic cones, managed by the Department of Conservation. Arrive here early to beat the crowds and enjoy wandering up this 600-year-old landmass rising out of the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a relatively easy hike to the summit, where you’ll marvel at the panoramic views while catching your breath. This predator-free-haven has a thriving bird population and you’ll be able to see and hear the wildlife all along the way.

Taupō

Leaving the Auckland area, head about three hours south to Taupō, home to geothermal valleys, volcanoes at Tongariro National Park, and Huka Falls, where you can board a daring Huka Falls Jet boat, which will leave you laughing and squealing as it makes 360-degree turns, soaking the brave souls in the back seats.

Lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in the country, which sits in the caldera of the Taupō volcano, is best explored by sailboat. Taupō Sailing Adventures will make a stop at the special Maori Rock Carvings on their guided jaunt at sea and if the weather cooperates, you can swim.

If exploring by water isn’t your thing, consider renting bikes and riding along the shoreline, stopping for photographs and to feel the pockets of warm and bubbling water.

Continue with the water theme, but with a more relaxing outcome, and make a final stop at Wairakei Terraces, an outdoor, mineral rich, hot thermal spa, nestled at the foot of silica terraces. You’ll find that the folks who soak here are from all over the world, making it a fun social experience as well as you float from one pool to another.

Where to Eat: Lava Glass is not only a great place to stop for a delectable meal with wholesome ingredients, but also, you can wander through the art-filled garden and then pop in the first carbon-neutral certified glassblowing studio in the world and see an artist in action.

How to Get There

With direct Air New Zealand flights, leaving from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Chicago, and Honolulu, visiting New Zealand from the United States has never been easier.

For long haul flights, choose between five classes of service: Economy, the most affordable option; Economy Stretch, which offers more leg room; Economy Skycouch, built with a footrest that can also lift to form a spacious couch—perfect for families; Premium Economy, which allows for more personal space and offers a leather armchair and a complimentary meal and beverage; and Business Premier, which is the paramount option for a good night’s sleep and privacy.