The most Instagrammable places in The North Island
Hi there!
New Zealand is an incredibly gorgeous country, it is ridiculously diverse and most of the beautiful spots are easy to to get to. Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps people like to use, so what are the most instagrammable places you can visit in New Zealand?
Find out what the most popular spots in the North Island are this blog post! Next week we will talk about the most instagrammable places in South Island!
Hobbiton, Matamata
As you all may know, all the movies of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit are filmed in New Zealand. So what is more cliche than visiting the Hobbiton?!
Hobbiton is located close to the town of Matamata in the central part of New Zealand’s North Island. The movie set tour is very popular among the tourists, but the whole visitor process is really well organized. The groups aren't too big and every group has it own a personal tour guide who will take you on a nice stroll through Hobbiton. The guide will also tell you stories about the making process of the movies and more fun facts.
TIP! Book your tickets in advance, you have to pick a time slot you would like to go :)
Taranaki Falls, Whakapapa
Taranaki Falls is located in Tongariro National Park, it is one of the most impressive and stunning New Zealand waterfalls. The waterfall includes unforgeable views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro.
There is a 'hike' to arrive at the insta worthy waterfall, it is an easy 5.3 walk and it takes you around 2 hours return. The waterfall is pretty spectacular and makes a great day in National Park. If you are lucky and the sky is clear, you can see the main road to Taupo and the township of the National Park.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is considered to be one of the must-do hikes in New Zealand. It is a 20 km hike that brings you to some memorable places and views. First, you will go to the carpark, where a shuttle will pick you up. Tip: book the shuttle in advance! Then you will arrive at the start point of the hike. You will come across the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. When you are at the highest point of the crossing you will arrive by the Red Crater. Take another quick climb to the Wai-Whakaata-o-te Rangihiroa, as well known as the Blue Lake. The rest of the hike is downhill.
Cathedral Cove
Whenever you are in the Coromandel Peninsula it is a must visit to go to the famous Cathedral Cove. You can either walk via Hahei Beach or Hahei Village Town Centre to the gorgeous beach. The Cathedral Cove Walk from Hahei Village Entry Carpark is a 1.15 hrs walk. If you are the top lookout, it is a 10-minute walk to Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail, 20 min to Stingray Bay and approximately 45 mins one way to The Cove.
Nice fact! A scene of Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is filmed at the Cathedral Cove!
Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is New Zealand's most colorful geothermal attraction. It is just a short drive from Rotorua or Taupo to arrive at a unique landscape that is sculptured out of volcanic activity and is thousands of years in the making. Visitors can choose one or all three of the walks that will bring them to spectacular places. For example, the Campagne Pool, the bubbling mud and the huge volcanic craters.
It is definitely worth to visit this place!
Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands is based near Piaha, a beautiful little town with some amazing activities you can do around the bay of islands. Bay of Islands is famous for the range of activities you can do over there. You can do a boat tour to watch dolphins, rent a kayak or go paddle boarding. There are also a few walks you can do, you have a coast to coast walk or you can explore The Wairere Boulders Trails. You even have the opportunity to go diving!
