8 incredible places for a New Zealand North Island holiday

A New Zealand North Island holiday shines with vibrant cities and spectacular natural delights. Here are Helen Hayes’ pick of the best places to visit with kids.

1. Waikato

This wild region brings you back down to Earth… Middle Earth, that is. It is where you’ll find Hobbiton, the home of lovable characters Frodo, Sam, Pippin and Merry. This location was the actual film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. A tour will keep every member of the family enthralled.

Read: Lord of the Rings lover’s guide to NZ

From Middle Earth, head underground to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you and the kids can do one of several tours in this subterranean wonderland. These caves don’t just have the usual stalagmites and stalactites. They have beautiful streams that are lit by millions of glowworms. Choose a guided walk, a hairraising black water rafting adventure, or float your way through the caves by boat.

While in the Waikato area, take the kids on one of many mountain bike trails, go for a walk in Mt Pirongia Forest Park, surf at Raglan, one of New Zealand’s best surfing beaches. Or make your own spa at the Te Puia hot pools on Ocean Beach, where hot springs bubble to the surface.

2. Auckland

Lovingly known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland has a raft of things for families to do all year round.

Those with a love of adventure can jump off the 328-metre-high Sky Tower at SkyCity Auckland or tackle the SkyWalk. You must be 10 years or older to do the jump. You can do the Bridge Climb on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, or bungy off it.

For something less taxing, go for a sail on the Hauraki Gulf, catch the ferry to stunning Waiheke Island, or take the family for a hike through surreal lava fields and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest at Rangitoto Island.

3. Taranaki

Taranaki is a scenic region watched over by the spectacular volcano Mount Taranaki. The region is halfway between Auckland and Wellington. The city of New Plymouth is the heart of the region. It is a vibrant city with a thriving art scene and 12 excellent surf breaks. Visit the 52-hectare Pukekura Park and its fountains, bridges, formal gardens, walking paths and playgrounds.

Do not miss the Coastal Walkway, an easy 13-kilometre path with highlights including the 48-metre-high sculpture Wind Wand, and the breathtaking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. The twisted spines of the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge frame Mount Taranaki in the distance. Then whizz down the Whanganui River by jet boat.

Take the kids on a hike to the magical Goblin Forest, a thick belt of gnarled bush on the slopes of Mount Taranaki. Or tackle one of the many other hikes around the stratovolcano. The area was the filming location for The Last Samurai due to Mount Taranaki’s resemblance to Mt Fuji.

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4. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is an aquatic wonderland for a New Zealand North Island holiday. It consists of 144 islands scattered in beautiful blue water between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

Chartering a yacht is a great way to explore. Or join one of many boats going out of Paihia or Russell to go dolphin spotting, sea kayaking or to go through the famous Hole in the Rock.

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn how New Zealand became a nation. Afterwards join a tour along the Waitangi River or tackle the six-kilometre walk to Haruru Falls through a spectacular forest.

Read: Sailing the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

5. Rotorua

Rotorua is a wonderful blend of cultural, natural and adrenaline-boosting attractions to keep any family busy for weeks.

There is the geothermal wonders of the mud pools and hot springs, as well as Hell’s Gate – home to the largest hot waterfall in New Zealand.

Enjoy a feast of Māori cultural tours including Te Puia, Mitai Village, Tamaki Village and Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village.

For pure, full-on fun, go zorbing, white water rafting on the Kaituna River, bungy jumping and ziplining. But Rotorua also has a soft side, with cuddly farm animals at the Agrodome and beautiful walks through serene forests.

6. Taupo

While Taupo also has its fair share of geothermal mud pools and hot springs, it has a whole lot more for families. In fact, there is so much to do, you’d need weeks to even scratch the surface on a New Zealand North Island holiday here.

You can go skiing or snowboarding at Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields on Mt Ruapehu – an active volcano in the ruggedly beautiful Tongariro National Park. You can catch trout on beautiful Lake Taupo on a fishing tour with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Learn more about trout at the Tongariro National Trout Centre at Turangi.

Race the kids around the go-kart track at Taupo Karts, blast up the Waikato River to Huka Falls with Hukafalls Jet or go hiking, biking, horse riding, kayaking, bungy jumping and SUPing. A great way to end the day is to soak in the all-natural hot pool at Otumuheke Spa Park. Stunning!

7. Wellington

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington has a great mix of activities for families, from fun things to do to arts and culture that will inspire and educate.

Te Papa is the national museum and could be the highlight of your stay. Animal lovers will enjoy seeing rare wildlife including kiwi and tuatara at Zealandia, watching fur seals on a tour of the Seal Coast, and don’t miss a visit to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve and bird sanctuary – which is actually on an island, so half the fun is getting there.

Catch the red cable car from the city up to the Botanic Garden for unbelievable views over the city, and go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop to see the incredible artistry they come up with in the movie world, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy

8. Napier

The perfect base from which to explore the North Island’s gorgeous Hawke’s Bay region, Napier is a vibrant city packed with magnificent murals and streets of stunning, restored Art Deco buildings that make it look more like a 1930’s movie set. The restored Marine Parade provides a bridge between the city and ocean and offers a bounty of kid-friendly activities from beach adventures and splash parks to cycling tours and skate bowls.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

Main image: Waiheke Island © Tourism New Zealand, Miles Holden

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