Top Things to do in North Island
Top Hotels in North Island
Countries
Top 10 National Parks in North Island, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Te Urewera National Park, Active Outdoor Adventures, Te Mata Park, Whanganui National Park, Coromandel Forest Park, Mahurangi Regional Park, Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool, Te Pare Historic Reserve, Tongariro Crossing Shuttles, Te Porere Redoubt.
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. Active Outdoor Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Active Outdoor Adventures provides a shuttle service to the famous Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand. 19.4 kilometers or 6-8 hours of pure drama and beauty. Walking over a volcanic landscape & passing colored lakes, springs and steaming vents with outstanding views is what attracts thousands of visitors to the Tongariro National Park on a daily basis during summer. Not only do we transport, we emphasize how important the area is to us as Maori with a bit of cultural history & stories when you depart our shuttle all from genuine local drivers.
Reviewed By codykohler - Hong Kong, China
The best part was the driver who explained a bit of history about the hike and the mountains, also sent us off with a traditional prayer before we exited the van. Be sure to have everything packed before you leave your car (including water) once you enter the van hike is on. The parking lot was convient at the end of the hike,
3. Te Mata Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By 565francisb - Sydney, Australia
Te Mata Park is a must-visit if you are spending time in Hawke's Bay. It's rich in Maori cultural tradition and history. Well-signposted walks and mountain-bike tracks, coupled with magnificent views to all corners of the compass.
4. Whanganui National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By RocheMaree - Hawera, New Zealand
Amazing! Started our day trip driving from Whanganui one hour up the winding, narrow River Road to Pipiriki. We passed through many beautiful small villages perched on the river bank. The photo ops are amazing and the trip a great start to the day. We had booked a 4 hour Bridge to Nowhere trip with Whanganui River Adventures. It started with a 32km jetboat ride up the river and then a 40 min tramp in the National Park to the amazing Bridge to Nowhere. The track was easy going and multipurpose with it also being part of the Te Araroa (Cape Reinga to Bluff) Cycleway. The bush and the river valley is pristine, beautiful and ancient. All bought fantastically alive with the knowledge of our local tour guide whose family has lived on the river and farmed the land in the Park for 6 generations. An amazing day in an amazing place!
5. Coromandel Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We went up the Pinnacles from the Kauaeranga Road carpark up the Webb Creek Trail. We stayed the night at the Pinnacles hut and then walked back to the carpark through the Billygoat Trail. The trail near the top had amazing views of the forest area around the pinnacles. It was quite scenic all around the area. There were also plenty of other camping and tramping options around the area. The trails all crisis cross with each other so looking at the right trail for your experience isn't too difficult.
6. Mahurangi Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By davidcapstick40 - Auckland, New Zealand
One of our favourite beaches to visit, and less than an hour north of Auckland. Stunning views as you drive along the windy roads down to Sullivan’s Bay. Ample parking, campsite available too. Just perfect for kayaking and one of our favourite places to go paddle boarding. There are many other small islands to paddle board across to as well. Plenty of space for your picnic, but beware of the unwanted visitors, the ducks, who want to join in with your feast as well ???? A really idyllic place to visit and simply stunning.
7. Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
You can't go to Rotorua and miss the "dancing mud." Rotorua is the heart of Maori culture. Due to thermal activity, the boiling mud makes shapes and keeps on ploppng away, without a break. The mud is quite fascinating, I rate the dancing mud as one of the high points of out trip to New Zealand's North Is;land.
8. Te Pare Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
There are good short trails with access from the beach at both ends of Hahei. The one at the north leads up to Cathedral Cove eventually and the one at the south to Te Pare Historic Reserve. Both trails provide good views over the town, beach and coastline. They are open to the public to freely access at any time. We actually drove to the Te Pare trail which starts at the end of Pa Road. It's a residential area however there is a turning circle with space for a few cars to park. The trail starts from the road end and passes through a wooded section before heading up onto the bluff overlooking the Bay. It's a fairly rough track and there is a gentle climb but nothing too demanding. There are steps at points so possibly wouldn't suit everyone. Young children should be kept close to hand as there are some unguarded drops. At the top the views over Hahei are great - we had a slight disadvantage that the sun was low and in our eyes towards the end of the afternoon so it may be better to visit in the morning. Beyond the area where the historic pa used to be (no more than groundworks can be seen) I followed the trail as it narrowed towards the cliff edge, over exposed tree roots. Here I got a very good view along the coastline with rock stacks standing in isolation from the land thanks to erosion. It's similar to those seen at Cathedral Cave and elsewhere on this coast. Far down below I could see a couple of guys fishing off the rocks which looked a particularly hazardous activity as some of the waves which crashed over these could easily have swept them off their feet and into the Bay. I suppose they knew what they were doing. During our visit we were the only people at the site until a couple of women arrived just as we were setting off back down the trail. It's a peaceful spot with very good views and worth the short walk to see it.
9. Tongariro Crossing Shuttles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Best Schedule Around From late October to May freedom hiking on the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is open for business. We provide all day shuttles to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - a round trip shuttle service. Parking is available at our pick up points around National Park Village . Booking with us is easy: Live availability, 24 hours booking service with instant confirmation, 100% refundable tickets, office hours are 6.30am to 8pm Our services cover the following tracks: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern circuit, Whakapapa Village, Round the Mountain & Mt Ruapehu
Reviewed By Shanelle-and-stuff
We got the 8am TCS, and the guy who picked us up was the man! So funny and was awesome at his job. Made our trip so easy and was an easy pick up at the other end for a return trip back to the car park. Definitely recommend! 10/10.
