Northland Region Travel Guide
Region
Bay of Islands departures, Cape Reinga at New Zealand’s northern tip and kauri forests including Tāne Mahuta draw visitors; Northland also offers fishing, sailing and Māori cultural experiences.
Why Visit Northland Region #
The Bay of Islands is ideal for sailing, dolphin‑watching and cruising to islands like Urupukapuka; the Hole in the Rock remains a memorable local highlight. Paihia and Russell make easy bases for boat trips, fishing charters and short coastal walks.
Drive or join a tour to Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific; the lighthouse and windswept headland are culturally significant to Māori. Combine the trip with a 90‑Mile Beach drive or sand‑boarding at Te Paki for a big Northland day out.
Waipoua Forest protects some of New Zealand’s largest kauri trees, including Tane Mahuta, a tree of enormous scale and local significance. Walk the boardwalk trails early to avoid buses and to hear forest birds in quieter conditions.
The Poor Knights Islands are internationally respected for diving: underwater arches, steep walls and dense fish life create unforgettable dives. The marine reserve is a short boat hop from Tutukaka and suits experienced divers seeking dramatic topography.
Waitangi’s Treaty Grounds are the place to understand modern New Zealand history: guided tours explain the treaties, carved meeting houses and Māori performances. The site is direct and informative - allow a half‑day to take in the museum and cultural shows.
Who's Northland Region For?
Bay of Islands is classic for romantic escapes-sail past secluded coves, stay in Paihia lodges, and catch sunsets from Russell or Waitangi for intimate sunsets and easy-access beaches.
Safe, shallow beaches around Whangārei Heads and Paihia suit kids, with family-friendly boat trips and Kauri Museum stops offering educational downtime between outdoor adventures.
Backpacker infrastructure is light but present in Paihia and Tutukaka for divers. Expect basic hostels and campervan stops rather than a pulsing budget-traveller scene.
Remote stretches make steady broadband patchy outside towns. Whangārei has decent cafes, but long-term coworking options are limited compared with New Zealand’s larger cities.
Seafood rules here: fresh crayfish, pāua, and fish-and-chip shacks near Tutukaka; local markets showcase Northland kumara and kaimoana at small coastal eateries.
Diving the Poor Knights Islands, sandboarding Ninety Mile Beach, and kayaking around the Bay of Islands give high-adrenaline options in compact, scenic locations.
Nightlife is low-key outside summer weekends. Paihia livens up seasonally, but expect quiet evenings and early-night towns for most of the year.
From ancient kauri groves to Cape Reinga’s headland and seabird colonies, Northland is outstanding for coastal landscapes, native bush, and quiet birding spots.
Best Places to Visit in Northland Region
All Cities ›
Where to Go in Northland Region #
Bay of Islands
This subtropical coastline is far and away Northland’s busiest draw: turquoise bays, island cruises and plenty of marine life. Sail or take boat tours to see dolphins, historic islands and picture-perfect coves. It’s excellent for swimming, fishing charters and easy island-hopping when the weather is calm.
Top Spots
- Paihia - Main tourist hub with ferry access and waterfront cafés.
- Russell - Historic town with relaxed harbourfront charm.
- Hole in the Rock - Iconic boat trip and marine wildlife spotting.
Far North
The Far North combines vast beaches, sacred Māori headlands and remote communities. Cape Reinga is a pilgrimage for many, where Tasman Sea meets Pacific Ocean, and Ninety Mile Beach is used like a coastal highway. Expect wild landscapes, cultural sites and windswept vistas that reward patient exploration.
Top Spots
- Cape Reinga - The northernmost tip with famous headland views.
- Ninety Mile Beach - Expansive sand that’s ideal for scenic drives and surf fishing.
- Te Paki Sand Dunes - Big dunes for sledding and panoramic vistas.
Waipoua & Kauri
This inland-west corridor is dominated by ancient kauri forests and big native trees. It’s a pilgrimage site for nature-lovers and photographers wanting cathedral-like groves and interpretive trails. Combine forest walks with coastal detours to small settlements and historic sites to get the full cultural and ecological picture.
Top Spots
- Waipoua Forest - Home to Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest kauri tree.
- Kauri Museum - Interprets the logging era and local history.
- Hokianga Harbour - Sand-dune framed bays and historic settlements.
Whangarei & East Coast
Whangarei acts as the commercial heart of Northland with galleries, markets and convenient access to nearby waterfalls and cliffs. The east coast offers surf beaches, fishing towns and rugged headlands for day trips. It’s the most practical base for exploring Northland’s cultural sites and coastal walking tracks.
Top Spots
- Whangarei Falls - An easy waterfall walk close to town.
- Mount Manaia - Rugged viewpoint with sweeping harbour panoramas.
- Bream Bay - Long beaches popular with surfers and campers.
Top Things to Do in Northland Region
All Attractions ›
- Bay of Islands (Paihia and Russell) - Bay of Islands region including Paihia and historic Russell, famed for island cruises and sailing.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Waitangi Treaty Grounds museum and treaty house, central to New Zealand's founding history.
- Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua - Cape Reinga at the very tip of Northland where Tasman Sea meets Pacific Ocean, sacred Māori site.
- Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes - Drive or 4WD along Ninety Mile Beach and try sandboarding at Te Paki dunes nearby.
- Whangarei Quarry Gardens - Former quarry turned tranquil gardens with walking paths, plant collections and a small café.
- Hokianga Harbour and Opononi - Hokianga Harbour's sand-dune landscapes, village cafés and chances to see native wildlife and sunsets.
- Tutukaka Coast dive sites - World-class dive sites off Tutukaka including Poor Knights Islands, popular with divers seeking marine diversity.
- Small coastal kauri forest walks - Less-frequented tracks through coastal kauri stands and native bush offering quiet birdwatching opportunities.
- State Highway 1 to Cape Reinga - Long northern drive to Cape Reinga, roughly 5-6 hours one-way from Whangarei with scenic coastal stops.
- Twin Coast Discovery Highway loop - Multi-day Northland loop via Dargaville and the Bay of Islands, a 4-5 day scenic itinerary.
- Whangarei Heads coastal drive - Short scenic loop from Whangarei to Whangarei Heads beaches, cliffs and seaside walking tracks.
- Paihia-Russell boat and island day trips - Half-day cruises from Paihia to Hole in the Rock, islands and sheltered bays for swimming and wildlife spotting.
Planning Your Trip to Northland Region #
Weekend Northland Region Itinerary
Explore beaches, kauri forest, and maritime history in Northland: Bay of Islands sailing, Whangārei Falls, Tane Mahuta walk, and Cape Reinga's lighthouse on an easy coastal road trip.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Paihia, Bay of Islands sail, Russell village walk
- Day 2 - Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Kerikeri historic sites
- Day 3 - Drive to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach highlights
1 Week Northland Region Itinerary
Drive Northland from Whangārei to Cape Reinga: Bay of Islands sailing, Kerikeri gardens, Waipoua forest, 90 Mile Beach, and relaxed coastal towns with plenty of walking and beaches.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Whangārei, visit Whangārei Falls and town basin
- Day 2 - Paihia harbour cruise and Russell exploration
- Day 3 - Kerikeri: Stone Store and Kerikeri Basin gardens
- Day 4 - Waipoua Forest visit, Tane Mahuta walk
- Day 5 - Hokianga Harbour and Ōmāpere viewpoints
- Day 6 - Tutukaka/Rocky reefs snorkel or beach time
- Day 7 - Drive to Cape Reinga and return toward Kaitaia
2 Weeks Northland Region Itinerary
Spend two weeks exploring Northland's coast: Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands, Hokianga harbour, Waipoua forest, Tutukaka dives, Mangonui and relaxed towns with slow ferry island hopping.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Drive from Auckland to Whangārei, town basin stroll
- Day 2 - Kerikeri and Rainbow Falls visit
- Day 3 - Bay of Islands sailing and island time
- Day 4 - Russell historic town and beaches
- Day 5 - Waipoua Forest and kauri trees day
- Day 6 - Tutukaka dives or coastline exploration
- Day 7 - Doubtless Bay and Mangonui seafood village
- Day 8 - Hokianga harbour and sand-dune viewpoints
- Day 9 - Local markets and coastal village visits
- Day 10 - Explore lesser-used beaches and walks
- Day 11 - Return toward Kaitaia and local museum
- Day 12 - Cape Reinga full-day visit and lighthouse
- Day 13 - Relaxed day in nearby coastal towns
- Day 14 - Drive back to Auckland or depart from Kerikeri
Getting to & Around Northland Region #
Northland is typically reached from Auckland Airport (AKL) by road-about 2.5-3 hours to Whangārei-or by short domestic flight into Kerikeri (KKE) for the Bay of Islands. Intercity coach services also link Auckland with main Northland towns.
Northland’s transport is shaped by its peninsular geography and dispersed coastal settlements: there are no motorways and many scenic routes are narrow and winding. Sea transport plays a significant role locally (Bay of Islands), and driving times can be longer than map distances imply.
- Regional Flights - Many visitors fly into Kerikeri/Bay of Islands Airport (KKE) or occasionally Whangārei Airport (WRE) from Auckland; Air New Zealand operates frequent AKL-KKE services and connects the region to major hubs.
- Rental Car - A car is the most practical way to explore Northland-distances between towns are moderate but roads are often two-lane, coastal and winding, with single-lane bridges in places.
- Ferries - Ferries and water taxis operate around the Bay of Islands and between Paihia and Russell; boat services are important for island access and sightseeing.
Where to Stay in Northland Region #
Northland offers a mix of small coastal towns, holiday parks and boutique B&Bs rather than large city hotels. Expect plentiful self-catering and campground options in summer, with higher demand around the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri and Paihia during peak season.
Paihia and Kerikeri host the region’s larger hotels and waterfront resorts; Tauranga-style resorts are rarer. Book well ahead for summer holidays and school breaks to secure sea-view rooms near the Bay of Islands.
Whangārei and Paihia have family-run guesthouses and a few backpacker hostels ideal for budget travelers. Look for simple, well-located guesthouses in Paihia or budget hostels in central Whangārei for exploring nearby beaches.
Kerikeri, Russell and the Bay of Islands offer many holiday homes and cottages perfect for groups or families. Self-catered houses close to beaches or with private moorings are common - book early for summer weeks.
DOC campsites and holiday parks are widespread - popular sites around Ninety Mile Beach, Doubtless Bay and the Bay of Islands. Powered sites and basic cabins at holiday parks suit families and campervans in summer.
Kerikeri and rural areas near Paihia offer boutique B&Bs and working small farm stays that include breakfasts and local produce. These are particularly pleasant outside peak summer for quieter rural stays.