Exploring the Scenic Beauty of North Island: From Paihia to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach with Lunch

North Island, located in New Zealand, is home to a wealth of natural beauty. From the ancient volcanic peaks in Tongariro National Park to the breathtakingly beautiful Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga, this island offers many opportunities for exploration.

For those looking to experience the beauty of North Island, we’ve put together a guide to exploring the region by day. Starting from the small town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, we’ll travel north to Cape Reinga, then clockwise along Ninety Mile Beach and back to Paihia. Along the way we’ll enjoy a lunch break before reaching our final destination.

Getting to Paihia, North Island

The small, picturesque town of Paihia is situated in the Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand. This piece of paradise is just a 2-hour drive from Auckland and a 2-hour 40-minute drive from Wellington. Alternatively, you can take a bus from either city with stops at Paihia. For those coming from further away, you can also get to Paihia by plane. The closest airport is Kerikeri Airport, located just 30 minutes away by car.

Cape Reinga and Te Paki Stream

From Paihia, we will begin our journey north towards the most northern point in New Zealand: Cape Reinga. This iconic destination is a popular place to visit and a destination on every traveller’s list. Along the way, we will stop at Te Paki Stream and take advantage of one of New Zealand’s unique features: orange sand! That’s right – due to high iron content in the volcanic ash here, Te Paki Stream is home to orange-coloured sand that is unlike anything else.

Ninety Mile Beach

After leaving Te Paki Stream, we will make our way to Ninety Mile Beach, located on the northwest coast of the North Island. As its name implies, Ninety Mile Beach stretches an incredible 144 kilometres along the coast – making it one of the longest beaches in the world! Here you can take a stroll along the sand and marvel at the incredible waves that crash against it. Alternatively, you could also enjoy a swim or surf session – provided you don’t get too cold!

Lunch at Awanui

No trip to Ninety Mile Beach is complete without a stop for lunch at Awanui. This small town is located at the end of the beach and is home to many delicious cafes and local eateries. Enjoy a lovely lunch while taking in the unique views of this quaint town before setting off again on our journey.

Heading back to Paihia

From Awanui, we will make our way back to Paihia. Along the way, you can stop at some of the famous landmarks such as Cape Maria van Diemen or take a lovely stroll through the lush green forests that line the coast. Once you arrive back in Paihia, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories of your day exploring North Island’s scenic beauty.

Exploring the natural beauty of North Island is an experience like no other and this one-day itinerary offers a great opportunity for travellers to experience it for themselves. From relaxing on orange sand beaches to enjoying a local bite for lunch, this trip is sure to satisfy adventurers both young and old alike. To book your own North Island experience today, check out GetYourGuide’s activity page. Here you’ll find everything you need to make your plans for your one-day escape to North Island a reality!

Insider’s Guide to North Island: From Paihia to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach with Lunch

North Island is the larger of New Zealand’s two main islands, and is a great place to explore for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure activities. In this insider’s guide, we will take you on a journey from Paihia to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, and highlight the best things to see, do, and eat.

Attractions

North Island is home to a number of scenic attractions that draw visitors from around the world. One of the must-visit destinations is Paihia, a charming town in the Bay of Islands that is known for its beautiful beaches, water activities, and historical sites. Take a scenic cruise to explore the islands, see dolphins and whales, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Another destination worth visiting is Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. The trip itself is a scenic journey, but the highlight is climbing to the top of the lighthouse and seeing the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. You can also check out the Ninety Mile Beach, which is a stunning sandy beach located on the west coast of North Island and perfect for surfing and long walks.

Dining Spots

North Island has a diverse range of dining options, from seafood restaurants to wineries to street food. In Paihia, you could try to enjoy fresh seafood at Alfresco’s Restaurant and Bar, or head to Makana Chocolates for some artisanal chocolates.

For something more exotic, head to the Zig Zag Cafe in Kerikeri, which is one of the best coffee shops in New Zealand, or go to The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri that offers a wide variety of food options, from local produce to international cuisine.

Cultural Experiences

North Island boasts a rich cultural history, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience Maori culture here. Head to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia, where you can learn about the history of the Treaty of Waitangi, see a traditional Maori cultural performance, and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens.

If you have time, visit the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia, which showcases the history and culture of the far north, including art exhibitions and a cinema experience.

Local History

North Island is full of historical sites that are worth a visit, including the Kerikeri Mission Station, which is one of New Zealand’s oldest European settlements. Here, you can explore the historic buildings, see the orchard and gardens, and learn about the history of the region.

Another significant historic site is the Cape Reinga lighthouse, which has an interesting story behind it. You can learn about the lighthouse’s history and see its impressive views while also exploring the surrounding area.

Off-the-beaten-path

While North Island has plenty of popular attractions, it also has plenty of hidden gems that are worth a visit. For instance, take a drive to the Karikari Peninsula, which boasts white sandy beaches and serene landscapes, perfect for a day in the sun.

Another off-the-beaten-path destination is the Hokianga Harbour, which is a picturesque coastal area on the west coast of North Island. Here, you can explore native forests, Maori cultural sites, and the Hokianga Historical Society Museum.

Overall, North Island is a must-visit destination for travelers who are looking to explore natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and adventure activities. Follow this insider’s guide from Paihia to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach to make the most of your trip.