See and Do - Northland

Location

Northland and the Bay of Islands includes all of the country north of Greater Auckland. This relatively narrow peninsula is New Zealand's northern-most region.

General

The sub-tropical north is a land of rolling, sometimes-rugged countryside, tidal estuaries and mangroves, sparkling island-studded bays and long silvery beaches. In the more rugged areas are remnants of lush sub-tropical forest featuring giant kauris, which are among the largest trees in the world. It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation.

Main Attractions and Activities

Northland is a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic. With 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Inland, hiking trails and short walks in the native forests lead to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

Cape Reinga - where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean - is one of the most northern spots in New Zealand. Coach tours to the Cape drive along the flat, silvery sands of Ninety Mile Beach - an historic "highway" (actually only 64 miles or 103km long) that is very popular with surfcasters and surfers.

As one of the first regions visited and settled by Europeans, the region has the oldest European villages in New Zealand and many historic buildings.

Northland is home to some of New Zealands best vineyards and world-class leading golf courses - Carrington Club and Kauri Cliffs are world renowned in golfing circles.

Bay Of Islands is a must see. Click here to view our Bay of Islands page.

Whangarei City - City of 100 Beaches - has many stunning beaches nearby. Both rough and tumble surf beaches and sedate, calm harbours and bays. Many of the residents in the area live here for the lifestyle. The Bay of Islands is a 1 hour drive away, the many beaches are so close by - great for summer living.

The fishing, the golf courses, the bush walks, hikes and tramping make Whangarei and Northland the ideal region for your holiday.

A relaxing vacation, a secluded holiday or an energetic tour - Northland will work for you. Whangarei is the largest town in Northland and is a great place to start your travel.

Whangarei is a 20 minute flight from Auckland. This means you don't need to navigate from Auckland Airport to Auckland City. Start your trip in Whangarei, check out Northlands stunning coasts, bays, beaches, bush, buildings, historical sites, scenery and the Maori culture.

Northland has the highest concentration of native Maori people in New Zealand.

Kaitaia - Top of the North. Located near the base of Ninety Mile Beach, Kaitaia is the northern most town in New Zealand. There are some small settlements north of Kaitaia on the road to Cape Reinga.

The best way to see these settlements and to visit The Cape, is by bus. Several companies run tours up the road, and return Via Ninety Mile beach (Or vice versa - depending on the tides at the time). The road to the cape is loose gravel and very narrow, so can de difficult to navigate. Many cars have been lost on Ninety Mile Beach - so driving on it is not recommended (rental cars are not insured on the Beach either!).

The Bus tours usually stop along the beach to show items of interest. There is usually a picnic stop, and a chance to slide down some of the big sand dunes on a body board. The cost of the trips vary, but the are great value compared to driving up, and running the risk of damaging your car.

My favourite place to eat in Kaitaia is the Beachcomber Restaurant. Superb food at great prices - Try the Ostrich Steaks too!

Ahipara beach is a short drive from Kaitaia. There you can hire a 4 wheel Quad bike, Blo-Karts or even our own Rhino Rally Karts to explore the Beach and Heads. Check out the seaweed gatherers shacks built on the beachfront!

Hokianga Harbour - Stunning. The Hokianga Harbour is one of the must see places on your tour of Northland. Opononi, Omapere, The Waipoua Kauri Forest and Tane Mahuta - The Giant tree.

Hokianga is a stunning narrow harbour entrance with giant sand dunes. A short ferry trip delivers you to the base on the massive sand dunes. The skipper provides the body boards to slide down the dunes! Awesome speed! With the tide in you can slide down the hills with enough speed to shoot out into the sea! Awesome fun!

The Omapere Copthorne Tourist Hotel is right on the waterfront overlooking the harbour entrance. The resort grounds house several Cabins, as well as the Hotel, Restaurant and a camping ground with facilities.

If you're looking to get married, The Omapere Tourist Hotel is perfect! I had my own wedding there, and Shane and Pip made sure everything was just right - perfect food, stunning location, accommodation for everyone. Just make sure to book well in advance - everybody else wants to get married there too!

Tane Mahuta is a giant Kauri tree, located in the Waipoua Kauri forest - a short drive south of the Hokianga Harbour. Be sure to stop in on the way past - it really is impressive! Footprints - Waipoua offer guided walks through the forest, and have great local knowledge. The Stories, History and Legends they tell are wonderful.

Don't Miss

• Matakohe Kauri Museum

• Giant kauri trees, Waipoua Forest Ninety-Mile Beach and Cape Reinga

• Bay of Islands

• Swimming with dolphins

• Tutukaka Coast

• Diving Poor Knights Islands

• Maritime Museum, Dargaville

• The Quayside, Whangarei

• Hokianga Harbour

• Doubtless Bay beaches

• Fishing in Whangaroa Harbour

• Diving the Rainbow Warrior wreck

• Hole-in-the-rock cruise

• Haruru Falls, Paihia

• Bream Bay surf beaches

• Whangarei Falls

• Waiwera thermal baths

• Kawau Island and Mansion House

• Dargaville - for the kauri forests and wild west coast beaches

• Whangarei - for beautiful bays and beaches, diving and big game fishing

• Paihia - for historic Russell and Waitangi, the Bay of Islands

• Kerikeri - for orchards and craft stalls

• Kaitaia - for Ninety-Mile beach and New Zealand's northern-most point, Cape Reinga

Climate

Northland is a sub-tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild winters. Typical summer temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (maximum daytime) but seldom exceed 30°C. In winter, high temperatures are between 14°C to 17°C. Annual sunshine hours average about 2000 in many areas.

New Zealand's warmest region, Northland enjoys warm weather throughout most of the year. The sub tropical climate is unique to Northland.

The hottest months are January and February. SW winds prevail for much of the year. Sea breezes often occur on warm summer days.

Winter usually has more rain and is the most unsettled time of year. In summer and autumn, storms of tropical origin may bring winds and rain from the east or northeast.

Typical annual rainfall for the region is 1500 - 2000mm per annum.

The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI) is often extemely high. The use of sunscreen, sunhats and glasses is essential.

^Cape Reinga Lighthouse

^Dive Tutukaka

^West Coast Kauri Forests

^Ngunguru Beach