North Island

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Chef foraging for ‘bush asparagus’ on a Maori food excursion.

Chef foraging for ‘bush asparagus’ on a Maori food excursion.

Why visit North Island

Packing in cosmopolitan cities, authentic opportunities to experience Māori culture, and the country’s bubbling volcanic heart, the North Island is an exceedingly versatile destination.

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New Zealand's North Island: 11 Days in Auckland and Rotorua

11 days / 10 nights

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  1. 1 Entering the world of Middle Earth on an immersive “The Lord of the Rings” Hobbiton set visit
  2. 2 Ziplining through the treetops on a thrilling canopy tour
  3. 3 Soaring over the thermal lakes and geothermal gems of Rotorua
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  • New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa
    New Zealand

    11 days / 10 nights

    New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa

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Top places to visit in North Island

Discover the best attractions in North Island from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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North Island travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Things to Know

Just outside of Wellington lies Wairarapa, a stellar wine region in New Zealand's North Island with glorious beaches, charming towns and open skies.

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Best Road Trips

The Māori call them mākutu, or witchcraft, because in New Zealand the roads are magical. One minute they surface, unfolding along pastoral foothills; the…

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