Northland's Towns and Regions
North of
Auckland, this scenic region includes the Whangarei, Tutukaka Coast and the East Coast, Kauri Coast, the Bay of Islands, Hokianga and the Far North. The area is rich in both Maori and European history, and New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. At region's north-eastern tip Cape Reinga, the Tasman and Pacific Oceans meet. The Bay of Islands has a well earned reputation as a beauty spot and, along with the Tutukaka Coast, is world renowned for its deep sea fishing and diving. Whangarei is the region's largest city and other key townships include Dargaville, Kaitaia and
Kaikohe.
Whangarei
This harbour city is the gateway to the Northland region and is its main business centre. The district extends from Langs Beach in the south to Bland Bay in the north, boasting more than 550 kilometres of coastal and harbour beaches. The city has a wealth of parks, gardens, museums and art galleries. Key attractions include the redeveloped Town Basin, the Whangarei Falls and Whangarei Museum.
The Tutukaka Coast
An area of great natural beauty, the coast is a key centre for deep sea fishing. It accesses the Poor Knights Islands, a wildlife and marine reserve. The area is considered among the top five dive spots in the world.
Bay of Islands
This marine reserve takes in 150 islands and is one of the country's most popular holiday destinations. Paihia is the main resort town and the perfect base for marine activities such as deep sea fishing, diving, and swimming with dolphins. Historic villages include
Russell,
Waitangi and
Kerikeri, which is renowned for its arts and crafts and orchards. Kerikeri's landmark buildings include the Stone Store, New Zealand's oldest stone building, and Kemp House, the oldest surviving building in the country.
Hokianga
This historic harbour has a strong Maori heritage, with most Maori tracing their ancestry from its discovery and settlement. Some of the country's oldest European settlements dot its shores. Its impressive sand dunes look over the harbour on one side, and the wild Tasman Sea on the other. Key settlements include
Opononi,
Omapere, and
Rawene.
Kauri Coast
On the west coast of Northland, this area is named for the cloak of kauri trees that used to grace the land. The remnants, New Zealand's largest remaining kauri stand, can be seen within Waipoua Forest, which also boasts the country's largest kauri, Tane Mahuta.
Dargaville is the coast's largest settlement and accesses the Kai Iwi Lakes and Baylys Beach. The best walks are in Waipoua Forest (Kauri Walks and Tane Mahuta), Trounson Kauri Park and Omahutu/Puketi Forest (wheelchair suitable).
The Far North
The Far North is the long finger of land at the tip of the North Island, separating the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. At
Cape Reinga it is said the spirits of Maori departed these shores for the afterlife. Contrary to popular belief, Cape Reinga is not the northernmost point of New Zealand; that honour belongs to Surville Cliffs, 30km east of Cape Reinga. Heading south from the Cape are the sweeping sands of Ninety Mile Beach.
Kaitaia is the region's largest commercial centre and the best base from which to access its attractions.
Goat Island
A short drive from
Pakiri Beach, with its white sands and surf, lies New Zealand's oldest marine reserve, Goat Island. This is a popular diving spot, with a wealth of crayfish, snapper and lesser-known fish species, including leatherjackets. They've had plenty of time to get used to divers and snorkellers and take no notice of human intruders. The water is so clear that you can see the seaweed forests and lace coral up to 15m away.
Waipu
Waipu, on the 30km crescent of Bream Bay, is a taste of Scotland. Fleeing the highland clearances, 1000 Gaelic-speaking Nova Scotian Scots made Waipu their home in 1860. On every New Year's Day since 1871, the Waipu Caledonian Society has hosted the Highland Games, at which participants compete in tossing the sheaf, piping and drumming.
The Poor Knights
Twenty-four kilometres offshore at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, the water is a couple of degrees warmer and attracts tropical species, making it one of the world's top ten diving sites.
Order your free
Jasons Auckland & Northland RoutePlanner now.