Things to Do in New Zealand: A North Island Journey That Leads to an Unexpected Coastal Gem
New Zealand has a way of grabbing your attention from the moment you arrive. If you’ve started planning your New Zealand travel adventure, you already know the country is famous for dramatic landscapes, Māori culture, geothermal wonders, and coastlines that seem to stretch into infinity. Most travelers focus on the classics – Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland – yet the beauty of New Zealand lies in how many layers it has. The deeper you explore, the more you realise that even the best places to visit in New Zealand are only part of the story.
This guide walks you through some iconic North Island destinations – and then takes you somewhere many travelers only hear about by chance. A place that quietly holds some of the richest culture, scenery, and warmth in the country: Whakatāne, a coastal town in the Bay of Plenty that deserves a starring role in any New Zealand itinerary.
Classic Things to Do in New Zealand (North Island Highlights)
Before diving into the lesser-known corners, it helps to understand the North Island’s essential stops. These spots earn their fame for a reason and they create the foundation for an unforgettable trip.
Wander Through Auckland’s Waterfront and Cultural Districts
Auckland is often the gateway for international travellers, and it’s worth giving yourself time to explore. Visit the vibrant Viaduct Harbour, climb Mount Eden for panoramic views, or take a ferry to Waiheke Island for world-class vineyards and beaches. It’s a soft beginning to what becomes an increasingly wild adventure further down the island.
Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
Rotorua sits at the heart of geothermal New Zealand. Geysers erupt, mud pools bubble, and sulphur perfumes the air. This is the place where cultural experiences go far beyond performance – visitors can sit, eat, and learn with Māori communities who uphold deep ancestral traditions.
Hobbiton and the Waikato Countryside
In Matamata, the rolling farmland opens up into one of the country’s most whimsical attractions: Hobbiton. Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or not, the set is unexpectedly charming and feels exactly like stepping into the shire.
Coromandel’s Beaches and Forests
The Coromandel Peninsula is a dreamscape: Cathedral Cove’s sandstone archways, native forests, and hot water beaches where travellers dig natural spas in the sand. It’s easy to spend days exploring its walking tracks and beaches.
Where the Road Narrows and the Magic Begins: Discovering Whakatāne
Somewhere between the well-known tourist routes and the true core of the North Island’s hidden gems, you stumble into Whakatāne. Not because someone marketed it to you, but because a local mentioned it in passing, or you needed a coastal stopover, and suddenly it becomes the part of your trip you can’t stop talking about.
Whakatāne doesn’t ask for attention. It earns it.
This town offers an unexpected mix of Māori heritage, volcanic landscapes, untouched beaches, and a coastline that feels like summer never left. When travellers talk about “authentic New Zealand,” they’re usually describing places exactly like this
Top Things to Do in Whakatāne (The North Island’s Underrated Travel Hub)
Walk to the Lady on the Rock: A Landmark Rooted in Ancestral History
The first thing that stands out in Whakatāne’s harbour is a bronze figure standing proudly on the rocks. She represents Wairaka, a heroic figure in local Māori history. The moment you see her, the story lands differently, this isn’t just a monument. It’s a symbol of strength, belonging, and identity.
It’s rare to find a landmark that feels as alive as the land around it.
Discover Ohope Beach: One of New Zealand’s Most Loved Strips of Sand
Ohope isn’t just beautiful – it’s consistently described as one of the best beaches in the country. Kilometres of soft white sand, warm water, and space for surfers, swimmers, families, and anyone looking for a moment of calm. Sunsets here are unreal.
Enjoy the Food, Cafés, and Coastal Culture
Whakatāne’s dining scene is shaped by local produce, ocean influence, and a surprising mix of modern and traditional flavours. Whether it’s a bustling café breakfast or a dinner overlooking the water, the town’s hospitality feels genuinely warm, something travellers often point out as their favourite memory.
