Top Things to do in North Island
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Top 10 Volcanos in North Island, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rangitoto Island, Mt. Tarawera, Mount Eden, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), Mt. Wellington, Mt Ruapehu, Big King Reserve, Maungarei.
Restaurants in North Island
1. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,697 reviews
Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.
Reviewed By R0gerV - Leuven, Belgium
This site offers a nice hiking experience for all levels of fitness. Starting at the visitors center you can hike all the way down the valley passing places like Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater, Birds Nest Terrace, Rift Valley, Waimangu Stream and many more, leading you to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana. Here you can even make a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the lake. You are walking all the way in a stunning landscape with geothermal and volcanic elements. Depending on your hiking abilities you can start walking and if necessary take the internal bus further down to the lake or return, after a breathtaking walk all the way down, back to the visitors center. This is an experience you should not miss when you are in the neighborhood of Rotorua.
2. Rangitoto Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,208 reviews
This volcanic island, which last erupted 600 years ago, offers bird-watching, swimming, fishing, walking trails, colorful flora and spectacular views from the summit of its cone-shaped mountain.
Reviewed By cecorbett - Los Gatos, United States
Great hike with fantastic views! Short ferry ride from the downtown ferry terminal and then a fairly easy hike (takes about an hour) to the top. Stopped at the lava caves on the way down which were neat to see. Definitely recommend for anyone looking to get some fresh air and a nice walk in while in Auckland!
3. Mt. Tarawera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew3022 - Auckland, New Zealand
This is a great day out. Interesting history. Best done on a good day where you can admire the views. Nice to have the input from the guides Steve and Frank. The walk is not particularly difficult. You are driven to 950m and the summit is 1100m. The scree slope was fun to come down.
4. Mount Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,898 reviews
A trip up the highest volcanic peak in mainland Auckland offers striking views of the downtown area and harbor.
Reviewed By LindaK631 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I’m an Aucklander. I love the views from the top of Maungawhau/ Mt Eden. I’ve been here for years and I’m a great supporter of taking the traffic away from the summit. More tranquility and space for the pedestrians. The views from the top are excellent and you get a 360 degree view of the city and the two harbours - Waitemata and Manukau. There is little of the city you can’t see from here and the walk to the top is not too strenuous if you take your time. You can also take a variety of routes up and down the mountain - stick to the road or take one of the more scenic cross-mountain routes. Then pop over to Mt Eden Village for lunch - there are so many cafes to choose from.
5. Mangere Mountain
6. 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!
7. Mt. Wellington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Etsip - Montevideo, Uruguay
On an island renowned for its hiking, one of the appeals of Mt Wellington is its accessiblity for people with mobility issues. Mt Wellington is paved right up to its peak and so is easily accessible by 2WD car. Short walkways to lookout points at the top of the mountain give wonderful views across the Tasmanian coast. The ease of access means 100% Instagrammable scenery with 0% effort! For those a bit more active, you can rent bikes from the summit and freewheel down, or if you fancy losing the use of your legs for a few days you can cycle right up to the top on a road bike.
8. Mt Ruapehu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa & Turoa has a world of unforgettable experiences to offer to alpine-lovers all year round. Home to two of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, New Zealand’s highest cafe & restaurant and amazing volcanic walks when the snow recedes; Whakapapa and Turoa offers an unparalleled experience of the dual world heritage status Tongariro National Park. Whakapapa has something for every skier and rider, with a premier beginners area, more than 30 groomed trails to fall in love with, plus a huge variety of off-piste terrain from wide-open runs to bowls, bumps, chutes and drops. Turoa offers a massive 722m of vertical descent from the top of Australasia’s highest chairlift – the Highnoon Express. Wide-open trails, pristine groomed runs, natural bowls and chutes will keep even the most experienced snow sports enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear. Alpine Meadow is an ideal beginner’s area with its 120m long carpet lift to move you smoothly around.
Reviewed By hikingprincess2018 - County Dublin, Ireland
Just finished the video of our Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb. It was a spectacular day out. The other-worldly treasures are hidden away until you get to the rim and then it's all on. Luckily there were no rumbles or lahars (this volcano has erupted 60 times since 1945!). Pele must have been watching over us. The views on a clear day, from atop an active volcano, at 2,672m / 8,766 ft. are superb. It reminded me of how eloquently The Smithsonianmag.com described entering Haleakalā ‘crater’ like an exercise in sensory deprivation. This holds equally here as you gaze into the summit plateau replete with mini glaciers and again when you reach the hidden crater lake with its eerie lifeless hue. It's similtaneously fascinating and foreboding - evidence of the beauty, power and violence of nature surrounds you and is mesmeric. This is not a place to linger too long as you might do near a scenic lake. The frisson at Mt Ruapehu's crater is palpable:) Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb is not a formatted Great Walk like The Tongariro Crossing or The Northern Circuit. DOC class this as an Alpine climb. This should not be attempted if you are not experienced and fit. Established navigational skills are essential here. The volcanic terrain is amorphous. There are few distinguishing landmarks, save for the chairlifts and t-bars, but they disappear rather quickly. There are numerous ridges to lead you astray and you could find yourself heading in the wrong direction at the end of the day. A guided tour is an excellent way to do this hike if you are unsure. This is a magnificent day out. Please let me know If you have done this hike and were as much in awe as we were. We had not looked at any images so it made the reveal greater. I had expected the usual crater arrangement lol! Happy and safe hiking, always:)
9. Big King Reserve
10. Maungarei
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
