I’m heading to NZ in February, and will be on the South Island for 7 days, I already have a tour arranged there to see the sights. After that, Im heading to the North Island solo. My main reason is to visit Hobbiton! But I’m not sure what else to see and do when there as most people hype up the South Island. I’ll have 7 days in total, and I’m interested in nature and learning about the culture there, old and new. What can you recommend as good spots to visit, and how is it best to get around (car or bus)?
3 Likes
Hi @natasha - I love the North Island and have been there many times!
Hobbiton is very cool - definitely recommend. Around the same area:
- Rotorua - is famous for its geothermal sites - it is otherworldy! Green lakes, bubbling mud pits and exploding geysers! (It does have a very distinct smell too!)
- If you want som beach action - perfect in Feb - Mount Maunganui is one of my favourtie spots - beautiful beach and great for swimming!
- The Coromandel is just up the road from there which has beautful forest and the famous Catherdral Cove beach - stunning!
- Auckland is a cool little city and there always seems to be something happenning there, festivals, art shows etc - worth a day there
- Then north of Auckland is the Bay of Islands - lots of beaches and it feels a bit more remote
- You can check out Waitangi Treaty Grounds for some Māori history too
Hope this helps!
1 Like
Kia Ora @natasha
I know it’s a bit late now for you, and I hope you had an amazing trip! But I hope this may help another traveller for the future… I am from the North Island! (Hibiscus Coast in Auckland)
Hobbiton is a fantastic excuse to get up here! The North Island truly doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
I would say for a cultural experience, Rotorua is a fantastic destination to start, as there are so many Maori Villages within the town. Some of these villages offer an authentic cultural show, real-life history and a hangi feast (cooking food in the ground)
I agree that the Coromandel Peninsula is a go-to destination, as it is also close to align with your Rotorua trip. However, as a local, I would argue that the Bay of Islands is better. Mainly because it will never get as busy as somewhere like Mount Maunganui.
The Waitangi Treaty grounds belong to one of the most significant moments in Aotearoa’s history! Concerned about the intentions of the growing number of Europeans, the Maori chiefs put their signatures to a document which declared New Zealand’s independence. This is located in the Bay of Islands, right next to Paihia.
If you only had 7 days for your trip, I would recommend exploring either Rotorua and the Coromandel, or the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, via Auckland (recommend a day trip at the Auckland Museum). You will find our culture anywhere and everywhere you go!
I would also recommend driving if you can. There are buses that go from town to town, but I would not rely on them lol. Besides, in NZ, it is about the journey and not the destination. The state highway up north to the Bay of Islands will take you along the ocean’s coast for most of your journey. Trust me, you want front row seats for that! You can also drive from the east coast to the west coast in about 50 minutes! I HIGHLY recommend doing this and visiting Muriwai Beach for sunset 
Sorry for the big message. I hope this helps!
1 Like
I hitch-hiked North and South Island. A great way to travel and meet the locals.
Located in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island, Mount Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand’s highest peak.
For many, an image of New Zealand might include the snow-capped mountain of Mt Cook, or sheep. And they wouldn’t be far wrong.
One might have to be really lucky to be presented with a picture of both in the same frame though.
While hitch-hiking through the Mackenzie region, I couldn’t believe the scene in front of me when our car was held up by sheep on the road to Mt Cook.
The once in a lifetime view just cried out to be framed.
