Tempt your Tastebuds in Beautiful Northland
Famous for its sandy beaches, historic townships and the beautiful Bay of Islands, subtropical Northland is enjoying a growing reputation with gourmet travellers. From wineries to garden fresh produce, Northland's offerings are guaranteed to tempt your tastebuds.
For an authentic taste of Northland, you can drive the Northland Wine & Food Trail, an insider's tour of 
the region's delectable produce and wineries. There are 74 stops to keep you busy, ranging from kumara farms and chocolate factories to farmers markets and wineries.
Wine lovers will enjoy sampling the region's delicious drops. Reverend Samuel Marsden planted the first vines back in 1819 and the region now produces some fine chardonnay, pinot gris and syrah. There are tastings at the cellar doors or you can enjoy a tour and tasting at Karikari Estate – New Zealand’s northernmost winery. The beautiful Karikari Peninsula is also a great spot for 
sightseeing, with scenic walking trails to explore, secluded sandy beaches, dolphin watching and superb diving. Nearby, at historic Mangonui village, you can sample a feast of fish and chips from the town’s famous over-the-water chippie.
Whangarei, Northland's largest city, has a lively cafe culture and a host of leisure activities, from fishing to flightseeing. There are shops, galleries 
and museums to explore at the Town Basin, or relax and enjoy the harbour views from the al fresco eateries. For fresh fruit and veges, olive oils and freshly roasted coffee, join the early birds at the Whangarei Growers Market on Saturday mornings (6.30am-10.30am).
Further north, you can browse for crafts at Hikurangi then carry on up to bustling Paihia for a 
cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands. Take a trip on the heritage tall ship R Tucker Thompson or explore the town’s stylish cafés and boutiques. The Cabbage Tree has a fine selection of traditional Maori bone and jade carvings and exquisite jewellery and ceramics. Across the harbour, romantic Russell makes another good port of call, with heritage buildings, tempting cafés and craft outlets.
Historic Kerikeri, the heart of the Bay of Islands fertile market garden region is always a worthwhile stop for foodies. The Sunday Farmers Market on Hobson Avenue is the country's largest with gourmet goods and fresh regional produce including locally roasted coffee, organic cheeses and wood-fired pizzas. When you've finished sampling the fare, you can browse the town’s colourful craft outlets.
If you're travelling across to historic Hokianga Harbour and on to the Far North, there are craft and jewellery outlets, character cafés and charming country towns to explore and, of course, you can visit the region's most famous sights - Ninety Mile Beach and rugged Cape Reinga. Take a tour with Sand Safaris at Kaitaia and enjoy a picnic lunch and sand toboganning.
Useful information
Order your free copies of Jasons Auckland and Northland RoutePlanner and Jasons Taste Traveller
Northland Hot Deals
Carrington Resort A Heritage Hotel
Download a copy of the Northland Wine Trail and Northland Wine and Food Trail
Destination Northland (www.northlandnz.com, email info@northlandnz.com)
Images copyright and courtesy of Destination Northland