New Zealand is an amazing country, and the North Island is often considered to be the more cosmopolitan part of the country, but this certainly doesn't mean that there is a shortage of amazing experiences to be enjoyed here. From amazing mountain scenery to superb beaches, along with exploring the wonderful city of Auckland, there are plenty of things to do on the North Island, whether you are looking for physical challenges or amazing adrenaline rushes.


Here are six of the best activities to make your visit to New Zealand's North Island even more magical.

 

River Valley Rafting

White water rafting is one of the most exciting experiences you can enjoy wherever you are in the world, and the Rangitikei River is one of the best in the world, with a series of Grade IV and V rapids that are truly remarkable. This is one of the best half day trips that you will experience, and you will be thrown into a team to navigate this amazing stretch of river, which is a great way to meet new people as you paddle through some of the thrilling rapids.

 

Ninety Mile Beach Tour And Dune Surfing

This stunning part of the North Island lies right at the northern end, and is one of the most interesting bus tours that can be taken in the country. The trip along the beach is wonderful and takes in some interesting sights, including several cars that have become submerged in the sand. At the northern end of the tour is a large sand dune, and the chance to climb this and come flying down the dune on a board is a great adrenaline thrill.

 

Sky Tower Bungy Jump

The Sky Tower is one of the most modern buildings in the country, and is also the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the biggest thrills in the city is to throw yourself from the edge of the building for a bungy jump. Known as the 'Skyjump', it is a 192 meter drop that flies down the side of the building, and it is a massive thrill.

 

Kayaking On Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in the country, and from the town of Taupo it is possible to join an organized kayaking trip or rent a kayak and explore the shores of the lake yourself. There are some wonderful sights that you can enjoy around the shores of the lake, but one of the real highlights is the collection of carvings made by Maori people at Mine Bay, with some that can only be seen from the lake.

 

Hike The Tongariro Crossing

This is one of the best day walks that you can enjoy in New Zealand, or you can take the four day loop route which is also spectacular. This is home to the volcano that played the role of 'Mount Doom' in the Lord of the Rings movies, while climbing through the stunning volcanic landscape is almost ethereal. The descent over the pass reveals some amazing blue lakes, and for those on the day trip, the bus at the end of the route offers a well deserved rest!

 

Visit The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Maori people were in New Zealand long before the islands were colonized by British settlers, and the the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands where the colonial forces forged an agreement with the Maori leaders. Today you can see the historic architecture of the treaty house, and also enjoy cultural performances that offer a great introduction to the Maori heritage and culture.