North of Auckland, New Zealand’s first voyagers struck land, settled and thrived in a sunny, subtropical climate; today Northland remains an enticing visitor destination.

Hugely important in New Zealand’s history, Northland is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Maori tradition and culture is very much alive here – in vibrant contrast to the colonial way of life that can be seen in the region’s many buildings and museums.

Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours and spectacular forest, subtropical Northland is filled with stunning beauty – a region of unspoilt natural splendour. Its clear waters are one of New Zealand’s favourite playgrounds for lovers of anything aquatic –  from diving, sailing and fishing to swimming with dolphins.

The Bay of Islands is probably the best known part of Northland. An easy three-and-a-half hour drive from Auckland, this marine wonder-world is comprised of 144 islands dotted with secluded bays. But Northland is not just the Bay of Islands, and a car or campervan is the best way to explore. See the dramatic West Coast, with its giant Kauri trees and sand dunes, view the meeting of two oceans at Cape Reinga and snorkel in the largest underwater cave at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

Offering its own unique brand of subtropical pleasure, you can find yourself in a luxury lodge, resort hotel or your own waterfront apartment. And all around the north, fresh local produce, a wide variety of seafood and award-winning wines come together in fine Pacific Rim cuisine.

Regional Highlights

Unforgettable Sights

Cape Reinga Place of intense spiritual significance to Maori and the meeting point of two oceans. 90 Mile Beach Long stretch of wild coastline. Poor Knights Islands Marine reserve with spectacular reefs, secret tunnels and the largest underwater cave in the world.

Adrenaline Rush

Hole in the Rock (Paihia) High-speed power boat adventure through the famous Hole in the Rock. www.awesomenz.com Sand Tobogganing Head-first down enormous sand dunes in the Hokianga and at Te Paki Stream. 4WD on 90 Mile Beach (Ahipara) Quad biking on sand dunes overlooking the famous beach. Sail NZ – On the Edge (Paihia) New Zealand’s fastest commercial sailing catamaran. www.explorenz.co.nz

Relax & Indulge

Eagles Nest (Russell) Unwind at this private estate featuring private chef and private spa treatment. www.eaglesnest.co.nz Kauri Cliffs (Matauri Bay) Lodge, golf course and spa with al fresco and fireside treatments. www.kauricliffs.com La Spa Naturale (Paihia) Indulge yourself at Paihia Beach Resort’s spa (recommended by Condé Nast). www.paihiabeach.co.nz

Luxury

Cavalli Island Retreat (Cavalli Islands) Secluded sophistication at a private island hideaway. www.cavalliislandretreat.co.nz Day cruise on Missionhills (Paihia) Board this elegant 72-ft motor yacht for a Bay of Islands cruise in unparalleled luxury. www.paihiabeach.co.nz Salt Air (Paihia) Spectacular scenic flights around the Bay of Islands and Northland. www.saltair.co.nz

Culture

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Waitangi) The site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. www.waitangi.net.nz Culture North (Waitangi) Night show depicting New Zealand’s culture and story. www.culturenorth.co.nz Footprints Waipoua (Opononi) Guided tours into the Waipoua Forest. www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz Crossings Hokianga (Opononi) Boat cruise on the Hokianga Harbour. www.crossingshokianga.co.nz

Natural New Zealand

Swimming with dolphins An unforgettable marine wildlife encounter. www.DolphinCruises.co.nz or www.explorenz.co.nz Dive! Tutukaka Dive the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. www.diving.co.nz

On a Budget

The Kauri Museum (Matakohe) This amazing theme museum tells the story of pioneering settlers. www.kaurimuseum.com Kayaking (Bay of Islands) Join a guided tour or rent your own kayak. Tane Mahuta (Waipoua Forest) Stand at the foot of the world’s largest Kauri tree.

The Iconic Experience

Visit the spectacularly beautiful Bay of Islands, cruising the clear waters and beach-hopping on the region’s 144 islands.

Dining & Shopping

Exclusive Dining

Kamakura (Russell) The best of New Zealand produce, drawing subtle influences from Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine. www.kamakura.co.nz

Casual Dining

Darryl’s Dinner Cruise (Paihia) Cruise the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls while enjoying New Zealand cuisine.www.dinnercruise.co.nz

Café

Waikokopu Café (Waitangi) An extensive range of incredible edibles and seriously good coffee, phone +64 9 402 6295.

Stylish Bar

Toast (Paihia) Great atmosphere, divine cocktails and excellent pizzas, phone +64 9 402 8684.

Cosy Pub

Mangawhai Tavern (Mangawhai) Great location for live entertainment and gourmet meals. www.mangawhai.co.nz

Culinary Experience

Makana Confections (Kerikeri) Boutique chocolate factory where visitors can purchase delicious hand-made chocolates. www.makana.co.nz

Shop or Gallery

The Gallery Helena Bay Hill (Hikurangi) Contemporary Maori and Pacific art including paintings, sculptures and jewellery. www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz

Transport

Airports

Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia Airports each offer a number of daily domestic flights (international flights are not available). The nearest international airport is Auckland International Airport (www.auckland-airport.co.nz).

Roads

Access by road from Auckland is on SH 1 on the east coast (via the Northern Gateway Toll Road or through Orewa) and SH 12 on the west coast – together they form the Twin Coast Discovery Highway touring route. Auckland is just over two hours’ drive from Whangarei or three hours’ drive from Paihia. Coach services operate between larger centres in the region.

Ferries

Vehicle ferries operate across the Hokianga Harbour between Rawene and Kohukohu, and across the bay between Opua and Okiato (bookings not required). Passenger services operate between Paihia and Russell, and from both these centres to offshore islands such as Urupukapuka.

Suggested Itineraries

2 days in Northland

Start Auckland  I  Finish Auckland
Day 1 Auckland – Hokianga – Bay of Islands
Day 2 Bay of Islands – Auckland
Travel north from Auckland, stopping to visit the Kauri Museum at Matakohe and at Dargaville for lunch. Next stop is Waipoua Forest and Tane Mahuta, a 2,000-year-old Kauri tree. Drive past the Hokianga Harbour to the Bay of Islands. On Day 2, join an exciting Hole in the Rock boat cruise or swim with dolphins. Take time to visit the galleries of Russell before driving back to Auckland on SH 1, stopping for lunch at the Town Basin in Whangarei.

5 days in Northland

Start Auckland  I  Finish Auckland
Day 1 Auckland – Hokianga
Day 2 Hokianga – Ahipara
Day 3 Ahipara – Bay of Islands
Day 4 Bay of Islands
Day 5 Bay of Islands – Tutukaka – Auckland
Travel north to the Hokianga, stopping to visit the Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Enjoy a harbour cruise and try the thrill of sand tobogganing. On Day 2, continue on to Ahipara, and go quad biking on Ninety Mile Beach. Join a tour to Cape Reinga by coach, 4WD or plane. On Day 3, drive to the Bay of Islands via SH 10, stopping to visit Mangonui in Doubtless Bay. Stop again at Kerikeri to explore the art galleries. On arrival at Paihia, take a boat cruise or visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Spend Day 4 in the Bay of Islands, visiting Russell and enjoying a day of sailing, fishing, kayaking or swimming. On Day 5, head south and take a detour to Tutukaka, launch point for expeditions to the Poor Knights Islands. Later in the day, return to Auckland via Whangarei.

Road Trip

Twin Coast Discovery Highway A circuit of Northland, introducing visitors to beaches, rainforest and charming towns.

Further Information

Destination Northland

Trade Contacts Nineke Metz
Phone +64 9 402 7683
Fax +64 9 402 7672
Email info@northlandnz.com
www.northlandnz.com

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