
Top 10 Things To See With A North Island Travel Pass
New Zealand’s mind-blowing landscape is the stuff of legends, from impenetrable forests, roaring waterfalls and rocky mountains, it has it all. While thousands flock to South Island every year to admire its mirror-like lakes and untouched mountain ranges, New Zealand’s North Island has just as much to offer if you know where to find it. Stray makes sure travellers see the North Island in all its glory, with picture perfect moments again and again via their North Island Travel Pass.
North Island Travel Pass Itinerary
Armed with a North Island Travel Pass start your scenic tour at the Bay of Islands, even a simple walk has ever-changing scenery, taking you from sparkling seas to unspoilt native bush. A boat trip allows passengers to soak up the scenery from the bay’s aquamarine waters, with the exciting possibility of spotting a few dolphins.
Waitomo’s famous Glow Worm Caves are the next stop and not to be missed. Thousands of illuminated green dots lighting up a pitch black cave is just as magical as it sounds.
Waitomo Thermal Pools
After Waitomo comes Rotorua and the Waitapu geothermal wonderland. Ancient explosive mud pools await you, smoking away in shades of vibrant reds, oranges and greens – completely unlike anything you will have seen before.
Unwind from the excitement, with a glass of wine and an evening spent watching the sun slowly sink behind Lake Aniwhenua. Nothing but the occasional bird interrupts the stillness of the crystal clear lake and the vast unending forests behind it.
Lake Aniwhenua & Haka Falls
In stark contrast to the calm Lake Aniwhenua, Haka Falls bright blue waters and roaring rapids are enough to shake anyone awake after a lazy evening.
As you leave Taupo, take one last look back over her unspoilt waters and lush green valleys. The almost surprising presence of Maunganamu Hill, in contrast to the perfectly flat valleys around, makes that picture perfect postcard all the more attainable.
Tongariro National Park
Winding your way up through the Tongariro National park, it’s hard to miss the sight of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom to any Lord Of The Rings fans) unfolding in front of you. Spend a few minutes marvelling at their magnificent size as they tower over you and everything else around.
Forge your own path as you horse trek through Whakahoro, which is the next stop on the Stray North Island path. Being the only people for miles around gives Stray travellers uninterrupted views of the dramatic mountainous terrain, whilst the horses allow you to get to the heart of this starkly beautiful land.
Kaiwhakuaku Falls
After the trek, keep searching for that next perfect shot at the Kaiwhakauka Falls, dip your toes into the clear waters and feel the pure power of the waterfalls as the cold mist hits your face.
Finally, the climax of the week. From start to finish on the Tongaririo Crossing you’ll be met with dazzling views of volcanic peaks and blindingly white snow. The real prize being the view from the summit as you gaze at the valley below.
Stray North Island Travel Passes
Find out more about travelling New Zealand’s North Island via Stray Travel’s North Island travel passes including the below:
Valid for 3 weeks, starting and finishing in Auckland.
Valid for 1 week +, starting and finishing in Auckland.
Valid for 1 week +, starting in Auckland and finishing in Wellington.
Valid for 1 week +, starting and finishing anywhere on North Island.
Valid for 3 days +, starting and finishing in Rotorua.
Valid for 4 days +, starting and finishing in Auckland.
Valid for 2 days +, starting and finishing in Auckland.
Looking to travel both North Island and South Island whilst touring New Zealand, find out more about Stray Travel’s Stray Everywhere Pass.
Find more Stray New Zealand Deals here
Words by Elen Gibbons, Images by Angela Riley