Hidden Gems of New Zealand’s North Island – Through Our Eyes

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but after two months road-tripping around New Zealand’s North Island, we had about 6,000 photos… and still felt like they barely scratched the surface. Each click of the camera held a piece of magic – misty mornings, wild coastlines, and little surprises that seemed to pop up just when we weren’t looking for them.

So, instead of just keeping those moments trapped in a photo album, here’s our personal map of the places that stole our hearts. From soaking in a riverside hot spring to crawling barefoot through secret caves, this is the North Island we fell in love with. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s go exploring together.

🌿 Kerosene Creek – Nature’s Own Hot Tub
Picture this: a steaming, crystal-clear stream winding through lush forest, warm enough to sink into like a bath. That’s Kerosene Creek – and the best part? It’s free. We spent hours here, toes in the water, chatting with locals who told us about how much this place has changed over the years. A little tip from them (and from us): take all your rubbish with you so this slice of paradise stays beautiful for everyone.

🔦 Abbey Caves – Into the Underground
If you’re craving a little adventure, Abbey Caves will give you goosebumps in the best way. We ended up there thanks to a kind Couchsurfing host who picked us up while we were hitchhiking. Shoes off, torches on, wading through cool water in twisting limestone tunnels… it felt like stepping into another world. And the best part? We had it completely to ourselves.

⛰ Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve – Colours from Above
We stumbled upon this place by accident while driving. A short hike led us to a lookout over two vibrant crater lakes – like turquoise jewels in the middle of the bush. If you’ve got more time (and energy), you can keep going up to the summit for a full 360° panorama. We didn’t, but honestly, even the quick walk to the viewpoint felt like discovering a secret.

🌅 East Cape Lighthouse – The First to See the Sun
East Cape Lighthouse marks the easternmost point of New Zealand – and barely anyone goes there. Which, honestly, is part of what makes it so special. The road out is long, bumpy, and quiet, but along the way we met wild horses and saw not a single tour bus. When we finally climbed the steps to the top, it felt like we were standing at the edge of the world.

🌊 Castle Point Lighthouse – A Postcard Come to Life
By the time we reached Castle Point Lighthouse, we’d seen plenty of lighthouses… but this one? Pure magic. Perched on the coast with a wooden walkway leading up to it, it looked like it had been dropped straight out of a travel brochure. We dragged ourselves out of bed before sunrise to see the light spill over the horizon – and it was worth every sleepy step.

🪶 Rotokare Scenic Reserve – Birdsong Sanctuary
Rotokare is the kind of place that makes you slow down. It’s a predator-free haven where native birds live exactly as they should – wild, curious, and unafraid. We wandered along the paths, listening to the chorus of birdsong, spotting species we’d never seen before. It felt peaceful in a way only untouched nature can.

💦 Tokaanu Thermal Pools – The Perfect Goodbye
Near Lake Taupo, we found the ultimate way to end a long day (or a long trip): sinking into the Tokaanu Thermal Pools. Warm, mineral-rich, and surrounded by greenery, they’re like a big sigh in water form. We left feeling floaty, happy, and more than a little tempted to stay forever.

The North Island is full of places that don’t always make it onto postcards – but they’ll stay in your heart long after you’ve left. From the warmth of Kerosene Creek to the mystery of Abbey Caves, from rainbow-coloured lakes to windswept lighthouses, these spots remind you why New Zealand feels like pure magic.

So pack your bags, grab your mates, and hit the road. Out here, every turn feels like nature whispering, “Kia ora"