Experience the Brilliance of New Zealand for Less (9 Activities for Under $200- North Island)
New Zealand is known to be a pricy travel destination despite our positive exchange rate. There are a TON of activities that can end up costing you beaucoup bucks in New Zealand. You can also do it smart and rely on the uniqueness and sheer beauty of New Zealand, which provides many free activities. This allows you to really pick and choose what you want to spend your money on. Here we developed a list of 9 activities on the North Island, where you will get to enjoy what New Zealand has to offer, but also not break the bank! You can do all these activities for under $200! Check out how to Experience New Zealand for less (in no particular order):
1. Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula - $3 USD
Hot Water Beach is the only place on earth where you can dig your own hot water pool, relax, and soak in the warm thermal water while enjoying some amazing ocean views! Since this is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand, so you get to share the beach with a ton of other like-minded people from around the world. While a ton of tourists are typically annoying, it really makes the experience here, with some of the best people watching in New Zealand!
Hot Water Beach has underground hot springs that come up through the sand between high and low tide. Within two hours either side of low tide, you can go to the beach and dig into the sand to create your own hot water tub. Since there is an underground hot spring in this location, the digging allows the hot water to escape to the surface. Be careful because it’s hot! With temperatures, as high as 147 °F (64 °C) where the water fizzes out.
The Scoop:
- Shovel/Spade Rental: You can rent a spade from one of the local cafes, surf shop or nearby holiday park for $3 USD ($14 USD deposit required).
- Free Parking: There is free parking if you rent your shovel from one of the nearby cafes, park in their lot and walk over. Also, you can park in the first entrance to Hot Water Beach for free.
- Look up the Low Tide Schedule: Check out the schedule the night before you plan to go so you know when to arrive as you only have a 4 hour window.
- Get There Early: Hot Water Beach is a top tourist destination and fills up quickly.
- Beware of the Ocean: Known for its dangerous rip currents, holes, off-shore rocks and large waves, only experienced swimmers should enter the water!
2. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula - $0 USD
Cathedral cove is on the top of our list as the most beautiful beach on the entire island. The beach squeezes an exorbitant amount of beauty into such a small beach! Home to the picturesque classic photos inside the cave looking out at the white rocks.
On a warm summer day if you are feeling adventurous you can swim out to the flat rock and dive off, looking for the swim-thru under water bridge on the rock’s south end. Or swim out along the southern cliff and explore the swim into sea caves to find secret dark sand beaches. Also, there is a hard to see sprinkling water fall near the south wall you can rinse off under.
Located in Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve you park at the top car park and trek down to the beach (30-45 minutes one way). It is a moderate walk with some stairs and steep parts. The reserve is also home to Sting Ray and Gemstone Bays, which are short walks to beautiful bays on the way to Cathedral Cove.
The Scoop:
- Get There Early: Arrive by 9 or 10 am. The car park at the top of the reserve is tiny and fills up quickly, as unfortunately everyone else also thinks this is the most beautiful beach on the island. Also since the beach is east facing the light is the best in the morning for photos.
- Bring Everything with You: The trek down to the beach is long and you aren’t going to want to go back up until your done so make sure you bring everything you need. Water, booze, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, beach towel, sunglasses, etc..
3. Karangahake Gorge, Coromandel Peninsula - $0 USD
At Karangahake Gorge there are several spectacular walks ranging from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. Our favorite two were the Windows Walk and Railway Tunnel Loop. The Windows Walk is a loop walk that follows the bush tramway and passes by “windows” through the cliff at the end of large mining tunnels. At the end of the tunnels if you look up you can see some glowworms on the ceiling of the tunnel! You also get to see some amazing scenery as you walk over a suspension bridge back along the cliffs with a beautiful view of the river and nature below.
The Railway Tunnel loop is really neat because you get to walk through an old semi-lighted railroad tunnel that goes right through the mountain! Then it takes you out through a beautiful riverside trail where you can get some amazing scenic pictures.
The Scoop:
- Bring Flashlight: Since you will be in dark tunnels this will come in handy so you can explore.
- Bring Water and Lunch: The Karangahake car park has a great picnic area to eat your lunch after or between walks.
4. Waipu Cave, Northland Region - $0 USD
Want to view a glowworm galaxy for free? Not only can you see glowworms for free here, you also have the freedom to explore this cool cave on your own! The cave is very large and there are giant stalactites and stalagmites throughout. There is a stream that runs through the cave as well as a loop of twists and turns through a maze of inter-connected passages if you’re feeling adventurous.
The Scoop:
- Bring a Flashlight: It’s a large cave so you will need a flashlight to see and maneuver thought the cave.
- Let Your Eyes Adjust: The huge cavern will seem to eat you light up, but you just need to be patient and let your eyes’ rods and cones adjust until you get your night vision eyes. This is especially true when you want to see the glow worms. Once you are inside the cave sit next to the giant stalagmite to the left and wait around 7 minutes in the dark and then see the bioluminescent glowworm galaxy shine overhead!
- Bring Water Shoes: It is super wet and muddy though the cave due to the stream that runs through the cave.
- Wear Clothes You Don’t Care About and/or a Swimsuit: The cave is wet and muddy to walk though, especially if you are going to go tramp through the cave in its entirety, you are going to get wet and dirty!
- Spare Change of Clothes: In case you get to muddy in the cave there is a shower outside as well as a bathroom to change into some clean clothes.
5. Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata - $58 USD
If you’re a huge Hobbit and Lord of the Ring fan like me, or even if you’re not, this is a must see and was worth every penny. If you know Peter Jackson, you know that he is a known for being extremely detailed in all his sets and he made no exception for the Shire. The family partnered with the film crew to make the set permanent after the Hobbit movies, to allow guided tours to come through daily. Now the rest of us can wander around in awe with childhood grins on our faces and pretend we are hobbits.
Just a warning though after being in the Shire you may have the impulse to buy all the movies so that you can shout out “I was there!” or “I remember that hobbit hole!” Also, not to crush your dreams as mine were crushed, but there is nothing inside any of the hobbit holes but the wood to make the structure. It is still really cool though as all the props outside are set up EXACTLY like the film and you will really feel like you stepped into the Shire.
6. Skyline and/or the Zorb Adventures, Rotorua - $27 to $66 USD
It’s time for some adventure! Rotorua is home to some of the most extreme activities in the North Island. At the Skyline a bunch of activities are a gondola ride away. Choose from a combination of adventure activities like the Luge, Skyswing, or Ziplining. Prices range from $39 to 66 USD for different combinations of the three. And/or give the Zorb a shot and roll down the hill in a blown up, human sized hamster wheel ($27 USD).
The Scoop:
Get There Early: The lines get long here most people coming to New Zealand have an adventurous side. Be the first to arrive to avoid the lines.
Check the Weather: As with any outdoor activities you want to make sure you are dressed appropriately to plunge through the air, roll down the hill, or glide down a mountain.
If It’s Cold Bring Gloves for the Luge: Your hands can get super cold and seem like they are freezing as you are zooming down the hill, so bring your racing gloves!
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7. Whitewater Rafting on the Kaitua River, Rotorua - $59 USD
Raft down the scenically beautiful Kaitua river and the highest rafted waterfall in the world, Tutea Falls. At ~8 yards (7m) down you are sure to find the thrill you seek or conquer your fears while surrounded by the wonders of nature.
The Scoop:
Book Your Spot in Advance: Spots fill up quickly for this famous trip so make sure you at least try to book a couple days in advance.
Check the Weather Conditions: The weather is always changing in New Zealand so make sure you check the forecast before booking.
Bring a Swimsuit and Towel: You are definitely going to get wet so you are going to need these!
8. Kerosene Creek, Waiotapu - $0 USD
Kerosene Creek is a free natural hot spring oasis with two small beautiful steaming waterfalls. Nature surrounds you as you soak and play in the thermal wonderland. You walk from the carpark 15 minutes one way to the pools.
The Scoop:
- Bring All Valuables with You: Car break-ins are frequent and can be in and out of your car and trunk in seconds.
- Don’t Leave Anything Behind: Help keep this place beautiful by not leaving any of your trash behind.
- It’s a Rowdy Place on Weekend Nights: All the locals get the same idea and come here to party on the weekends.
9. Tongariro National Park, Central North Island - $0 to $21 USD
This is a national park with a lot of history, the active volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro are the center pieces of the park. There are a ton of hikes and things to see in the national park for free or inexpensively. The giant volcanic mountains are magnificent and powerful. Just doing a drive through the park would be lovely, but to truly experience the park, you should do a hike. There are a variety in the park depending on your time table, here are our top picks:
Taranaki Falls Walk, Mt Ruapehu (2 hours-Easy): This is a loop walk where you walk through alpine shrub lands and beech forest with a fantastic view of Mt Ruapehu. The volcano erupted 20 years ago, so you can still see where the exposed lava flows were. In the middle of the loop you will arrive at Taranaki Falls, a massively tall and powerful falls with mountain backdrop views. Be careful, on a windy day if your close the falls they will spray you right in the face!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7 hour-Difficult): Here you will step into a volcanic wonderland of Mt Tongariro and pass the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom in Lord of the rings). You will see craters, moon-like terrain, emerald lakes, a blue lake, and finally a hot spring before your journey ends. The track is a one way, so you will most likely need to set up a shuttle bus for at least one way ($21 USD).
The Scoop:
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in this area is very fickle and may be very cold, raining, clouded in, or windy at times. So make sure you are prepared and bring the right clothing.
- Book in Advance: Book one day in advance and make sure to check the weather before to get the best chance of getting a good day.
- Bring Enough Water and Food: Especially if you decide to do the alpine crossing make sure you are bringing adequate amount of water (at least 4 liters) and food, as this is a long difficult walk and you will be burning a lot of fuel. There is no places to stop to fill up your water, so bring everything you need with you.
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Experience the Brilliance of New Zealand for Less (9 Activities for Under $200- North Island)
New Zealand is known to be a pricy travel destination despite our positive exchange rate. There are a TON of activities that can end up costing you beaucoup bucks in New Zealand. You can also do it smart and rely on the uniqueness and sheer beauty of New Zealand, which provides many free activities. This allows you to really pick and choose what you want to spend your money on. Here we developed a list of 9 activities on the North Island, where you will get to enjoy what New Zealand has to offer, but also not break the bank! You can do all these activities for under $200! Check out how to Experience New Zealand for less (in no particular order):
1. Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula - $3 USD
Hot Water Beach is the only place on earth where you can dig your own hot water pool, relax, and soak in the warm thermal water while enjoying some amazing ocean views! Since this is one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand, so you get to share the beach with a ton of other like-minded people from around the world. While a ton of tourists are typically annoying, it really makes the experience here, with some of the best people watching in New Zealand!
Hot Water Beach has underground hot springs that come up through the sand between high and low tide. Within two hours either side of low tide, you can go to the beach and dig into the sand to create your own hot water tub. Since there is an underground hot spring in this location, the digging allows the hot water to escape to the surface. Be careful because it’s hot! With temperatures, as high as 147 °F (64 °C) where the water fizzes out.
The Scoop:
- Shovel/Spade Rental: You can rent a spade from one of the local cafes, surf shop or nearby holiday park for $3 USD ($14 USD deposit required).
- Free Parking: There is free parking if you rent your shovel from one of the nearby cafes, park in their lot and walk over. Also, you can park in the first entrance to Hot Water Beach for free.
- Look up the Low Tide Schedule: Check out the schedule the night before you plan to go so you know when to arrive as you only have a 4 hour window.
- Get There Early: Hot Water Beach is a top tourist destination and fills up quickly.
- Beware of the Ocean: Known for its dangerous rip currents, holes, off-shore rocks and large waves, only experienced swimmers should enter the water!
2. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula - $0 USD
Cathedral cove is on the top of our list as the most beautiful beach on the entire island. The beach squeezes an exorbitant amount of beauty into such a small beach! Home to the picturesque classic photos inside the cave looking out at the white rocks.
On a warm summer day if you are feeling adventurous you can swim out to the flat rock and dive off, looking for the swim-thru under water bridge on the rock’s south end. Or swim out along the southern cliff and explore the swim into sea caves to find secret dark sand beaches. Also, there is a hard to see sprinkling water fall near the south wall you can rinse off under.
Located in Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve you park at the top car park and trek down to the beach (30-45 minutes one way). It is a moderate walk with some stairs and steep parts. The reserve is also home to Sting Ray and Gemstone Bays, which are short walks to beautiful bays on the way to Cathedral Cove.
The Scoop:
- Get There Early: Arrive by 9 or 10 am. The car park at the top of the reserve is tiny and fills up quickly, as unfortunately everyone else also thinks this is the most beautiful beach on the island. Also since the beach is east facing the light is the best in the morning for photos.
- Bring Everything with You: The trek down to the beach is long and you aren’t going to want to go back up until your done so make sure you bring everything you need. Water, booze, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, beach towel, sunglasses, etc..
3. Karangahake Gorge, Coromandel Peninsula - $0 USD
At Karangahake Gorge there are several spectacular walks ranging from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. Our favorite two were the Windows Walk and Railway Tunnel Loop. The Windows Walk is a loop walk that follows the bush tramway and passes by “windows” through the cliff at the end of large mining tunnels. At the end of the tunnels if you look up you can see some glowworms on the ceiling of the tunnel! You also get to see some amazing scenery as you walk over a suspension bridge back along the cliffs with a beautiful view of the river and nature below.
The Railway Tunnel loop is really neat because you get to walk through an old semi-lighted railroad tunnel that goes right through the mountain! Then it takes you out through a beautiful riverside trail where you can get some amazing scenic pictures.
The Scoop:
- Bring Flashlight: Since you will be in dark tunnels this will come in handy so you can explore.
- Bring Water and Lunch: The Karangahake car park has a great picnic area to eat your lunch after or between walks.
4. Waipu Cave, Northland Region - $0 USD
Want to view a glowworm galaxy for free? Not only can you see glowworms for free here, you also have the freedom to explore this cool cave on your own! The cave is very large and there are giant stalactites and stalagmites throughout. There is a stream that runs through the cave as well as a loop of twists and turns through a maze of inter-connected passages if you’re feeling adventurous.
The Scoop:
- Bring a Flashlight: It’s a large cave so you will need a flashlight to see and maneuver thought the cave.
- Let Your Eyes Adjust: The huge cavern will seem to eat you light up, but you just need to be patient and let your eyes’ rods and cones adjust until you get your night vision eyes. This is especially true when you want to see the glow worms. Once you are inside the cave sit next to the giant stalagmite to the left and wait around 7 minutes in the dark and then see the bioluminescent glowworm galaxy shine overhead!
- Bring Water Shoes: It is super wet and muddy though the cave due to the stream that runs through the cave.
- Wear Clothes You Don’t Care About and/or a Swimsuit: The cave is wet and muddy to walk though, especially if you are going to go tramp through the cave in its entirety, you are going to get wet and dirty!
- Spare Change of Clothes: In case you get to muddy in the cave there is a shower outside as well as a bathroom to change into some clean clothes.
5. Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata - $58 USD
If you’re a huge Hobbit and Lord of the Ring fan like me, or even if you’re not, this is a must see and was worth every penny. If you know Peter Jackson, you know that he is a known for being extremely detailed in all his sets and he made no exception for the Shire. The family partnered with the film crew to make the set permanent after the Hobbit movies, to allow guided tours to come through daily. Now the rest of us can wander around in awe with childhood grins on our faces and pretend we are hobbits.
Just a warning though after being in the Shire you may have the impulse to buy all the movies so that you can shout out “I was there!” or “I remember that hobbit hole!” Also, not to crush your dreams as mine were crushed, but there is nothing inside any of the hobbit holes but the wood to make the structure. It is still really cool though as all the props outside are set up EXACTLY like the film and you will really feel like you stepped into the Shire.
6. Skyline and/or the Zorb Adventures, Rotorua - $27 to $66 USD
It’s time for some adventure! Rotorua is home to some of the most extreme activities in the North Island. At the Skyline a bunch of activities are a gondola ride away. Choose from a combination of adventure activities like the Luge, Skyswing, or Ziplining. Prices range from $39 to 66 USD for different combinations of the three. And/or give the Zorb a shot and roll down the hill in a blown up, human sized hamster wheel ($27 USD).
The Scoop:
Get There Early: The lines get long here most people coming to New Zealand have an adventurous side. Be the first to arrive to avoid the lines.
Check the Weather: As with any outdoor activities you want to make sure you are dressed appropriately to plunge through the air, roll down the hill, or glide down a mountain.
If It’s Cold Bring Gloves for the Luge: Your hands can get super cold and seem like they are freezing as you are zooming down the hill, so bring your racing gloves!
7. Whitewater Rafting on the Kaitua River, Rotorua - $59 USD
Raft down the scenically beautiful Kaitua river and the highest rafted waterfall in the world, Tutea Falls. At ~8 yards (7m) down you are sure to find the thrill you seek or conquer your fears while surrounded by the wonders of nature.
The Scoop:
Book Your Spot in Advance: Spots fill up quickly for this famous trip so make sure you at least try to book a couple days in advance.
Check the Weather Conditions: The weather is always changing in New Zealand so make sure you check the forecast before booking.
Bring a Swimsuit and Towel: You are definitely going to get wet so you are going to need these!
8. Kerosene Creek, Waiotapu - $0 USD
Kerosene Creek is a free natural hot spring oasis with two small beautiful steaming waterfalls. Nature surrounds you as you soak and play in the thermal wonderland. You walk from the carpark 15 minutes one way to the pools.
The Scoop:
- Bring All Valuables with You: Car break-ins are frequent and can be in and out of your car and trunk in seconds.
- Don’t Leave Anything Behind: Help keep this place beautiful by not leaving any of your trash behind.
- It’s a Rowdy Place on Weekend Nights: All the locals get the same idea and come here to party on the weekends.
9. Tongariro National Park, Central North Island - $0 to $21 USD
This is a national park with a lot of history, the active volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro are the center pieces of the park. There are a ton of hikes and things to see in the national park for free or inexpensively. The giant volcanic mountains are magnificent and powerful. Just doing a drive through the park would be lovely, but to truly experience the park, you should do a hike. There are a variety in the park depending on your time table, here are our top picks:
Taranaki Falls Walk, Mt Ruapehu (2 hours-Easy): This is a loop walk where you walk through alpine shrub lands and beech forest with a fantastic view of Mt Ruapehu. The volcano erupted 20 years ago, so you can still see where the exposed lava flows were. In the middle of the loop you will arrive at Taranaki Falls, a massively tall and powerful falls with mountain backdrop views. Be careful, on a windy day if your close the falls they will spray you right in the face!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7 hour-Difficult): Here you will step into a volcanic wonderland of Mt Tongariro and pass the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom in Lord of the rings). You will see craters, moon-like terrain, emerald lakes, a blue lake, and finally a hot spring before your journey ends. The track is a one way, so you will most likely need to set up a shuttle bus for at least one way ($21 USD).
The Scoop:
- Unpredictable Weather: The weather in this area is very fickle and may be very cold, raining, clouded in, or windy at times. So make sure you are prepared and bring the right clothing.
- Book in Advance: Book one day in advance and make sure to check the weather before to get the best chance of getting a good day.
- Bring Enough Water and Food: Especially if you decide to do the alpine crossing make sure you are bringing adequate amount of water (at least 4 liters) and food, as this is a long difficult walk and you will be burning a lot of fuel. There is no places to stop to fill up your water, so bring everything you need with you.
Man does that sound like 6 or 7 days of fun or what? So now you know all the activities let’s do the math. Now obviously, you can mix and match how you choose, but I chose the activities where you can get the most bang for your buck. All that for under $200!
Activity | NZD | USD | For a Couple |
---|---|---|---|
Totals | $261 | $181 | $362 |
Spade Rental-Hot Water Beach | $5 | $3 | $3 |
Catheral Cove | - | - | - |
Karangahake Gorge | - | - | - |
Waipu Cave | - | - | - |
Hobbiton Tour | $85 | $59 | $118 |
5 Luge Rides and Gondola | $56 | $39 | $78 |
Whitewater Rafting | $85 | $59 | $118 |
Kerosene Creek | - | - | - |
Tongariro Shuttle | $30 | $21 | $42 |
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