Stretching North from Auckland towards the tip of the North Island lies the beautiful and unique region of Northland. With a sub-tropical climate and an extensive unspoilt coastline, there are endless opportunities to explore beautiful islands, quiet coves and sandy beaches.
Northland is an aquatic adventure playground where you can go sailing, surfing, boating, scuba-diving and much more! The region is steeped in history too and Maori culture is still very much alive. The Treaty of Waitangi, the document that founded bicultural New Zealand, was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840. Waitangi is a great place to hang out on New Zealand’s National Day (Waitangi Day) on February 6th.
Bay of Islands is the buzzing tourist hub of Northland and includes the towns of Paihia, Kerikeri, Waitangi and Russell. But it’s worth getting off the beaten track and discovering the more remote areas – get on a hiking trail!
Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of New Zealand. The panoramic views are spectacular and you can watch the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea as they merge. From here you can also see the famous 800-year-old pohutukawa tree where, it is said, Maori spirits depart on their journey to their final resting place.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Go jetboating, sailing or swimming with dolphins around the beautiful Bay of Islands or simply soak up the atmosphere at Paihia wharf.
Visit the colonial town of Russell, NZ’s oldest settlement and first capital. You can pick up a Bay of Islands boat tour from here, as well as from Paihia.
Check out the underwater world with some world-class diving at the famous Poor Knights Islands, or at Matauri Bay where the Rainbow Warrior shipwreck is situated.
Take a 4WD tour along 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga and take in the amazing panoramic views.
The Waitangi Treaty House in Waitangi is a 'must see' for anyone interested in New Zealand's history and culture.
Go on a glass-bottomed boat around the Goat Island Marine Reserve.
Whangarei Falls is a stunning beauty spot to spend a few hours with a picnic.
Check out the ancient giant Kauri trees in the awesome Waipoua Kauri Forest on the West coast.
Drive around the sandy white coves of Manapouri and Whangarei Heads.
We luuurved the fish and chips from Leigh fish and chips, just off SH1!
Stretching North from Auckland towards the tip of the North Island lies the beautiful and unique region of Northland. With a sub-tropical climate and an extensive unspoilt coastline, there are endless opportunities to explore beautiful islands, quiet coves and sandy beaches. 
Bay of Islands is the buzzing tourist hub of Northland and includes the towns of Paihia, Kerikeri, Waitangi and Russell. But it’s worth getting off the beaten track and discovering the more remote areas – get on a hiking trail!
