Northland
The suggestions here include both Northland, and heading closer to Auckland.
- Cape Reinga tour
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Māori culture) [Treaty Grounds only or combo – promo code NZTT]
- Bay of Islands boat trips
- Ferry over to Russell
- Fish at chips at Mangonui Fish Shop
- Dukes Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Track
- Poor Knights Islands (snorkelling and diving)
- Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway
- Goat Island Marine Reserve
- Tāwharanui Peninsula (great birdlife and swimming beach)
- Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (on Saturdays) and sculpture gardens.
>>> Save money with our Bay of Islands deals.
>>> Read our Northland blog posts.
Auckland
- Skytower
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Wētā Workshop Unleashed
- SEALIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium [promo code NZTT5]
- Day trip on a ferry to an island in the Hauraki Gulf: Waiheke (join a tour, if you like), Rangitoto or Tiritiri Matangi
- Tour the beaches of the west coast – Piha or Muriwai – and walk the Waitakere Ranges.
- Base yourself off-the-beaten-track on Aotea Great Barrier Island.
>>> Save money with our Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island discounts.
>>> Read our Auckland blog posts.
Waikato
- Hamilton Gardens
- Putaruru Blue Springs (use the Leslie Road car park)
- Visit Tirau to see its quirky buildings
- Hobbiton
- Raglan – surfing, and visit the Bridal Veil Falls on the way in
- Waitomo glow worm caves.
>>> Save money with our Hamilton, Raglan, Waitomo and Hobbiton discounts.
>>> Read our Waikato blog posts.
Coromandel
- Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach
- New Chums Beach
- Driving Creek Railway
- Karangahake Gorge & Windows Walk.
>>> Save money with our Coromandel discounts.
>>> Read our Coromandel blog posts.
Taupō & Tongariro National Park
- Huka Falls
- Aratiatia Dam release
- Lake Taupō (the largest in New Zealand) – see the Māori carvings
- Jet boating – Huka Falls Jet or Rapids Jet
- Orakei Korako geothermal park
- Hot pools
- Bungy jump [promo code NZTT5]
- Tramping/hiking at Tongariro National Park (including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Gollum’s Pool and Taranaki Falls)
- Drive SH1 (Desert Road)
>>> Save money with our Taupō/National Park discounts.
>>> Read our Taupō/National Park blog posts.
Bay of Plenty
Tauranga/Mount Maunganui
- Climb Mount Maunganui (“The Mount”)
- Swim at the beach or in the hot pools
>>> Save money with our Tauranga/Mount Maunganui discounts.
>>> Read our Tauranga/Mt Maunganui blog posts.
Rotorua
- Geothermal parks
- Māori cultural experiences
- Raft the Kaituna River (the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall)
- Hot pools
- Ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours or Rotorua Ziplines
- Mountain biking
- Skyline luge and gondola [promo code NZTT].
>>> Save money with our Rotorua discounts.
>>> Read our Rotorua blog posts.
Gisborne
- Rere Rockslide
- Rere Falls
- Dive Tatapouri: Reef ecology tour (stingray experience)
- Eastwoodhill National Arboretum of NZ
Hawke’s Bay (Napier/Hastings)
- Wine tastings
- Art deco buildings in Napier
- Gannet tour at Cape Kidnappers
Taranaki (including New Plymouth)
- Three Sisters and Elephant Rock
- Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
- Pouakai Tarns (via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut)
- Tawhiti Museum
- Forgotten World Adventures
- Whangamomona Pub
Wellington
- Red cable car
- Te Papa (our national museum)
- Wētā Workshop
- Zealandia wildlife sanctuary
- Paekākāriki Escarpment Track
Want more? Check out the North Island highlights recommended by our members. Our South Island highlights are also worth a read!
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