Things to do in New Zealand: North Island Journal

Watch out for skiing kiwis in Tongariro National Park!

Pack your bags, grab your camera, and buckle up for the kiwi adventure of a lifetime in our series: Things to do in New Zealand!

We chose August, which is winter in the Southern Hemisphere: less crowds, cheaper campervan rentals, and snow-capped mountains. What else?

We start our adventures on the Northern Island. From the bustling streets of Auckland to the mystical glowworm caves of Waitomo, our road trip will take you through lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and dreamy beaches.

So, whether you're a seasoned traveler, a Lord of the Rings nerd or a New Zealand newbie, get ready for some serious wanderlust as we explore the North Island’s hidden gems.

After two days, Auckland finally!

After more than two days of travel (and a night at Dubai airport), we finally touched down in Auckland. And guess what? This “City of Sails” totally lives up to its reputation. I’m usually not a city person (Eli), but Auckland breathes ocean air and adventure and is miles away from your typical big city. The warm welcome we received as soon as we got off the plane proved that Kiwi hospitality is no myth!

We picked up our campervan, and off we went, jet lagged and excited!

The right kiwi

Kiwi Birds: A small, flightless bird native to New Zealand, known for its long beak and nocturnal habits. It's a national symbol of New Zealand and is endangered.

Kiwi Fruit: A small, fuzzy fruit with green flesh, rich in Vitamin C.

Kiwis (People): A common nickname for New Zealanders, reflecting their friendly, laid-back nature, and pride in their unique culture.

Coromandel: A hidden gem

Our next stop: the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. It’s often overlooked by international visitors — what a shame! — but it’s just a short drive from the capital. Imagine lush jungles, endless ferns, dramatic cliffs, and deserted beaches. Basically, New Zealand in its purest form. You know that feeling when you’re sure a velociraptor — or a dilophosaurus, if you have a Jurassic Park trauma like me — is about to leap out from behind a fern? Or when you’re hiking, and you can just feel Frodo’s footsteps in the distance? Yeah, that’s Coromandel for you.

We took a winding road — not easy when driving on the left-hand side of the road with a campervan and ginormous jet lag — to arrive in Whitianga. This postcard-perfect seaside town is paradise on earth, with dolphins occasionally passing by and an incredibly chill vibe.

Dig your own natural jacuzzi

Hot Water Beach is something out of a fantasy novel. At low tide, you can dig into the sand and discover geothermal springs bubbling up from the earth. Dig deep enough, and you’ve got your own hot tub right there on the beach.

Pic: When low tide is at night and you have nothing other than bowls to dig!

Rotorua: Where Maori culture and volcanic activity collide

It was hard to leave the magic of Coromandel, but our next destination was calling — well, at least we could smell it from the distance! Rotorua, is a region steeped in Maori culture and volcanic drama. The place is alive with geothermal activity: think steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and a distinct sulfuric smell in the air.

But the real highlight for us was a traditional Maori haka performance, set against the backdrop of those incredible geothermal landscapes. There’s something surreal about watching the fierce, powerful dance of the Maori while steam rises from the earth all around you.

Dont' call "haka" a dance: it's very serious!

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, originally from Polynesia. They arrived in New Zealand in several waves over 1,000 years ago, and today they make up about 15% of the country’s population. The Maori culture is rich with traditions like storytelling, weaving, carving, and their famous haka (a traditional war “dance”). Their language, Te Reo Maori, is one of New Zealand’s official languages. Maori society is organized around whānau (family), iwi (tribes), and hapū (sub-tribes), with strong connections to the land and nature.

Glowworms and magic: The Waitomo Caves

From Rotorua, we drove to the enchanting Waitomo Caves. Imagine gliding silently through the darkness in a small boat, the cave ceiling illuminated by thousands of glowworms twinkling like stars in the night sky.

It’s the kind of place that makes you question reality. Are we still on planet Earth? Of course, we had to include these caves in our list of places that make you feel like you’re on a different planet.

For a moment, you’re transported into a magical underworld where time stands still. There’s no word to describe that feeling, you’ve got to live it!

Tongariro National Park: Volcanoes and “my precious”

Next up was the Tongariro National Park, home to three majestic, snow-capped volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu. They loom large, casting long shadows across the landscape as the sun dips below the horizon.

And for Lord of the Rings fans, Ngauruhoe might look a little familiar — it’s none other than the fearsome Mount Doom (or Mount Ngauruhoe, if you’re a local).

Sadly, Tongariro was erupting during our visit, which meant our original hiking plans — the famous Tongariro Crossing — were, well… doomed. We switched it up and opted for the Tama Lakes hike, which still gave us epic views of the volcanic landscape. Picture the jagged, wild beauty of Mordor, and you’ll get the idea.

Whatever you do, make sure to book a travel insurance — get 5% off with Penguin Trampoline!

Penguin Trampoline tip:

Book the Tongariro Crossing ahead of time, as a guide is recommended and you’ll need a drive back — if no eruption occurs, that is! The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes, spanning 19.4 kilometers (about 12 miles) across a volcanic landscape in the Tongariro National Park.

Wellington: The windy capital

After a week in the great outdoors, we rolled into Wellington, and let’s just say, the city life felt like a totally different world. The “windy Welly” delivered, as we visited on a rainy and very windy day. Actually, it was the perfect occasion to visit the great Te Papa Museum!

We found the local vibe to be a mix of quirky and cool.

Here is a playlist to set the vibe:

Wellington marks the end of our North Island journey, but don’t worry — the adventure isn’t over yet. Next up, we’ll be catching a ferry to the South Island, where even more epic landscapes await.