
Comment “TIPS” and I’ll send you a list of the 30 biggest mistakes to avoid when planning your next trip to New Zealand! Make sure you save this for later so you can see the best of the north ✨ 💧 Waikato: Walk the Te Waihou Walkway to see the unbelievably clear Blue Springs. In Raglan, try surfing at Ngarunui Beach or explore the laid-back town. The Waitomo Caves offer guided tours through glowworm-lit caverns—one of New Zealand’s most unique experiences. 🌊 Auckland: Visit the rugged west coast beaches like Piha and Muriwai. At Muriwai, take the short track to the gannet colony for incredible coastal views. For a more relaxed day, head to Cheltenham Beach on the North Shore for calm waters and great swimming. 💦 Bay of Plenty: Hike to Omanawa Falls for a hidden waterfall experience (note: access is currently restricted, so check ahead). In Rotorua, explore geothermal parks like Wai-O-Tapu and Whakarewarewa, and learn about Māori culture at Te Puia. 🏔️ Taupō & Tongariro National Park: Check out Huka Falls via the easy walking track or take a jet boat ride right up to the falls. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must-do, offering volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and sweeping views. 🏞️ Taranaki: Visit Wilkies Pools for a natural rock pool swim, enjoy the black sands of Back Beach, and hike to the Pouākai Tarns for the iconic mirrored view of Mount Taranaki—best at sunrise or sunset. 🌳 Wellington: The city is surrounded by nature. Explore trails through the Town Belt, take the Southern Walkway for views of the city and harbour, or head to Zealandia to see native wildlife. Which of these would you visit first?! Follow @getlostwithliam for the best places to visit in New Zealand 😍 #travelnz #visitnewzealand #northislandroadtrip #beautifuldestinations #newzealand
Attraction

Ngarunui Beach
Beach
4.7
Spacious, picturesque beach known for black sand & powerful waves ideal for surfing.

Piha Beach
Beach
4.8
Beach renowned for black sand & strong waves ideal for surfing, with panoramic views.

Muriwai Beach
Park
4.8

Muriwai Gannet Colony
Park
4.7
Seaside retreat featuring a coastline with black-sand beaches & a gannet breeding ground.

Cheltenham Beach
Attraction
4.7
Lengthy coastal strip dotted with Victorian mansions & popular for swimming, strolling & picnicking.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Landmark
4.6
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.

Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ
Landmark
4.5
Maori cultural center at a geothermal preserve with a dramatic geyser & crafts institute.

Huka Falls
Attraction
4.8
Footbridge over a rushing whitewater pool, with views of the 220,000-litres-per-second waterfall.

Tongariro National Park
National park
4.8
The 4th National Park in the world, this protected area is important for its culture & its nature.

Wilkies Pools
Landmark
4.7

Mount Taranaki
Natural feature
4.8
Striking, 2518m volcanic mountain with trekking routes, surrounded by a protected forest reserve.

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Wildlife refuge
4.7
Wildlife sanctuary with native species, including rare birds, lizards, frogs, plants & trees.

Te Waihou Blue Springs (Whites Road entrance)
Landmark
4.7

Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway). Leslie Road entrance is closed.
Landmark
4.8
Natural spring known for its clear blue water, with an adjacent walkway for picturesque hikes.
Place

Waitomo Caves
Landmark

Omanawa Falls
Landmark
4.4

Whakarewarewa
Landmark

Southern Walkway
Landmark
Wellington City
Landmark
Transportation

Back Beach New Plymouth
Parking
4.9
Sports/Recreation

Wellington Town Belt Hikes
Hiking area
4.6

Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn