Top 5 places to visit in new zealand north island năm 2024

Whenever I hear someone say you can skip the North Island and head straight for the South Island, I bristle.

I always feel the need to defend my home island. To me, the North Island of New Zealand is every bit as beautiful as the South.

I was born and raised in the Coromandel Peninsula, and I still get awe-struck by the beauty of the beaches near where I live.

The South Island is stunning. But the North Island has things the South doesn’t.

In a nutshell, the main things to do in the North Island are Rotorua, Hobbiton, Waiheke Island, and Wellington.

The volcanic activity, Maori culture, and kauri forests are what make the North Island truly unique.

If you want to get off the beaten track, I recommend exploring the Coromandel, the East Cape, the Far North, or Taranaki. All of these regions are awesome for road trips, beaches, and getting a sense of rural life in New Zealand.

Some of my personal favourite destinations are Cape Palliser, Castle Point, Spirits Bay and Matai Bay in Northland.

If you’re planning a trip around the North Island of New Zealand, these are the places and attractions I recommend. This is a list of my favourite destinations in the North Island, including must-sees and unique places to visit; I’ve tried to include a mix of hidden gems and more popular spots on this list.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of North Island attractions, but a more curated look at what someone who loves food, culture, and the outdoors might enjoy.

A very quick intro to visiting the North Island

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time for a road trip around the North Island. This gives you enough time to experience the top things to do in the North Island, while not having to rush, skip places, or have long driving days.

If you only have one week in the North, you can still hit the highlights.

Three weeks gives you ample time to explore off the beaten track. I personally find less visited regions like Taranaki, Northland, and the East Cape, to be just as beautiful and rewarding as top destinations like Rotorua and Taupo.

Of course, it depends how you like to spend your time. If you like hiking, camping, and enjoying landscapes, you’ll love Taranaki. If you want to see geothermal attractions and do a lot of jet boating, bungy jumping, and zip lining, Rotorua and Taupo make more sense.

If you only have two weeks in total for your trip to New Zealand, I recommend choosing either the North or South Island, instead of trying to do both.

The summer months, from December to March, are a great time to visit the North Island as you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the stunning beaches, laid back coastal life, and camping that the North Island is famous for.

But, given that the weather is warmer in the north than in the South Island, you can still have beautiful weather in quieter months like November and April.

In the winter months, you’re more likely to have wet and grey days, but the weather is great for hiking.

Essential things to do in the North Island: Geothermal springs, islands, and wine

These are the highlights — the must-visit places that demonstrate what makes the North Island so special.

1. See oceans collide at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, in the Far North

If you like driving until you reach the end of the road, head to Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga, located at very the northern tip of the North Island, is a place of significant cultural and natural importance.

For Maori people, this is where spirits depart to the afterlife.

The iconic lighthouse overlooks the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. You can see the currents colliding.

If you want to see more of the coast you can hike the four day Te Paki Track, one of New Zealand’s finest multi-day walking trails.

You can also visit the Te Paki sand dunes and climb the golden peaks for coastal views, or sand board back down again.

2. Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Don’t miss: Sunsets at Mudbrick are a superb way to round off a day of wine tasting.

Where to stay: There are no big hotels on Waiheke, so if you’re looking for places to stay opt for an Airbnb or boutique vineyard accommodation.

Further reading: It’s easy to get around Waiheke on public transport.

3. See a geothermal wonderland in Rotorua

The Champagne Pool at Wai O Tapu

Apparently Yellowstone is better than Rotorua, but I’ve never been so I still think Rotorua is amazing.

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland in the heart of the North Island, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rivers that run naturally hot.

In Rotorua, you can see nature’s raw power on full display.

At geothermal parks like Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, you can witness geysers erupt and marvel at the vibrant mineral pools which create painter’s palettes of colour.

It’s worth having at least one full day in Rotorua. The town itself isn’t particularly exciting, but there are multiple Maori villages and geothermal parks to visit.

These are the main geothermal parks — they each have something unique, but you can happily just pick one. They all show off the spectacular geothermal activity in the area:

Wai-O-Tapu is home to the Champagne Pool, the famous turquoise and orange pool pictured above
Te Puia features a wide range of Maori cultural experiences, as well as the bubbling mud pools and geysers
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is where you will find the pastel blue Inferno Crater
Orakei Korako

If these are out of your budget, you can also visit Kuirau Park in the centre of Rotorua — here you can see steaming vents and hot pools for free.

4. Hike through Tongariro National Park

The emerald pools on the Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro National Park is an essential stop on a road trip around the North Island.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its volcanic landscapes, including active craters, emerald lakes, and Mars-like terrains.

The premier experience is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day hike through some of the most striking scenery in the national park.

However, it’s far from the only attraction in Tongariro National Park.

You can walk the entire Tongariro Northern Circuit, which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, walk to the spectacular Taranaki Falls, or hike to the Tama Lakes.

If you plan on walking the Tongariro Crossing, make sure you allow a night in the area before and after. It’s a challenging full day hike and you’ll want to rest and recover afterwards, and not try to push on to your next stop.

Where to stay: For a treat, check out the Night Sky Cottage in Ohakune.

Or, check out this Airbnb, which is where I stayed one September before visiting the national park (it snowed in the park! So the fireplace in this lodge was bliss.)

5. Visit the Waitomo glowworm caves

The Waitomo area is riddled with cave systems, which are famous for being home to glowworms found uniquely in New Zealand.

There are different ways to explore the caves — if you just want to see the glowworms, you can go on a short walk and boat tour of the caves. I visited with Spellbound and really enjoyed the experience.

Where to stay: Abseil Inn is cosy and very friendly, plus breakfast is amazing. The Top 10 Holiday Park in Waitomo is also very good.

A tip:

The main Waitomo Caves are the main attraction but not necessarily the best. The more people visiting a cave, the dimmer the glowworms get (they stop shining when disturbed too much). There are less visited caves where you can see brighter glowworm lights, like the ones visited by Spellbound.

Cities and towns in the North Island

Although the North Island is the more populated of New Zealand’s two main islands, you still won’t find giant metropolises here. Auckland is the largest city and main gateway to the country, while the smaller Wellington is the capital city.

There are some lovely small towns around the North Island though — these are a few of my favourites.

6. Go vintage shopping on Karangahape Road, Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, so serves as an arrival point for most visitors to New Zealand.

It’s worth spending a night in Auckland to adjust to New Zealand. It’s not the most exciting city in the world — and I say that as an Aucklander — but you can find great bars and restaurants, as well as great beaches and day walks.

Many people skip straight through, but if you enjoy food and shopping, you might find a lot to love in Auckland.

My favourite part of the city is Karangahape Road, often called K Road, a mile long road following a ridge south of the city centre. This iconic street is a hub for vintage and second-hand shopping, attracting thrifters looking for unique retro finds.

Check out Crushes for a selection of vintage clothing sourced from within New Zealand (unlike many other vintage stores who import their wares from overseas) or Smoove for funky reworked vintage items.

While you’re on a shopping spree, it’s worth checking our Nick Von K Jewellery for uniquely New Zealand designs, and TUR for a gallery-esque store with items from makers around the country.

There are also plenty of great restaurants to try along Karangahape Road — try Cotto, Coco’s Cantina, or Candela.

Where to stay: Central Auckland is the most convenient area to stay while in Auckland, but I recommend trying to avoid Queen Street and staying closer to Britomart or Ponsonby.

7. Soak up the vibes in Raglan, a bohemian surf town

Raglan is a laid-back coastal town two hours south of Auckland.

It’s one of my favourite places in the North Island to hang out for a weekend.

Renowned for its world-class surf breaks, Raglan attracts surfers of all levels seeking the perfect wave. The iconic left-hand point break at Manu Bay is a magnet for goofy-footed surfers.

Beyond surfing, Raglan offers coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and striking viewpoints.

Bridal Veil Falls and Mount Karioi provide excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking scenery. The artsy town center is filled with galleries, cafes, and boutique stores, adding to its bohemian charm.

Don’t miss: Check out what’s on at the Yot Club — over the summer months many local bands play here on weekends.

Where to stay: There aren’t any big hotels in Raglan. It’s ideal for camping, or staying in a yurt or a rustic Airbnb.

8. Cycle around Martinborough wineries

Martinborough is a picturesque wine village near Wellington.

The town is famous for its boutique wineries and vineyards, many of which are walking or cycling distance from the town centre.

A highlight of Martinborough is exploring the numerous cellar doors, meeting passionate winemakers and savouring a wide array of wines.

The region is famed for producing elegant Pinot Noirs, and some of the vineyards offer decadent lunches to go with your wine.

Don’t miss: The most famous lunch spot in Martinborough is Poppy’s, known throughout the island for decadent platters.

9. Eat your way around Wellington

Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand, is a must-visit place in the North Island.

Tucked between a rugged coastline and steep hills, Wellington is both naturally beautiful and rich in coffee culture, creative arts, and cuisine.

Wellington is often dubbed the culinary capital of New Zealand. Here you’ll find an abundance of cafes and restaurants, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and chefs determined to explore modern Pacific cuisine.

To make the most of Wellington, stroll around the waterfront, explore the chaos of Cuba Street, and dine at some of Wellington’s exceptional restaurants.

From Wellington, you can fly back to Auckland (save yourself an 8-9 hour drive) or down south to Queenstown or Christchurch.

Where to stay: I love staying at the QT in Wellington. The rooms have the most delightful bathtubs.

A tip: If you plan on catching the ferry down to the South Island, make sure you book well in advance. Spots for vehicles go quickly, especially in the summer months!

Another tip: Don’t go to dinner at Bellamy’s — I went because the restaurant is inside the Beehive, so it’s very unique. But the food was terrible. Cannot recommend.

The best beaches and coastlines around the North Island

The North Island truly stands out for its incredible beaches. As a general rule of thumb, the east coast has calm, white sand bays, while the west coast is more rugged and wild, with vast black sand beaches.

Both coasts offer incredible surfing, if that’s your thing, or coastal walks and sunbathing days.

10. Explore the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands in Northland is exactly what it sounds like — a paradise of islands.

There are 144 islands scattered throughout the bay, with turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and abundant marine life all on offer.

Catch a ferry out to Urupukapuka Island for an epic day walk, or stay in an old lighthouse keeper’s cabin at Cape Brett for an overnight hike.

Another must-see is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, a key document in New Zealand's history.

11. Road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best road trip destinations in the North Island, thanks to its epic beaches.

Visit Cathedral Cove to tick off one of the top day walks in the country, then go and dig your own spa in the sand at Hot Water Beach.

You can drive in a leisurely loop around the peninsula, taking it slow on the narrow roads lined with pohutawaka trees.

Make sure you take your time driving — the Coromandel is infamous for narrow, winding roads.

One of my favourite beaches is Opoutere. Set a few kilometres off State Highway 25, and filtered from the road by a tall stand of pines, Opoutere Beach is resolutely remote.

It’s likely you’ll find yourself sharing the stretch of white sand with only oystercatchers and endangered dotterels, which breed on the Wharekawa sand spit at the north of the beach.

As you walk around the estuary, you might also hear the screech of kaka and spot the parrots overhead.

Another place I always stop when driving past is Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.

If the essence of the Coromandel could be distilled into one spot, it would look a lot like Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.

A truly local hub, Luke’s is a homey cafe, art gallery, shop full of Coromandel-made goods, and woodfired pizza restaurant all in one. Between the beach views, laid back vibe and frequent live music, this is one of the best stops along State Highway 25 for a meal and coffee.

For dessert, pop around to the Kuaotunu store to nab one of their famously monstrous ice creams known as the “Kuaotunu Killer”.

It’s worth making the detour over the true-to-Coromandel-type (steep, twisty, and gravel in patches) hill from Kuaotunu to get a glimpse of secluded Opito Bay. The long scythe of honey-coloured sand is backed by golden hills and contrasts delightfully with the bright blue water.

From the southern end of the beach, climb the steps to reach the top of an old Māori pa - defensive ditches are still visible - and enjoy views back across the bay.

On the other side of the peninsula, north of Coromandel Town is where things start to get more off the beaten track; or off the sealed road, to be precise. Head to Waikawau Bay to discover the largest DOC campsite in New Zealand, and another sheltered bay good for surfing and swimming.

For a scenic loop, head to Waikawau via Colville, then back down to Coromandel Town through Kennedy Bay. Stop at the Tokatea Hill Lookout for views out across both sides of the peninsula.

If you don’t mind manoeuvring a campervan or motorhome along gravel roads with sheer drop-offs, DOC campsites at Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay will take you properly off the grid.

Make one last pit stop in Colville before following pohutukawa fringed roads as they taper down to narrow gravel ribbons bordered by wind-stunted harakeke.

You’ll be rewarded for making the journey with a sense of isolation and true adventure.

Port Jackson Campsite is set on the very tip of the peninsula, with a vast beach and views of Great Barrier Island. Neighbouring Fletcher Bay Campground is the starting point for the Coromandel Coastal Track, a highlight of the peninsula that has marvellous views of the craggy coastline, as well as dense bush with the occasional kaka wheeling above the canopy.

Driving the west coast of the coromandel back down to Thames is a completely different experience to the east. In many places, the road has pohutukawa trees on one side and the water on the other, a narrow strip of tarmac wedged in the middle.

The rocky shores are perfect for fishing and come evening, camping on this coast provides you with the chance to watch golden sunsets across the water.

Don’t miss: The quirky Driving Creek Railway and Uncle Dunkle’s wood-fired chilli sauce, made on the Coromandel (you can buy it in the cafe at Luke’s Kitchen).

Stay: The Coromandel is an idyllic destination for campervans. Here are a few of my favourite camping spots:

Opoutere Coastal Camping for a pretty spot caught between a stream and pine forest. Or, head to the beach carpark which also doubles as a freedom campsite for self-contained vehicles.
Just over the hill at the south end of Waikawau Bay is Little Bay, spot that locals have done a great job of keeping secret. There are a few spots in the carpark for self-contained campervans to stay overnight.

12. Visit Auckland’s black sand west coast beaches

The North Island features distinctive black sand beaches along the West Coast, thanks to the volcanic vomit of Mount Taranaki.

Piha, Karekare and Muriwai are all easily visited from Auckland

The rich, black sands along the west coast creates a dramatic contrast with the wild blue ocean. The rugged beauty of the North Island’s western coastline, often framed by lush greenery and rocky formations, is worth discovering.

If you have a day in Auckland, and a car at your disposal, head out to Piha to get a coffee from the local store and go for a stroll on the beach.

13. Whangarei Heads

Whangarei Heads is one of my favourite parts of the North Island.

A narrow, meandering road winds around the coast between Whangarei and Ocean beach, with views of the glittering harbour and lush forested hills.

Volcanic peaks make for great day walks to panoramic views — Mt Manaia is a 2 hour walk to a stunning lookout over the harbour.

A harder day walk is Te Whara/Bream Head, which follows a ridgeline for views up and down the coast.

Shorter walks lead to Busby Head and Smuggler’s Bay, a gorgeous white sand beach.

14. The Tutukaka Coast

The Tutukaka Coast is one of my favourite places to camp.

Matapouri is the most popular beach in the area.

Whale Bay is another beautiful place to swim — the bay is sheltered and calm, without the surf that rolls into Matapouri.

Woolley’s Bay isn’t as good for swimming, but it’s one of my favourite campsites in the North Island.

15. Matai Bay

Matai Bay might be the best beach in the whole North Island.

The bay is a perfect crescent of white sand, with calm blue water that’s ideal for swimming.

There’s a DOC campsite right by the water and a few walking trails.

There’s not much to do in Matai except relax on the beach, which is why I love it.

Matai Bay is where I have seen the best moon rises of my life. If you happen to stay in the campground on a night when there’s a full moon, check the moon rise time and head down to the beach to watch the moon rise from the water.

5. Visit the Hawke’s Bay wine region

Using Napier as a home base, you can explore the excellent wine in the Hawke’s Bay. Some of the best vineyards include:

Black Barn
Craggy Range

The best nature and wildlife in the North Island

Marine life is just as abundant in the North Island as it is in the South. You can see seals basking on rocks near Wellington, and go on a dolphin and whale safari from the centre of Auckland.

The North Island’s forests are typically lush and full of ferns and supplejacks, which in the upper regions of the island the last standing kauri trees will take your breath away with their mighty presence.

14. Visit Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest and New Zealand's largest kauri tree

If you make the journey north of Auckland, make sure you visit the remote west coast of Northland.

The Waipoua forest is home to the largest remaining kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. The incredible trunk of this surviving tree is fantastic to behold — it’s little wonder Tane Mahuta is considered to be Lord of the Forest by Maori people.

A tip: One of the most beautiful stands of mature kauri trees I have ever seen is just north of Tane Mahuta. If you like walking, it’s well worth stopping in at the Waiotemarama Waterfall Walk. Another great one to do is the Trounson Kauri Park loop, which is only 30 minutes.

15. Dive or snorkel at the Poor Knights Islands

The Poor Knights Islands are a cluster of small islands off the coast of Northland. The water here is a rich blue, and under the surface are caves, tunnels and cliffs.

Jacques Cousteau famously rated this spot as one of the top ten dives in the world.

I learned to scuba dive at the Poor Knights, and I can recommend Dive! Tutukaka for either diving or snorkelling trips to the islands.

On the dives I completed by the Poor Knights, I saw an electric eel, giant rays, and huge schools of fish which swirled around us in flickering colours.

Stay: I love freedom camping at Woolley’s Bay

Other gorgeous places to visit in Tutukaka:

Whale Bay is a short walk to a secluded bay, absolutely stunning
Matapouri Bay is a gorgeous beach

16. See kiwis in the wild

17. See Mount Taranaki from mirror-like mountain pools

Mount Taranaki towers over New Plymouth and the Taranaki region in the southwestern corner of the North Island.

Mount Egmont National Park is the almost perfectly circular wilderness area that encompasses the peak and the thick goblin forests that cloak its lower slopes.

There are a number of excellent short walks in the national park. The Pouakai Crossing and the summit trek present rewarding challenges with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

But one of the best and most accessible walks is the Mangorei Track to the Pouakai Tarns — it’s shorter than walking the full Pouakai Crossing, and as an out-and-back track it’s easier to organise than the one-way crossing.

On a still, clear day, the Pouakai Tarns reflect the impressive peak of Mt Taranaki.

Where to stay: Ahu Ahu Beach Villas (pictured below) is a truly exceptional place overlooking the wild coast.

18. The Whanganui River Journey

There are three Great Walks in the North Island — as well as Lake Waikaremoana and the Tongariro Circuit, there is the Whanganui Journey.

Whanganui is unique as it’s not a hike, it’s a canoe trip down the impressive river.

The Whanganui River has been granted personhood, which means it has the same rights as a legal person. The same status is given to Mount Taranaki and the Te Urewera Forest, where the Lake Waikaremoana hike is located.

You can choose to paddle the river in 3 or 5 days — my friends and I opted for the shorter 3 day paddle and don’t regret it. If the wind is against you (as it was for us) you could be in for some long and gruelling paddle days, especially if you’re not used to captaining a canoe.

19. Lake Taupo

Waikato River flowing into Lake Taupo

Taupo feels a little bit like the Queenstown of the North Island.

The town is right on the lakefront, and with the lake, river, and waterfalls nearby, there are dozens of adventure activities to do in the area.

The town of Taupo is much like most other New Zealand towns — disappointingly, much of the lakefront is lined with fast food joints like Burger Fuel and KFC.

It’s a nice place to stop on a road trip though. On clear days you can see across to Mount Ruapehu from the lakefront in the centre of town.

One of the main attractions in Taupo is Huka Falls, a striking display of intense blue waters rushing through a narrow gorge before plummeting into a pool below.

You can walk to viewpoints of the falls or take a jet boat ride for something more high octane.

Jet boats spin and whirl through the water. If you’ve never experienced a jet boat, this is a great chance to do so.

Don’t miss: If you love swimming, check out the stunning swimming hole at the Hipapatua Reserve. The river here is incredibly clear and blue.

Alternative and off the beaten path destinations

It’s not hard to get off the beaten track in the North Island — as soon as you’re away from the tourist centres of Rotorua and Hobbiton, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy all on your own.

20. Road trip around the East Cape

The East Cape of New Zealand is one of the most remote and beautiful road trip destinations in the country.

It’s a long drive out to the East Cape, but there are plenty of places to stop and camp along the way — this makes it particularly wonderful for anyone travelling in a campervan.

The drive from Opotiki to Gisborne around the coast will take you through small towns, past pebbled beaches, and past the easternmost point of the island.

21. Visit Great Barrier Island

Visiting Great Barrier Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, is an adventure into unspoiled natural beauty and a true escape from urban life.

This remote island is home to some of Auckland’s best beaches, incredible birdlife with kaka parrots frequently whirling overhead, and the Aotea Track, one of New Zealand’s best overnight hiking trails.

The island is also a haven for stargazing due to its dark skies and minimal light pollution.

22. Castlepoint

Castle Point has a special kind of magic.

The lonely lighthouse on its tower of rock, the sandy shores around the lagoon, and the jutting lump of Castle Rock make this section of the wild Wairarapa Coastline unique.

Blissfully, there’s not much to do here other than stroll the beach and walk to lookout points.

Fishing boats sit pulled up onto the sandy shore. Occasionally, someone bobs past on a horse. Other than a local shop, which also serves as a coffee place and takeaway joint, there’s not much here other than simple baches hunkering against the hills.

Walk up to Castlepoint Lighthouse, a monolith atop a craggy limestone knoll lashed by waves.

First lit in 1913, it's the tallest lighthouse in the North Island and one of the last two remaining lighthouses in New Zealand with a rotating beam.

A boardwalk scales the fossil studded ridge of the headland to reach the lighthouse, then climbs beyond to an epic lookout.

For an alternative vantage point, follow the Deliverance Cove Walking track from the carpark. It curves along a pine-covered ridge above the beach, eventually leading to the mighty Castle Rock.

Scramble up through golden grass and until you reach the lofty peak. At 162 metres high, it looms over the coast and gives impressive views in all directions. Walk back to the carpark along the half moon of the lagoon, where surfers catch waves rolling in through a narrow gap in the rock.

Where to stay: Castle Point Holiday Park has parking spots right by the water, and a single store doubles as a cafe for your morning coffee.

23. Cape Palliser lighthouse

The road to Cape Palliser follows the pebbled coast around the southern Wairarapa.

It’s dotted with one-way bridges, slowing you down in preparation for the pace of life in Ngawi, a quirky fishing village wedged between a cliff and gravelly beach.

Bulldozers tinted orange from salt spray sit in a haphazard line along the water’s edge, their rusted hulks waiting to drag homecoming fishing boats from the ocean.

Rogue sheep trot across the road, unbothered by passing cars.

Continuing past Ngawi, you’ll feel as if you’re reaching the end of the world. In some ways you are; this is the southernmost point of the North Island.

The road becomes narrow and potholed, dipping in and out of fords and clinging to the rocky cliff in places.

On the way to the lighthouse is the largest fur seal colony in the North Island.

The seals are everywhere, hopping between bushes and lugging themselves over rocks, wafting pungent smells as they go. They are often sprawled right by the parking area, so take care and make sure you keep at least a 20-metre distance.

The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the last stop on the road. Boldly candy striped in red and white, it has stood at its fantastic vantage point since 1897.

Climb the 253 steep steps to enjoy views of the harakeke-covered hills and surf surging onto shingle beaches below.

Don’t miss: For Lord of the Rings fans, make sure you stop by the Puntangira Pinnacles.

This was the location for Dimholt Road in the Lord of the Rings films. You might recognise it as the place where Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas enter the Paths of the Dead.

Petrina Darrah

I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.

I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my insights into the best places to visit.

If you love good food and good views, you’ve come to the right place. Browse around, and let me give you all my best local recommendations!

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