Top Things to do in North Island
Top Hotels in North Island
Countries
10 Forests in North Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Te Urewera National Park, Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Pakuratahi Forest, Bell Rock Walkway, Bell Rock Reserve, Rimutaka Forest Park, Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, Akatarawa Forest, Waipoua Forest, Maungakawa Scenic Reserve.
Restaurants in North Island
1. Te Urewera National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Immense and rugged national park features the largest forested wilderness in New Zealand's North Island.
Reviewed By Beinghana - Cusco, Peru
Please note that Te Urewera has not been a designated National Park since 2013. The Te Urewera Act 2014 recognises Te Urewera as it's own legal entity. "Te Urewera now owns itself, and exists for its own sake.The Tūhoe tribal authority, Te Uru Taumatua, provides operational management of Te Urewera and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. The Department of Conservation provides support and assistance with former national park assets."
2. Hakarimata Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By TeodoraMt - Auckland, New Zealand
A very easy walk to the old dam, then 1300-1400 steps, with amazing views at the top. It's not very difficult, it's not easy either. As long as you take your time and enjoy the bush, anyone can do it. People are friendly and encouraging each others. A lot of visitors with various levels of fitness are walking (or running!) up to enjoy the views. The stairs are REALLY well maintained. There are plenty of native birds (I've seen several kereru, tui, pīwakawaka 2 days ago, mid day!) and amazing kauri trees. I found the first half of the steps more steep and difficult than the last half. There are several sections with handrails (really useful!). Muscle soreness is very possible after climbing up the steps, but so worth it! Overall I love the place, I will definitely be back!
3. Pakuratahi Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The Pakuratahi Forest covers the western side of the Rimutaka ranges north of Upper Hutt and includes lands in the Kaitoke basin as well as the main Pakuratahi catchment. The area is best known for its walking, swimming, mountain biking and the historic structures of the 1870s Rimutaka Railway.
4. Bell Rock Walkway
5. Bell Rock Reserve
6. Rimutaka Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 767lindat - Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Wonderful place to take the family for a picnic/bush walk. River is safe for the little ones to swim and paddle. Numerous bush tracks of different grades to walk/tramp. Also a camping ground if staying for the weekend.
7. Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. The Garden is a unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve and includes 100ha of native forest and 5ha of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Just a 10-minute drive from the CBD or take the no. 14 bus bound for Wilton and get off at the Warwick St/Wilton Rd stop. Tell the bus driver and they will be sure to stop.
Reviewed By Car0le88 - Manchester, United Kingdom
A friend took us on the Otari-Wilton Bush trails- first the circular then on to the yellow trail to see the 800 year old tree. The trails were amazing, quite a few steps up and once you get all the way to the top to see the tree, some interesting trails back to the carpark. Would love to do some more next time we visit NZ. Beautiful specimens of plants and trees.
8. Akatarawa Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
9. Waipoua Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By cscac - Petaluma, United States
Beautiful roadside stop. I live in California where we have giant redwoods and sequoias. The Kauri tree is just as majestic as these. The walk is pretty easy and the man-made boardwalks easy to navigate. Definitely worth a stop to see these beautiful, giant trees if you are traveling through the north west part of the North Island of New Zealand.
10. Maungakawa Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By 642ChrisW - Hamilton, New Zealand
If you love God's beautiful planet creation then you'll absolutely love this place, with it's natural beauty, charm, peace and tranquility. So natural and unspoilt by humans!
