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20 North Island Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

If you are looking for white sand beaches, great surfing spots, and amazing tramping locations then this blog is for you.ย It is all about the 20 New Zealand North Island activities that you shouldn’t miss!

20-North-Island-Activities Pinterest

1. Dolphin Watching (Paihia, Bay of Islands)

Among the countless North Island activities that you shouldn’t miss is getting up close and personal with the local marine wildlife. Meet the friendly resident dolphins at Paihia by going on a Dolphin Cruise. The cruise will take you in and around a thriving marine reserve, ensuring plenty of opportunities to see marine life, sea birds, and even some whales if you’re lucky.

Company: Fullers Great Sights – Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Tour Price: $107 (Adult) $53.50 (Child)

The best time to go: CLICK HERE for more information.

Discounts: 25% OFF for up to 4 people for the “Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise” if you are an Entertainment Book member.

Dolphin at the Bay of Islands
Dolphin at the Bay of Islands
Dolphin at the Bay of Islands
RoamRight travel insurance

2. Hole in the Rock Cruise

For this activity, you will depart from either Paihia or Russel. The vessel will cruise around the Bay of Islands as it makes its way to Piercy Island where the “Hole in the Rock” is. You’ll get a chance to meet the various wildlife that visit or live in the area, including the dolphins (as mentioned above). So you can actually do both activities in one cruise.

Company: Fullers Great Sights – Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Tour Price: $107 (Adult) $53.50 (Child)

Discounts: 25% OFF for up to 4 people for the “Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise” if you are an Entertainment Book member.

Hole-in-the-rock
Hole-in-the-rock
Hole-in-the-rock

3. Parasailing in Paihia, Bay of Islands

Another North Island activity that you shouldn’t miss while still in the Bay of Islands, is PARASAILING. If you’re up for some adrenaline pumping fun while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the bay then this is for you.

This activity can be done in any season, just make sure you wear appropriate clothing, as it can be quite chilly up there, specially during winter.

Company: Flying Kiwi Parasail

Tour Price:
Singleย  ย  ย  $115 per person
Tandemย  $95 per person
Tripleย  ย  ย  $95 per person

Parasailing
Parasailing

4. Kayaking (Haruru Falls, Waitangi)

If peacefully meandering around the river and mangrove forest sounds like fun, how about having the added excitement of kayaking under a waterfall? If this sounds like you then contact Bay of Islands Cruise and Kayak. It has been a few years since we’ve done this so make sure you contact the company (stated below) to ask for more information and updates on the activity.

Company: Bay of Islands Cruise and Kayak

Tour Price: $58 (Adult) $38 (Child)

Kayaking-Paihia
Kayaking-Paihia
Kayaking-Paihia
Kayaking-Paihia

5. Watch the Sunset in the Historic Town of Russell, Bay of Islands

Russell is known as the first permanent settlement of the Europeans when they came to New Zealand. This place may be small, but it is rich in character and history, and not to mention, some very good eats! This is why we keep coming back to this quaint town.

Apart from experiencing an epic sunset, make sure to visit Sally’s Restaurant (they serve the best seafood chowder!) and Newport Chocolates (try their rich cup of hot chocolate).

For information on how to get from Russell to Paihia on-board a ferry, click here.

Russell Sunset
Sunset in Russell

6. Cruise, Snorkel, and Swim around the Poor Knights Islands

Among the 20 North Island activities you shouldn’t miss, this one is our personal favorite. The aptly named PERFECT DAY cruise will take you on a guided tour around the Poor Knight’s Islands, showcasing wildlife and stunning sea caves. Then the boat will anchor at a sheltered spot where you can kayak, snorkel, and swim among countless fish and corals. Jacques Cousteau himself, named this spot as one of his top 10 dive spots in the world. This is a full day activity, so make sure to clear your schedule!

Company: Perfect Day Ocean Cruise

Tour Price:
Adultย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย $199
Child (15 y/o and below) $99

  • This is quite a pricey activity but it sure is worth every cent. Plus, everything (food, drinks, wet suits, snorkeling gear, and the use of kayaks and SUP boards) is included!
Poor-Knights-Island
Poor-Knights-Island-(3)
Poor Knights Island

7. Skydiving in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands

Whether it’s your first, second, or nth time, go ahead and give the Skydive Bay of Islands a try. Not only will you satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie, you’ll also experience the unique and breathtaking views of the Bay of Islands. And the amazing crew at Skydive Bay of Islands will make that experience that much sweeter.

Company: Skydive Bay of Islands

Activity Price:ย CLICK HERE

Bay of Islands Skydiving

8. Sea Kayaking in Northland

This next activity is probably the least known in our top 20 North Island activities you shouldn’t miss. A true hidden gem, this activity has very limited spots and is quite weather dependent. The adventure begins with a short drive through a narrow, winding, and unpaved road to Richard, the host’s, house in Kaeo.

From there, you can either walk or ride his tractor down to a secluded beach. Then you start the actual kayaking trip. This is a very intimate and personalized kayak tour where you’ll get to see and visit spots that you’ll rarely have access to when going with big tour companies.

Read our Google review about this trip here.

Company: Northland Sea Kayaking

Tour Price:

Half Day Tripsย $90 per person
Full Day Tripsย ย $115 per person

Northland-Kayak

Still smiling after a full day of paddling.

Northland-Kayak

The tractor that will take you to the beach.

Northland-Kayak

9. Surfing at Sandy Bay, Tutukaka Coast

FREE if you have your own surf board.

If you’d like to rent a board, you can contact Tutukaka Surf. You can pick up the board at their shop or at Sandy Bay, just let them know of your preference beforehand.

Tutukaka Surf also offers surfing lessons. Based on our experience, it is definitely something worth doing, especially if it’s your first time. Safety First!

Sandy Bay
Surfing at Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay Surf Lessons
Sandy Bay Tutukaka Coast

10. Hike, Lounge, Swim, and Watch the Sunset at Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay, Tutukaka Coast

Tutukaka Coast is our go-to location if we just want to disconnect, unwind, and simply enjoy the ocean. The place is dotted with pristine beaches and swimming holes; Whale Bay and Matapouri Bay are just some of these places. And the best thing about this activity is it’s FREE! Just bring your own food, water, a towel, swimming gear, and a change of clothes.

Also remember to always clean up after yourself and leave nothing but footprints. ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Whale-Bay
Whale-Bay
Whale-Bay
Whale-Bay
Whale-Bay
Matapouri Bay

11. Swim in the Mermaid Pools (Matapouri, Tutukaka Coast)

One of the most popular spots in our top 20ย North Island activities you shouldn’t miss is Matapouri’sย Mermaid Pools. Also located in Tutukaka, these tide pools are surely Instagram worthy. Unfortunately, that means you may have to share the spot with a few others, so it might be worth visiting these pools during the off peak season or very early in the morning. This is another FREE activity.

Mermaid-Pools
Mermaid-Pools
Mermaid-Pools2

12. Explore the Tidal Pools in Pebbly Bay

Pebbly Bay, in our opinion, is one of the least visited beaches in Tutukaka Coast which makes it a perfect spot for those wanting to enjoy their own quiet and secluded piece of the ocean. It is tucked away on the north east corner of Matapouri. You will easily miss it unless you hike from Whale Bay to Matapouri or vice versa. During low tide, you’ll get the chance to explore several tidal pools home to many small marine critters. Make sure to bring your reef walkers and watch your step as the place is also home to many local sea urchins.

Pebby Bay Tutukaka Coast

High Tide

pebbly Bay low tide

Low Tide

13. Visit Whangarei Falls

Another free activity is the Whangarei Falls walk. It is a fairly easy and short walk, just make sure to bring comfortable footwear and lots of sunscreen.

Whangarei-Falls
Whangarei-Falls

14. Cruise on a Glass Bottom Boat at Goat Island, Leigh

Apart from the Glass Bottom Boat cruise, you can also swim and snorkel around the island. Because it is a protected marine reserve, you will surely see a rich marine environment, and even the odd sting ray if you’re lucky.

Company: Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Tour Price:
Adultย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย $35
Child (3-15 y/o must be with a paying adult) $15

Goat Island
Glass Bottom Boat in Goat Island

15. Crabbing at Marsden Point

Crabbing at Marsden Point is one of the many North Island activities that you shouldn’t miss. And you can do it for FREE! The only catch is you have to bring your own trap, bait, and a container for your catch. There is a daily limit of 50 crabs per person for those doing it for recreational purposes. So make sure that you only keep what you can consume!

โš ๏ธ Important: Bring a tent, sunscreen, and lots of water!

Marsden-Point
Crabbing at Marsden Point
Crabs

16. Visit the weekend markets in Matakana

The Saturday Farmers’ Market at Matakana is probably the main reason why we visit Matakana. You get to taste and purchase food made from the freshest ingredients. The fresh oysters are definitely our favorite!

Entry is FREE!

Matakana Weekend Market
Matakana Weekend Market
Matakana Weekend Market

17. Cheese Tasting at Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Shop

Good cheese and great coffee! Nuff said.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday:ย  ย  ย 9:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday:ย  9:00am to 4:30pm

Read our review about Puhoi Valley Cafe and Cheese Shop here.

Puhoi
Puhoi Food
Puhoi Cheese and Milk Display

18. Relax at Waiwera Thermal Resort- Permanently Closed

Waiwera Thermal Resort has a variety of dipping and swimming pools that everyone can enjoy, they’ve even got a movie pool that you could lounge in. The water in each pool also come in different temperatures, so you can find the perfect one for you.

The resort is currently closed for renovations. Visit their website for updates regarding their re-opening date.

Entry price:
Adultย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  $24
Child (5-15 y/o)ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  $12.80
Preschool (0-4 y/o)ย  ย $8.00

Waiwera
Waiwera

19. Wine and Dine at Ascension Wine Estate

3 words; wine ๐Ÿท, cheese ๐Ÿง€, and meat ๐Ÿ–.ย 

Location:ย 480 Matakana Rd, Matakana

Read our review on Ascension Wine Estate here.

Ascension Wine Estate
Ascension-Winery
Ascension-Winery

20. Tramping at Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head toย  Long Bay Regional Park. It’s a 30-minute drive from the CBD. This is an activity that we often do just because we don’t have to travel too far. The path offers a good workout and the cliffs offer a great vantage point to observe pods of dolphins and orca hunting along the shoreline.ย ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿ‹

Long-Bay
Long-Bay
Long-Bay

There are so many more North Island activities you shouldn’t miss. The 20 options listed here are mostly found on the north eastern side, it doesn’t even cover the west and the far north! So imagine all the other activities that you can see and do.

Also, a disclaimer, ALL the aforementioned options are the ones that we’ve done and experienced.ย Luggage on Google Android 9.0ย ๐Ÿš—

Safe Travels

P.S.
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