NORTHLAND - North Island, New Zealand

Northland is the most northern province of the North Island about 350 km from Auckland. Often described as the winterless north, its warmer climate provides a rich source of palms and citrus fruits and an array of beautiful beaches.

The east coast has golden sand beaches with turquoise water perfect for marine activities like sailing, scuba diving and yachting. In contrast the west coast has huge dunes and black sand beaches with wild waters including holes and tidal rips.

Historically, Northland is the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the early days of settlement between native Maori and European visitors. The Maori in the Bay of Islands were dismayed by the whalers exploiting the sea and missionaries seeking to convert their people, so they sought Britain's intervention and ended up signing the Treaty. It has remained a relevant if somewhat controversial document in New Zealand politics today.

Northland abounds in marine adventure and activities in breathtakingly beautiful locations. The Kowhai Coast is a hub for yachties sailing around Kawau Island. The Goat Island Marine Reserve boasts of a beautiful underwater world and is an extremely popular snorkeling spot. Picturesque Bream Bay curves gently for about 20 kilometres and leads to the entrance of Whangarei Harbour, the major port town in Northland.

The Poor Knight Islands situated off the Whangarei Coast are a very popular diving spot, however most tourists continue up the coast to the Bay of Islands. It is a group of islands ideal for diving, cruises and swimming with dolphins. Paihia is a popular tourist destination with access to all the activities. Close by is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

From the Bay of Islands, as you travel up further, you will hear The Far North often mentioned. This comprises the Whangaroa Harbour, the famous resort of Doubtless Bay and the Aupori Peninsula hosting Ninety Mile Beach, leading up to the northern most tip of the North Island accessible by road, Cape Reinga. This is the place where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea smash together, creating a great ocean spectacle.

Kaitaia is the Far North's largest commercial centre and is a convenient base for trips to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. The Far North Regional Museum in Kaitaia is a glorious collection that reflects the rich history of the place. Just out of Kaitaia, you will find magnificent beaches in Ahipara. Some of the earliest settlers here were the Serbo Croats or Dalmatians fleeing persecution in Europe.

The west coast of Northland was once the domain of magnificent kauri forests, whose wood is of very special quality and was exported worldwide from New Zealand. The Hokianga Harbour was the hub of activity and the trade flourished till the kauri logging ended. There has been no other business that has successfully replaced it.

The Hokianga Harbour is one of the largest in New Zealand and is backed by sand dunes. Opononi and Omapere are two popular resorts near the harbour entrance. The villages of Kohukohu and attractive Rawene are ideal for exploring both sides of the harbour.

South of Hokianga are the Waipoua and Trounson forests. Serious lobbying over the years has resulted in the formation of the Waipoua Sanctuary where logging is illegal except in special circumstances and these forests have delightful nature walks.

New Zealand's mightiest tree is the Tane Mahuta which is 1200 years old. The Kai Iwi lakes south of Trounson are home to three large dune lakes created by rainwater. The lakes are a gorgeous place to visit with their fresh water ringed by white sand and excellent fishing, swimming and water skiing.

Further south is Dargaville, purportedly the capital of the Kauri Coast. It services a regional farming community involved in dairying and kumara (sweet potato) growing. There is a sizeable Dalmation community here as gum exports were popular in earlier days, and to find out more about the town's history you can visit the Dargaville Museum.

Close to Dargaville are Bayleys and Ripiro Beaches. Ripiro Beach is the longest drivable beach in New Zealand. You can spot seals and penguins during winter. South of Dargaville is the Kauri Museum at Matakohe. This is one of the finest museums in the country and is a must see spot on any tourist's itinerary.

When making a trip around Northland, you are better off driving your own vehicle. Public transport is available but limited. There are bus tours and these are a convenient way of travelling around the remote areas especially the west coast.

Ahipara

Ahipara is a remote beachside village about 15 kilometres west of Kaitaia that came into existence because of the Ahipara gumfields.

Ahipara - More Information

Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay is located north of the Bay of Islands as it juts out of the coastline. It is bounded on its north and west by the Karikari Peninsula.

Doubtless Bay - More Information

Kaitaia

Kaitaia, about 40 kms west of Mangonui, is Northland's largest commercial town. It forms a great base for exploring Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

Kaitaia - More Information

Tutukaka

The Tutukaka Coast is famous for its big game fishing and scuba diving. Tutukaka is located 30 kms northeast of Whangarei, a coastal village set in a beautiful deep harbour.

Tutukaka - More Information

Northland Transportation

The Bay of Islands Visitor Centre is on Marsden Rd in Paihia, close to the waterfront. Buses from Auckland stop outside. The adjoining Maritime Building houses booking services for all the major tour and cruise operators and is open till 9 pm during peak season from November to March. The Bay of Islands airport is about 22 kilometres northwest, close to Kerikeri. Planes from Auckland land here. There is a shuttle bus operating from the airport.

Northland Accommodation

Northland Activities