Top Things to do in North Island
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Things to do in North Island, New Zealand: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Gentle Annie Highway, The Alan Gibbs Farm, The Steps of Lindos, Pencarrow Lighthouse, SkyTower, Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, Viaduct Harbour, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), Marine Parade, Te Puia.
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1. Gentle Annie Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By CliffJ24 - London, United Kingdom
Originally a Maori track but now a fully paved road. It travelling west to east the first half is rolling farm land with numerous sheep and cattle stations. The second half sees hillsides covered in native forest and a road with lots of twists and turns - superb scenery. There are no petrol stations or cafes/restaurants along the road, so take a picnic and just soak in the stunning views. A great alternative route to travel between Taupo and Napier.
2. The Alan Gibbs Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Sheofthebroom - Melbourne, Australia
This destination had been on my bucket list ever since I watched a documentary on Anish Kapoor’s Dismemberment Site 1 which sits proudly into the landscape at Gibbs Farm. We were fortunate to engage the services of Glen from Art Travel NZ who picked us up at the ferry terminal in Auckland and drove us to the farm. His knowledge on both the farm, the owner Alan Gibbs and each of the sculptures made it a memorable day and we got so much more out of it than doing it on our own. The opportunity to visit the farm, given it is a private property is mainly when a charitable event is taking place and they agree to open it to the public. We were overwhelmed at the scale of the sculptures but given the vastness of the property, they perfectly complemented the landscape. Make sure you wear reasonable walking shoes as there are plenty of hills to tackle. Acknowledgement to Glen Armstrong at Art Travel for the photographs included in this review too.
3. The Steps of Lindos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By RobertR616 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
What a Superb location and the views are amazing l am using these because l love stair climbing and from here l am out climbing Wharite Peak so just message me if you ever want to do it. Very steep gets the heart rate up but if you are struggling just slow down and even if you have to wait a few minutes do it, this is a huge moment for a lot of people when you finally get to the top well done to all who do. Even if you do a few steps at a time keep going never give in and one day you may even get to do the other steps further along.
4. Pencarrow Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
At the storm-lashed entrance to Wellington Harbour, New Zealand’s first lighthouse tells stories of early settlement, shipwreck, and one very strong woman. The pilgrimage to Pencarrow Lighthouse makes a memorable day trip from Wellington city or the Hutt Valley. Starting from pretty Eastbourne, it’s a return walk of around four hours, or 1.5 hours on a bicycle (bike hire is available at the gate during summer). The rugged stretch of coastline leading to Pencarrow Head offers spectacular scenery complete with whirling birds and rocky beaches strewn with flotsam. On a blowy day, it’s easy to imagine the danger facing ships passing through the treacherous heads. Interpretation panels illuminate tales of trials and tragedy. The lighthouse has its own captivating story to tell, for not only was it the country’s first permanent lighthouse, it was also home to its first and only female lighthouse keeper – Mrs Mary Jane Bennett.
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
JUST TO NOTE: reviewer Julie P's posted photos appear to be of the red-striped Cape Palliser Lighthouse, further up the coast, and not the Pencarrow Lighthouse, which is white and located on a cliff overlooking the entrance to Wellington Harbor. That said, views from the high promontories all along this coastline, colorfully and aptly dubbed "The Storm Coast" for the bus tours run by P & O Cruises, are pretty breathtaking. So either way, Cape Palliser or Pencarrow Head, you can't go wrong. There are actually two lighthouses at the harbor entrance: an upper one, built of cast iron in England and shipped in sections for installation atop the cliff east of the harbor entrance in 1859; and a lower one, a secondary lighthouse dating from 1906 on the beach below. The upper one is properly thought of as the main one -- or, if you will, as THE Pencarrow Lighthouse. The footpath leading up to the main light from the coastal road is dotted with interpretive signs giving interesting information on its building, its operation, its light-keepers, and its historical significance. There's a little side track that will take you to the spot where the two-year old daughter of George and Mary Jane Bennett, keepers of an earlier lighthouse on that spot, was buried in 1852. George himself drowned in the harbor in 1855, leaving his widow as the keeper until 1865, when she left for England with her remaining children. The views of Cook Strait, the high mountain ranges of the South Island 50 or 60 miles distant, and the south coast of greater Wellington between Baring Head and Devil's Gate are impressive. If you're lucky, you may also see schools of dolphins leaping in the strait, or even the occasional whale. Because there is a vast lakes area (the Parangarahu Lakes, comprising Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera) in the interior, connected to the lighthouse trail by well-signed hiking tracks, you can walk quite far inland to get stunning pictures of Pencarrow Light from afar, delightfully showing its prominence in a large, natural context. You can also use those tracks to re-connect with the coastal road further up Cook Strait, then walk back around the promontory from the other side for some splendid views pictures of the two lighthouses in a ruggedly beautiful setting. If you are interested in experiencing and/or photographing those larger views, you may wish to read my recent review of East Harbour Regional Park, under the title "Heading to Old Pencarrow Lighthouse? Explore Vast Lakes District Right Nearby." There are considerable distances involved here, and no real shelter, so if you decide to come to Pencarrow, be sure to get up-to-the-minute weather information. Conditions can change very rapidly, as attested by the number of shipwrecks recorded right here, including the 1968 sinking of the ferry "Wahine" with the loss of 51 lives. Fierce winds can arise suddenly, and temperatures can plummet as weather degrades. But on a balmy day, with gentle winds and lots of sunshine, a visit here just cannot be beat. Make sure bring water, as none is available at the lighthouse. Highly recommended.
5. SkyTower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,422 reviews
Auckland's SkyTower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, this tower is more than 300 metres high. Offering stunning views, along with award winning restaurants, a gift shop and an opportunity to push your limits by walking the outside of the viewing platforms, or by jumping off from 192 metres above Auckland's CBD. Off Peak Season - (1st May - 31st Oct) 9:00am - 10:00pm daily - Last tickets sold at 9:30pm Peak Season - (1st Nov - 30th Apr) Sun - Thurs: 8:30am - 10:30pm - Last tickets sold at 10:00pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am - 11:30pm - Last tickets sold at 11:00pm
Reviewed By LachmiPunjabi - New Delhi, India
Visit the Sky Tower in Auckland for an awesome view of the city and harbour.The ride in the lift to the top floor is amazing with the glass floor mesmerising anyone who looks down. The 360 degrees view of the tower is magnificent and the money is totally worth it.
6. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,669 reviews
With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.
Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia
Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!
7. Viaduct Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,419 reviews
Visit the center of Auckland sailing and the place for the finest restaurants, bars, and luxury apartments.
Reviewed By 48andreww - Broad Oak, United Kingdom
Lots of super yachts to admire and Admiral's Cup yachts. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Not to be missed when in Auckland.
8. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
The second highest volcanic peak in Auckland, next to Mount Eden, One Tree Hill offers views of the city and has a huge obelisk at the top.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
After your walking visit to Mt Eden; a caldera volcano, it makes sense to stroll through tony, leafy Mt Eden Village & Epsom Village to Cornwall Park (vast! Check out the sheep & cows grazing!) up to One Tree Hill; a cone volcano (Check out the difference!). There are two horseshoe shaped calderas on two different sides of the 'cone'. As you wander up the very gentle slope, you'll see the Vicotrian Folly. Then there's the heritage-style Bistro where you can snag an ice-cream or similar & have a seat on the verandah. Right next door is Huia Lodge; a heritage listed little cottage & info centre promoting early Auckland & current cultural exhibitions. Across the road is Acacia Cottage; the oldest surviving structure in Auckland. 1841. No wonder it survived; it's made from super-strong kauri wood. The cottage is beautifully restored, having been shifted from it's original location in inner Auckland. There're all kinds of historic everyday items on display, which was quite interesting & nostalgic. Buses are no longer permitted beyond this point, so there're no more obnoxious loud hordes of shouting 'tourist' type people elbowing the walkers & shoving their selfie sticks all over. It's very scenic at the top. You're bound to find several nice photographic subjects. After all this walking you're liable to feel tired. No worries, just walk down another path, not through the vast public park, into a suburban street. You'll soon find a bus stop. If the bus is headed further out from Auckland, just cross the street! All the northbound city buses will meander their way back to the Auckland CBD!
9. Marine Parade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,451 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
We loved the water front and enjoyed all the things passed, the children's bike park was well used. The art deco was sound shell is a beautiful piece of art We loved viewing platform and it was particularly exciting watching the huge waves that were crashing into it I would strongly recommend that you take this walk. Well done Napier.
10. Te Puia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,628 reviews
Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.
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