Waikato/Bay of Plenty

The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions offer some of the most iconic and uniquely New Zealand experiences in the North Island, combining cinematic landscapes, geothermal wonders and Māori culture —all within an easy drive of Auckland. 

Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata is one of the world’s most famous film locations and a must‑see, even if you aren’t a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan. Nearby, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer one of New Zealand’s most magical experiences, with thousands of glowworms illuminating ancient limestone caverns as you drift silently by boat. Beyond the famous glowworm grotto, the area is also home to Ruakuri Cave, known for its dramatic formations and underground streams. Together, the Waitomo caves showcase an unforgettable underground world found nowhere else. The region also offers peaceful countryside scenery, river walks, and highlights such as Hamilton Gardens, known for its beautifully themed garden spaces from around the world.  

Heading east into the Bay of Plenty, the landscape becomes more dramatic and elemental. Rotorua is the region’s centerpiece, famous for its bubbling mud pools, powerful geysers, and naturally heated mineral pools. Visitors can walk through surreal geothermal parks like Wai‑O‑Tapu or Te Puia, then unwind in world‑class hot springs. Rotorua is also one of the best places in the country to experience authentic Māori culture, with traditional welcomes, storytelling, performances, and earth‑cooked cuisine offering meaningful insight into New Zealand heritage.  

Taupō sits at the heart of the North Island and is centered on Lake Taupō, the country’s largest lake. Just minutes from town, Huka Falls is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural sights. Here, the Waikato River is forced through a narrow volcanic gorge, creating a torrent of turquoise water that’s both dramatic and easy to visit.  

Taupō is internationally recognized for its mountain biking thanks to free‑draining volcanic pumice soils, which allow for year‑round riding, and a trail network built by riders, for riders. Whether you want scenic adventure rides or purpose‑built bike parks, Taupō delivers options for nearly every riding style.  

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is widely regarded as New Zealand’s most iconic one‑day hike and is frequently listed among the best day walks in the world. Located in Tongariro National Park, the track crosses an active volcanic landscape within a dual UNESCO World Heritage Area, recognized for both its natural features and its cultural significance to Māori. Hikers pass through dramatically changing terrain in a single day, including ancient lava flows, steaming volcanic vents, alpine craters, vividly colored crater lakes, including the famous Emerald Lakes and wide‑open volcanic plateaus with panoramic views. Much of the landscape was famously used as Mordor in The Lord of the Rings films, though the place is culturally significant and sacred to local iwi, and summits are not climbed.