Must-Do List for New Zealand's North Island!
by MEGAN SHAW
Jul 1, 2025
Hobbiton Movie Set | Step into the Fairy Tale World of "The Lord of the Rings"
🍄 Highlights: 44 enchanting Hobbit holes, savor honey beer at the Green Dragon Inn, and see the iconic Party Tree from the films!
🚌 Why Visit: The only real-life filming location of "The Hobbit" worldwide—every photo looks like a painting! Hear behind-the-scenes stories from guides, and discover hidden Easter eggs like Gandalf's path.
📌 Tips:
① Just a 15-minute drive from Matamata town; opt for a half-day tour with transfers.
② Wear a floral dress + straw hat for the perfect photo op by a Hobbit door!
♨ Polynesian Spa | A Healing Paradise by Volcanic Lake
🌋 Highlights:
▫ Natural sulfur hot springs in Rotorua's geothermal zone—skincare perfection 💯
▫ 7 mineral pools to choose from (try the acidic pool for acne + alkaline pool for glowing skin!)
▫ Soak in lake-view pools while black swans glide by.
🌿 Why Visit: Ranked among the world's TOP 10 hot springs! Soak in milky-blue waters with faint sulfur aromas and steam rising from the earth—pure magic!
📌 Tips:
① Book the "Lakeside Deluxe Private Pool" with champagne for sunset vibes.
② Reserve early on their website—peak seasons sell out!
🌋 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland | Hike Through an Alien Landscape
🔥 Highlights: Champagne Pool's orange-green volcanic lake, Lady Knox Geyser (erupts daily at 10:15 AM!), and bubbling mud pools.
📸 Why Visit: Earth's most moon-like terrain! Trek 1.5 hours through sulfur clouds—it’s like stepping onto a sci-fi movie set!
📌 Tips:
① Arrive before 9 AM to avoid steam obscuring views.
② Wear grippy shoes—geothermal paths are slippery.
🐑 Agrodome | Cuddle Alpacas + Devour Kiwi Fruit!
🦙 Highlights: Hand-feed adorable alpacas, watch sheep-shearing shows, and ride off-road through kiwifruit orchards!
🌱 Why Visit: New Zealand’s largest farm experience—super therapeutic to pet sheep! Taste 100% natural honey and golden kiwifruit ice cream.
📌 Tips:
① Book the farm BBQ lunch for juicy, flame-grilled lamb.
② Buy lanolin souvenirs—cheaper than in the city!
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💡 Itinerary Tips
Day 1: Auckland → Hobbiton (2hr drive) → Rotorua
Day 2: Wai-O-Tapu → Polynesian Spa (just 20 minutes apart!)
Day 3: Agrodome → Return
Post by MEGAN SHAW | Jul 1, 2025












