Northland

Northland, New Zealand is a subtropical haven of beaches, islands and bays, native rainforest and is culturally significant, being New Zealand’s first area of settlement. The Northland Region...More

Northland, New Zealand is a subtropical haven of beaches, islands and bays, native rainforest and is culturally significant, being New Zealand’s first area of settlement. The Northland Region stretches from Auckland to the very top of New Zealand. It is a story of two coastlines with the iconic Bay of Islands, as well as the Kauri Coast, the Far North, and Whangarei. Encounter the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in existence, amongst New Zealand rainforest near the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Journey past the huge sand dunes and pristine beaches of the Far North to experience the northernmost tip of the country, where you can watch the seas of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide. Visit the stunning Doubtless Bay and then the beautiful Bay of Islands with its 144 islands and bays. Swim with dolphins, dive, fish, sail or play golf and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, along with Russell and Kerikeri, New Zealand's oldest settlements and buildings. Northland's only city, Whangarei is close to the beautiful Bream Bay and Mangawhai beaches to the south, and Tutukaka with a world-class marine reserve for diving and fantastic outlying marlin fishing areas.

Best things to do in Northland.

1.      Visit the Bay of Islands with 144 islands and many beautiful bays and beaches, take one of the many boat trips with water sports and activities on offer here and swim, snorkel kayak and or paddle-board, dive, fish, sail as your heart desires. Out to sea, you can enjoy fantastic outlying marlin fishing areas.

2.      Dive at the Poor Knights Islands off Tutukaka, a world-class marine reserve with some of the best subtropical diving in the world. The 11 million-year-old Islands’ volcanic origins provide myriad spectacular drop-offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels all abundantly populated with the unique and incredibly varied plant, animal and fish life.

3.      Walk through New Zealand rainforest found throughout Northland with many rare native trees and birds.  Visit Waipoua near the stunning Hokianga harbour and encounter the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in existence. Puketi Kauri forest near the Bay of Islands also has many different walks to choose from and an excellent guided tour.

4.      Journey past the huge sand dunes and pristine beaches of the Far North to experience the northernmost tip of the country, where you can watch the seas of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide. Guided tours include bogey boarding down the Te Paki sand dunes and a drive down 90-mile beach!

5.      Explore the stunning Doubtless Bay with its many subtropical beaches, vineyards, olive groves and the old whaling village of Manganui with its historical walk, waterfront cafés and world-famous fish and chips!

6.      Discover Waitangi New Zealand’s most important historic site near Paihia, an authentic and interactive cultural experience showing the story of New Zealand’s history.

7.      Visit Russell New Zealand’s first European settlement and seaport. This quaint seaside town's streets retain their original layout and names from 1843 and still has many of its original historic buildings to visit.

8.      Twin Coast Cycle Trail stretching from the Bay of Islands on the east coast to the Hokianga Harbour in the west coast. You will see old historic settlements, coastal views, lush forests and fascinating cultural sights.

9.      Whangarei, Northland's only city with art galleries, restaurants and shops. Visit Whangarei Falls and drive out to Whangarei Heads with hiking trails beaches and views.

10.   Surf at Shipwreck Bay on the west coast and Taupo Bay, Matauri Bay, Sandys bay or Mangawhai on the east coast as you travel around Northland.