Northland Region, NI3–5 days recommended 3 hrs from Auckland
Northland is where New Zealand began. The Maori ancestors arrived here more than a thousand years ago, navigating vast ocean distances in their waka hourua (voyaging canoes) to make landfall on this sub-tropical northern peninsula. The Bay of Islands — a shimmering collection of 144 islands in a sheltered harbour — became the site of some of the country's earliest European settlements and the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, establishing modern New Zealand as a nation. Beyond its extraordinary history, Northland offers some of the country's most spectacular coastal scenery: from the famous 90-Mile Beach stretching north to Cape Reinga, where according to Maori belief the spirits of the dead depart for the underworld, to ancient kauri forests and the world's finest game fishing waters.
Don't travel NZ uninsured
World Nomads covers adventure activities as standard — bungy, skiing, hiking, scuba. Buy online in minutes.
The stunning Tutukaka Coast — one of Northland's most spectacular stretches of coastline.
Bay of Islands Sailing
The Bay of Islands is one of the world's great sailing destinations — 144 islands in a sheltered, azure harbour. Day sailing trips, dolphin watching cruises, overnight charters and the famous "Hole in the Rock" cruise to Piercy Island are all unmissable. Book ahead in summer.
Must Do
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
New Zealand's most historically significant site — where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, founding modern New Zealand. Two excellent museums, stunning grounds overlooking the Bay of Islands and daily Maori cultural performances. Essential for understanding NZ's history.
Must See
Cape Reinga
The spiritual top of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a swirling collision of currents. In Maori belief, the spirits of the dead descend the roots of the ancient pohutukawa tree here before crossing to the afterlife. A deeply moving and beautiful place.
Sacred
Ninety Mile Beach
Actually 88km long, this vast surf beach stretches along Northland's western coast. Drive along the sand (a legal road), sandboard down enormous dunes, or join a guided tour to Cape Reinga via the beach — a classic Northland experience.
Scenic
Ancient Kauri Forests
The Waipoua Forest north of Dargaville is home to some of the oldest living kauri trees in the world. Tane Mahuta — the Lord of the Forest — is over 2,000 years old and 51 metres tall. A night tour with a Maori guide to meet Tane Mahuta in darkness is profoundly memorable.
Nature
Dolphin & Whale Watching
The Bay of Islands has year-round populations of bottlenose and common dolphins. Swim with dolphin experiences allow snorkelling alongside wild dolphin pods — one of New Zealand's most magical wildlife encounters. Several operators run daily trips from Paihia.
Wildlife
Book Bay of Islands Tours
Dolphin swimming and Cape Reinga day trips book ahead in summer. Reserve early for the best experiences.
Left: A sheltered bay framed by pōhutukawa on the Tutukaka coast. Right: A hidden cove on the Kiripaka scenic drive — yellow gorse and deep blue water.
Where to Stay in Northland
Paihia
The main tourist hub of the Bay of Islands — all activity operators, restaurants and transport depart from here. Best for first-time visitors wanting convenience. Gets very busy in January.
Horse trekking along the Northland coast at Matapouri. Photo: Tourism NZ
Russell
New Zealand's first capital and one of its most charming historic towns. Reached by a short 15-minute ferry from Paihia. Quieter, more atmospheric and with excellent restaurants. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel — New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel — is a lovely place to stay.
A historic cannon guards Russell's waterfront — New Zealand's first capital, looking out across the Bay of Islands.
Kerikeri
A charming inland town with New Zealand's oldest stone building and excellent restaurants. Good base for the kauri forests and slightly removed from the Paihia tourist bubble.
Getting to Northland
From Auckland by road: 3 hours to Paihia via State Highway 1. A beautiful drive past Whangarei and through rolling farmland.
By air: Kerikeri Airport (KKE) has daily flights from Auckland. A rental car is essential once you arrive.
InterCity bus: Daily coach services from Auckland to Paihia. Journey time approximately 4 hours.
Best season: Northland's sub-tropical climate means it's warm year-round, but December to February is peak summer — hot, sunny and very busy. March to May offers excellent weather with far fewer crowds. Avoid the first two weeks of January when New Zealand school holidays make the Bay of Islands extremely congested.
Left: Driftwood on the sand at St Martins Bay, Snells Beach. Right: The footbridge at Wharanaki — one of the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Essential Northland Tips
Russell ferry: Don't miss the ferry across to Russell. It's one of the most charming towns in New Zealand and most visitors never make the crossing.
Cape Reinga tour: Book a full-day tour from Paihia rather than self-driving — guides provide fascinating historical and cultural context, and the beach driving is best handled by experienced operators.
Tane Mahuta night tour: The night tour to meet the giant kauri in darkness with a Maori guide is far more memorable than the daytime walk. Book through Footprints Waipoua.
Swim with dolphins: This experience is weather-dependent and dolphin behaviour is entirely wild — there's no guarantee of an in-water encounter, but operators refund if dolphins aren't present.
Wild seas on the Tutukaka Coast
Top Experiences in Bay of Islands
Book tours, activities and experiences — skip the queue, instant confirmation
