The Top Activities and Attractions Across the Hawke’s Bay Region
From premium experiences, such as playing one of New Zealand’s most celebrated golf courses and tasting wine at historic cellar doors, to budget-friendly adventures like coastal walks, waterfalls and free cultural attractions, Hawke’s Bay offers something for every traveller.
Whether you are passing through on a North Island road trip or staying longer for a working holiday, the region rewards exploration beyond Napier and Hastings.
Its landscapes stretch from the beaches and forests of Māhia and Lake Waikaremoana in the north to the rural towns and remote coastline of Central Hawke’s Bay.
Table of Contents
1. Sip Delicious Wines at the Hawke’s Bay Wineries
The Hawke’s Bay region is one of the most popular winemaking regions in New Zealand! It would almost be a sin to not get out there and taste the local wines in the heart of where it is all made.
More than 35 cellar doors showcase the region’s acclaimed syrah, chardonnay and merlot-cabernet blends, alongside smaller plantings of lesser-known varieties.
Plenty of tour operators, such as Vines and Views or Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours, can take you on a winery crawl from the Napier area.
Alternatively, do a self-guided tour by bike or car (just don’t drink and drive) to cellar doors offering tastings and tours, such as Church Road, Mission Estate and Brookfields Vineyards, as listed in the 10 Best Wineries in Hawke’s Bay.
After a few glasses, this will be your favourite thing to do out of all the Hawke’s Bay activities!
Location: All over the Hawke’s Bay region. See the link above for specific winery locations. Wine tours usually offer pick-up.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Hike Through Forests, Hills or Beaches
Like any region of the country, exploring it by foot is more than just a treat! From the walk to Te Mata Peak to the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk and a relaxing stroll on Waimarama Beach, you can easily find the trail that fits your pace.
Te Mata Park alone has routes through redwoods, native bush and exposed ridgelines (with options for different fitness levels).
You could walk through native forest to Bell Rock, explore the boardwalks at Pekapeka Wetlands, or head deeper into Te Urewera to discover waterfalls and lakes around Lake Waikaremoana.
The 46 km (29 mi) Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk suits experienced trampers, while heritage walks through Napier and Hastings offer something more leisurely.
Tie up your hiking boots and wander! You will not be disappointed. Check out our 10 Best Walks in Hawke’s Bay and Northern Hawke’s Bay for extensive lists.
Location: All over Hawke’s Bay – see the links above for walks and their specific locations.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Embrace the Art Deco Era
Napier is known in New Zealand as the “Art Deco City”. The unique Art Deco architecture can be seen all around the city, which was rebuilt this way after a huge earthquake destroyed most buildings in 1931.
Pick up a self-guided walk brochure from the Art Deco Trust Centre or Napier i-SITE to do a self-guided tour of the city. Alternatively, book your walking tour with the Art Deco Trust or a vintage car tour with Avantogo Tours or Deco City Discoverer.
The Art Deco era especially comes back to life in February during the world-famous Art Deco Festival. The whole town dresses up like days of yore and parade in vintage cars.
Discover more summer events in the 10 Ways to Make the Most of Summer in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: All over Napier city centre. Art Deco Trust Centre – 7 Tennyson Street. Napier i-SITE – 100 Marine Parade. Other tours – accommodation/cruise ship pick-ups available.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Horse Trek Through the Hills
Hawke’s Bay is like a huge backyard, just more epic. The long paths through the vineyards and the many hills are a perfect playground for horse riders of all levels.
Boutique Horse Treks in Clive offers small-group experiences across beaches, wetlands, farmland and native bush on well-trained horses. Their “paddock-to-ride” approach lets you get hands-on with catching, grooming and saddling your horse before heading out.
Further inland, Mohaka River Farm runs customised treks through farmland, native forest and sections of the Mohaka River, with routes ranging from confidence-building rides for beginners to longer ridge and river adventures for intermediate riders.
Wear long trousers and closed footwear, and confirm weather conditions before travelling.
Location: Boutique Horse Treks – 5 Stafford Street, Clive. Mohaka River Farm – 408 McVicar Road, RD2, Hawke’s Bay.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Visit Cape Kidnappers and its Gannet Colony
Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui is home to the world’s largest accessible mainland colony of Australasian gannets. During breeding season (mid-August to late April), thousands of birds gather on the exposed headland to nest, raise chicks and launch spectacular dives into Hawke Bay.
The most reliable way to reach the colony is with Gannet Safaris Overland, which runs approximately three-hour tours across the private Cape Kidnappers Station. The journey passes working farmland, native bush and dramatic clifftop viewpoints before stopping within metres of the birds.
The coastal walking route from Clifton via the Cape Kidnappers Track is currently closed due to ongoing slip and rockfall danger, so check current alerts before planning beach access.
Learn more about visiting the colony in the 10 Best Things to Do in Hastings.
Location: Clifton, Te Awanga.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Tee Off at One of the World’s Top Golf Courses
In the same area, the prestigious Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is a must-stop if you have any golfing experience. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, this 18-hole, par-71 championship course stretches 6,510 m (7,119 yards) across rolling ridges and deep ravines high above the Pacific Ocean.
Several holes appear to run towards the edges of towering coastal cliffs that sit approximately 140 m (459 ft) above sea level.
The course is set within a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle station (shared with Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and the predator-protected Cape Sanctuary), where native birds, sweeping ocean views and exposed coastal winds all add to the challenge.
It’s ranked among some of the best golf courses in the world. Golf aficionados, warm up your swing! Learn more about the course and how it compares to the 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.
Location: 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga.
© Jacob Sjoman - Tourism NZ7. Check Out the World’s Longest Place Name
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu means “The hilltop where Tamatea with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his kōauau to his beloved“. Most know it as the world’s longest place name!
It’s an 85-character Māori name that’s recognised as one of the world’s longest place names (try saying that three times fast). The hill itself near Pōrangahau in Central Hawke’s Bay might be fairly unassuming, but the name tells the story of Tamatea, a legendary traveller who played his flute to his loved one.
A roadside sign provides the perfect photo opportunity and introduces you to the culturally significant story behind this place. Locals commonly shorten it to Taumata Hill, which makes casual conversation a lot easier.
For more characterful place names, check out the 10 Funny Place Names in New Zealand.
Location: Winbledon Road, Porangahau.
© Hawkes Bay8. Explore Hawke’s Bay by Bike
Hawke’s Bay’s largely flat terrain and extensive cycle network make it one of the easiest regions to explore on two wheels. The Hawke’s Bay Trails reopened as a connected network in August 2025 following more than two years of repairs after Cyclone Gabrielle.
For a gentle ride along the coast, take the Water Ride for coastal and wetland scenery. Or discover more landscapes and vineyards with the cruisy Landscapes Ride, following beaches and rivers.
Cycle between cellar doors on the Wineries Ride. Most trails are Grade 1-2 and suit casual cyclists, families and e-bike riders, although the Tukituki Valley includes steeper Grade 3 sections.
For something more adventurous, we recommend the technical mountain biking at Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park near Eskdale or the Grade 2-6 trails at Te Mata Park.
Bike hire, shuttles and guided tours are available around Napier and Hastings (check current trail alerts before leaving, as weather and maintenance can create temporary detours).
Find further information on all these cycle trails and more in our Mountain Biking in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: All over Hawke’s Bay – see the link above for specific locations.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Culture Yourself at Hawke’s Bay Museum
Spend a few hours exploring art, taonga and regional history at Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum, formerly known as MTG Hawke’s Bay.
Located in central Napier, the museum presents changing exhibitions alongside displays examining the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, the city’s Art Deco reconstruction and the people and cultures of Te Matau-a-Māui.
Current exhibitions span ceramics, contemporary New Zealand art, Māori language and taonga, architecture and local social history.
The connected Century Theatre also presents film festivals, performances, talks and other ticketed events throughout the year.
What’s more, entry is free! See more experiences like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Napier.
Location: 1 Tennyson Street, Napier.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Visit the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
For an affordable foodie experience, get yourself down to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. The market is a classic Kiwi experience with markets just like this one happening all over the country every weekend.
Everything on sale is grown, raised or produced within Hawke’s Bay, connecting you directly with local growers, bakers and artisan food makers.
Browse stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread, olive oil, cheese, honey, preserves, coffee, street food and sweet treats.
There are lots of free tastings of local produce, as well as live music adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Picnic spaces make it easy to turn your purchases into breakfast or brunch on the spot.
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is every Sunday between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Location: Kenilworth Road, Waipatu, Hastings.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Experience a Māori Culture with Echoes of Waimārama
Connect with the people, stories and living culture of Waimārama through Ngā Taioro o Waimārama (Echoes of Waimārama). This locally hosted experience can include storytelling, Māori games, a guided tour and hands-on opportunities to learn haka and poi.
Rather than presenting culture as a staged attraction, the programme focuses on sharing the hosts’ history, modern lives and hopes for future generations.
Experiences are customised for families, private groups, schools and work colleagues, with the location selected according to the weather, group size and visitors’ needs.
You may gather at the marae, beside the river, near the beach or on Māori-owned land overlooking Motu-o-Kura.
See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Experiences in Napier.
Location: Waimarama, approximately 50 km (31 mi) from Napier.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Go White Water Rafting on the Mohaka River
Enjoy a gentler introduction to the Mohaka River with Raft Fish NZ, whose scenic shore excursion combines Grade 2 rapids with native bush, birdsong and stories about the area’s culture and history.
The small rapids are suitable for first-time rafters and older children, while confident swimmers can jump into calmer sections of the river if they choose.
The approximately 5 hrs 30 mins experience includes collection from Napier Port or Napier city, safety equipment and guidance from an experienced local crew.
You can admire the remote river scenery without necessarily getting soaked, then refuel with a homemade light lunch after leaving the water.
Plus, find out more at our 10 Places for White Water Rafting in New Zealand.
Location: Pick-ups from Napier Port or Napier city, with rafting on the Mohaka River near 112 McVicar Road, Te Haroto.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Walk or Drive to the Top of Te Mata Peak
Get some of the best views in the Hawke’s Bay region from the top of the 399 m (1,309 ft) Te Mata Peak.
Rising above the Heretaunga Plains, this recognisable natural landmark provides panoramic views across Hastings, Napier, Hawke Bay, the surrounding vineyards and distant ranges.
You can drive directly to the summit during opening hours or explore seven colour-coded walking loops that begin from the Main Gates and Tauroa Road entrances.
Routes wind through native bush, open farmland and the century-old Giant Redwoods, with options ranging from gentle family walks to steeper climbs lasting several hours.
Location: Te Mata Peak Road, Tuki Tuki.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Check Out the Pekapeka Wetlands
Wetlands are an underrated landscape in New Zealand. They are hugely valuable to the ecosystem and harbour a wealth of diverse wildlife!
In short, if you like bird watching or just want to experience an alternative landscape, then the Pekapeka Wetlands are ideal. This restored 98-ha (242-acre) wetland is one of Hawke’s Bay’s few remaining large inland wetlands and stretches for approximately 4.5 km (2.8 mi).
Pathways and boardwalks lead through the publicly accessible central area, while a short climb reaches a lookout overlooking the wetland and Poukawa Valley.
Keep watch for New Zealand dabchicks, grey teal, white-faced herons, pied stilts and shags; rare Australasian bitterns also inhabit the area but can be difficult to spot.
Location: 901-903 State Highway 2, approximately 16.4 km (10 mi) from Hastings.
© Rudolph89 on Wikipedia15. Try Cable Wakeboarding at Backpaddock Lakes
Backpaddock Lakes is a private watersports venue offering two cable wakeboarding systems designed for all skill levels.
Beginners benefit from adjustable towing speeds and one-to-one coaching without the unpredictability of boat wakes, while experienced riders can challenge themselves on the advanced course.
Private cable sessions include all necessary gear (wakeboards, bindings, helmets and lifejackets). The main 760 m (2,493 ft) lake is also available for power boating, waterskiing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, though recreational lake hire is self-service and requires you to bring your own equipment and approved lifejackets.
The property isn’t open for casual visits or unsupervised swimming; all activities must be booked in advance, and participants need to complete the required safety documentation.
Location: 314 Speedy Road, Ashley Clinton.
© Hawkes Bay16. Visit Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve
Explore one of New Zealand’s most significant Māori archaeological sites at Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve, situated above the Tūtaekurī River between Napier and Hastings.
The 1.6 km (1 mi) track begins beneath a carved waharoa and climbs past reconstructed palisades, pouwhenua and the remains of terraces, dwelling sites and kūmara storage pits.
The reserve encompasses the upper Hikurangi Pā and lower Ōtātara Pā, forming one of the country’s most outstanding defensive and settlement complexes. Elevated viewpoints stretch across Napier, Cape Kidnappers and the coast, with Mt Ruapehu sometimes visible on clear days.
Allow approximately 45 minutes each way and remain on the marked track to protect the fragile archaeological features.
Location: Springfield Junction, Taradale.
© Noel O on Wikipedia17. Check Out the Old-Timey Transport of the Faraday Museum of Technology
Discover the inventions, machines and household technologies that shaped everyday life at the Faraday Museum of Technology. Unlike a conventional museum where everything stays behind glass, many displays encourage visitors to touch, operate and experiment.
The collection includes vintage vehicles, early electrical equipment, communications technology, machinery and old-fashioned arcade games.
Visitors can generate electricity, experiment with scientific principles and see demonstrations such as the museum’s Tesla coil, making the experience especially engaging for families and curious adults.
The museum occupies Napier’s former 1911 municipal power station, adding another layer of industrial history to the visit.
See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Napier on a Rainy Day.
Location: 2b Faraday Street, Napier.
© NZPocketGuide.com18. Stretch Your Legs on the Ahuriri Estuary Walk.
Follow the easy Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track through Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, one of Hawke’s Bay’s most ecologically and culturally significant wetlands.
The approximately 45-60-minute route uses concrete paths, compacted surfaces and boardwalks to reveal tidal channels, mudflats and sheltered wildlife habitats.
More than 70 resident and migratory waterbird species use the estuary, including royal spoonbills, pied stilts, herons, shags and seasonal visitors from the Northern Hemisphere.
Interpretation panels explain its wildlife, changing habitat, cultural importance and transformation following the 1931 earthquake.
Location: Humber Street, off Pandora Road, Napier.
© Hawkes Bay19. See the Honeybees in Action at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
A food experience suitable for all ages awaits in nearby Havelock North where you’ll find the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre.
The centre is home to one of New Zealand’s top honey brands where you can learn about the honeybee, their role in the food chain and how they make honey through self-guided interactive displays.
Watch the bees at work through the observation hives (see if you can spot the queen among the busy workers) and taste the good stuff at the complimentary tasting station.
You can compare several New Zealand honey varieties before browsing the shop for honey, skincare and bee-themed gifts. What’s more, the attraction is free!
For more experiences nearby, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Havelock North.
Location: 66 Arataki Road, Havelock North.
© Hawkes Bay20. Admire Maraetotara Falls
Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? If you haven’t seen enough waterfalls in New Zealand, then make sure you head to Maraetotara Falls on the beautiful Maraetotara Historic Walk.
Follow the wooden steps for roughly 10 minutes through native forest to reach the cascading waterfall, where the river drops over a rocky ledge into a deep swimming hole.
The walk continues downstream to reveal the remains of the old Havelock North Power Station, which was taken out by a lightning surge in 1941, adding a heritage element to your nature excursion.
Location: Maraetotara Road, Maraetotara.
© itravelNZ® on Flickr21. Hike to the Sunrise Hut
The Sunrise Track climbs through the eastern Ruahine Range to Sunrise Hut, one of Hawke’s Bay’s most popular backcountry destinations. The well-formed track gains approximately 600 m (1,969 ft) as it passes through native forest before emerging into an alpine tussock basin at 1,280 m (4,199 ft).
Allow two to three hours each way. From the hut, expansive views stretch across Hawke’s Bay, with sunrise providing the experience that gave the hut its name.
The serviced hut has 20 bunks, tank water, a wood burner and toilets but no cooking facilities.
Learn more about the experience in our guide to New Zealand Hut to Hut Hiking.
Location: North Block Road, Wakarara, approximately 45 km (28 mi) inland from Waipukurau and Waipawa.
© Peter Sim - Hawke's Bay22. Treat Yourself to a High Tea Experience
Complementing the historic ambience of Hawke’s Bay, there are a few sumptuous high tea experiences to be treated to.
Dine in the historic homestead of Mangapapa with finger sandwiches, dainty cups of tea and an array of sweet treats. The venue offers high tea seven days a week in Havelock North.
Alternatively, stop by Oruawharo Homestead & Gardens in Central Hawke’s Bay for one of the “High Tea Days” with delicious and well-presented sandwiches, scones, hot savouries, sweets and even wine or bubbles.
For more upscale experiences, take a look at the 10 Luxury Experiences in Napier.
Location: Mangapapa – 466 Napier Road, Havelock North. Oruawharo Homestead & Gardens – Takapau.
© Hawkes Bay23. Check Out the Views from Mataruahou Bluff Hill
For an elevated view over Napier, Hawke Bay and the busy Port of Napier, head to Mataruahou Bluff Hill Lookout.
The viewing area was constructed above a former World War 2 coastal defence gun emplacement, with interpretation and seating overlooking container ships, cruise vessels and the surrounding coastline.
You can drive to the lookout via Lighthouse Road or reach it on foot from central Napier. The approximately 4.4 km (2.7 mi) walking route passes Centennial Gardens before climbing through residential streets and Karetoki Whare/Sturm’s Gully.
Location: End of Lighthouse Road, Bluff Hill, Napier.
© NZPocketGuide.com24. Spend a Summer’s Day at Splash Planet
If you’re visiting Hawke’s Bay region in summer, don’t miss the outdoor waterpark Splash Planet! Based in Hastings, this family theme park has an array of fun waterslides, water playgrounds and pools for all ages, plus a lazy river to float along when you need a break from the action.
Dry attractions add even more variety, including mini-golf, train rides, playgrounds and themed rides for younger visitors. You’ll also find hilarious bumper boats, go-karts and kayaking.
Note that Splash Planet runs seasonally from around mid-November through summer. During the cooler months, the “Splash Planet Play Park” opens on weekends with selected dry rides, playgrounds and the splash pad (but no swimming pools).
Location: 1001 Grove Road, Parkvale, Hastings.
© Kirsten Simcox - Hawke's Bay25. Go to the Beach
With a sunny climate and stunning coastline, Hawke’s Bay is blessed with a wealth of beaches.
Close to Napier, Ahuriri Beach offers sheltered family swimming beside cafés and a waterfront boardwalk, while Westshore Beach provides another convenient option near the city.
Further south, Ocean Beach delivers a long, undeveloped sweep of pale sand backed by hills.
Neighbouring Waimārama Beach is popular for swimming and surfing, with lifeguard patrols during parts of summer, plus a playground and reserve beside the surf club.
Black Head Beach is worth the extra drive for those seeking something more remote.
Take your pick from 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay for a great day out.
Location: All over Hawke’s Bay – see the link above for specific locations.
© NZPocketGuide.com26. Visit Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery
To get your dose of art and culture, visit Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery in Hastings city centre. The free-entry art gallery presents changing exhibitions from emerging and established artists in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa and beyond.
Rather than displaying a permanent collection, the gallery’s rotating programme means you might encounter anything from painting and sculpture to photography, multimedia installations and toi Māori.
The gallery also runs artist talks, workshops, Art for Tots sessions and free school-holiday activities.
Its location beside Civic Square makes it easy to combine your visit with Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, Hastings War Memorial Library and the city’s surrounding architecture and public artworks.
For more free attractions, take a look at the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hastings.
Location: 201 Eastbourne Street East, Hastings.
© Tony Hisgett on Wikipedia27. Watch the World’s First Sunrise
Lodged on the east coast of New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay region is one of the first to see the sunrise (only a few seconds after the East Cape). This makes the region one of New Zealand’s finest spots for welcoming the morning light.
In Napier, stroll along Marine Parade as the sun spreads across the Pacific, or head to Ātea a Rangi Star Compass at Waitangi Regional Park, where you can appreciate traditional Polynesian navigation stories alongside the rising sun.
For elevated views across the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke Bay, climb Te Mata Peak before dawn.
For more information, check our list of 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: Check the link above for the specific locations of each beach.
© Unsplash28. Meet Native Wildlife at the National Aquarium of New Zealand
Journey from New Zealand’s mountain streams to the open ocean at the National Aquarium of New Zealand on Napier’s Marine Parade. Exhibits introduce visitors to native and exotic wildlife, including brown kiwi, tuatara, eels, tropical fish and the rescued little penguins of Penguin Cove.
The centrepiece is the 1.5-million-litre oceanarium, where an underwater tunnel provides close-up views of stingrays and large schooling fish gliding overhead.
Scheduled keeper talks and feeding sessions add context to the animals, their habitats and the aquarium’s conservation work.
For more information, check our list of 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: 546 Marine Parade, Napier South, approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Napier city centre.
© Molly Rose Nilsson - Hawke’s Bay Tourism29. Dine at Hawke’s Bay’s Delectable Restaurants
Complete your Hawke’s Bay experience by sampling the produce, seafood and wine that have made the region one of New Zealand’s leading food destinations. In Napier, Hunger Monger specialises in locally sourced seafood, with a menu that changes according to the catches and produce available.
Nearby, Mister D combines fresh local ingredients with relaxed service, a substantial wine list and its famous fill-your-own doughnuts. In Havelock North, Malo serves sophisticated but approachable dishes built around local, seasonal flavours, accompanied by Hawke’s Bay wines, craft beer and cocktails.
We have much more recommendations in The Food Guide to Napier!
Location: Hunger Monger – 129 Marine Parade, Napier. Mister D – 47 Tennyson Street, Napier. Malo – 4 Te Aute Road, Havelock North.. See the link above for more recommendations and their locations.
© NZPocketGuide.com30. Walk to Stunning Waterfalls in the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve [CLOSED]
Update: See the link below for track updates after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Some easy-going walks just north of Napier lie within the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve. There are two fantastic waterfall walks; Te Ana Falls only takes 30 minutes’ return, while Tangoio Falls is a 60-minute return where you can cool off in the pool.
There’s also the 2-hour Tangoio Walkway for those looking for more of an adventure through various types of forests. Be careful on the stream crossings on this last walk.
For more walks to discover, check out the 10 Best Walks in Hawke’s Bay and Northern Hawke’s Bay.
Location: Tangoio, State Highway 2.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do in Hawke’s Bay
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Hawke’s Bay, but it’s by no means the end of our recommendations. Check out the following articles for more trip-planning inspiration:
- The Complete Travel Guide to Napier
- 25 Best Things to Do in Napier
- Hawke’s Bay – Guide for Backpackers
Finally, find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do on the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
