Northland

Northland

Sub-tropical North

New Zealand's sub-tropical north has three main areas - east coast, west coast and top of the north - offering water and land-based attractions.

The historically significant east coast, which includes the popular Bay of Islands, is famed for white sand beaches and abundant marine life. Off the Tutukaka coast, Poor Knights Islands marine reserve has some of the world's best sea dives.

Waipoua forest, on the west coast, is New Zealand's largest kauri forest. A short walk into Waipoua forest takes visitors to some of the oldest and largest living kauri trees, including the famed Tane Mahuta 'Lord of the forest', and Te Matua Ngahere 'Father of the forest'.

The historic lighthouse standing on the country's northernmost tip, at Cape Reinga, is one of New Zealand's iconic sights.

Northland’s sub-tropical climate and proximity to the sea produces abundant citrus fruit and many kinds of fresh seafood. A food and wine trail showcases local vineyards.

Heritage

Northland is often referred to as 'birthplace of the nation'.

According to local Ngāti Kurī tribal legend, the great Polynesian navigator Kupe first landed on the shores of Hokianga harbour while chasing a whale which turned out to be Houhora mountain.

Kupe’s people settled from Cape Reinga (in the far north) to Pārengarenga harbour (in the south). Many Northlanders trace their ancestry back to Kupe, and some of New Zealand's oldest traces of settlement can be found in this region.

After British explorer Captain James Cook landed in New Zealand in 1769, whalers, traders and missionaries began to arrive in the region, further enriching the history and culture of Northland.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, is a focal point for the New Zealand nation.

Māori Culture

About 30% of Northlanders identify themselves as Māori.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds - site of the treaty signing - offer an insight into both Māori culture and New Zealand history through live cultural performances and guided tours of the grounds and buildings.

Waitangi's fully carved Māori meeting house Te Whare Runanga represents all New Zealand iwi (regional tribes) and marks the spot of the signing. The grounds also house Ngatokimatawhaorua - one of the world’s largest Māori ceremonial war canoes. On the water, the canoe requires 76-plus paddlers for safe voyage.

Guided evening visits into Waipoua forest with Footprints Waipoua highlight Māori spirituality and the strong connection between land and people.

Local Māori guides take visitors into the forest to meet Tane Mahuta 'the lord of the forest', and Te Matua Ngahere 'father of the forest'. These ancient kauri trees (around 2000 years old) are an impressive sight, and guides accompany the walks with traditional stories and songs.

Cape Reinga, also known as Te Rerenga Wairua or Te Rēinga, is one of Māoridom's most sacred places. According to Māori custom, the spirits of the dead travel two pathways to Cape Rēinga before leaping into the water and proceeding to their spiritual home in Hawaiki.

Nature and Wildlife

Northland’s extensive coastline and thick native forests provide a perfect environment to experience New Zealand’s nature and unique wildlife. From diving in clear waters, to dark forest treks, to bird watching on the beach, the Northland nature experience is full of contrasts.
The subtropical climate combined with warm blue seas means much of Northland activity revolves around the water.

The Tutukaka coast is the gateway to Poor Knights Islands marine reserve. With the entire area above and below water classified as reserve, marine life thrives allowing snorkellers and divers to observe unique marine species at close quarters.

Further north in Matauri Bay, the Rainbow Warrior wreck lies 21m under water, acting as an artificial reef and sanctuary to the marine life it once fought to protect. It is now considered one of the premier wreck dives in the world.

Swimming with dolphins or ocean cruises are other ways visitors can enjoy Northland’s unspoilt marine life.

Northland offers some unique natural attractions. Waipoua, the largest remaining kauri forest in the world, has ancient kauri trees that are a living link to the dinosaur age.

Ripiro and 90 Mile Beach, on the west coast, are two of New Zealand’s longest driveable beaches. With their ever-shifting sand formations, a trip along the beach provides the opportunity to see many varieties of sea birds and feeding holes of endangered toheroa shellfish.

Luxury

With its close proximity to Auckland and natural beauty, Northland is an ideal luxury getaway destination. The region offers a variety of exclusive leisure, recreation and relaxation experiences.

Luxury resorts Eagle’s Nest and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offer world-class locations and award-winning service. Eagle’s Nest has private cliff-top villas above Russell, in the Bay of Islands, and Kauri Cliffs - part of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux hotel collection - overlooks Matauri Bay, east of Kerikeri.

For leisure, Northland’s internationally acclaimed golf courses are a major attraction. Carrington Resort and Kauri Cliffs have tournament standard 18-hole courses with panoramic ocean views, towering cliffs and vineyards.

Northland is also famed for tailor-made luxury experiences. For no expense spared excursions, visitors can charter a helicopter to Waipoua forest, try heli-fishing or experience a private traditional Māori welcome.

DID YOU KNOW

• There are no traffic lights or high rise buildings north of Whangarei.
• Tane Mahuta - at 51m high - is the tallest kauri tree and largest by volume in New Zealand.
• The kauri tree Te Matua Ngahere is 16.44m around its girth.
• 90 Mile Beach is actually only 55 miles or 88km long.
• Twin Coast Discovery highway visits all highlights on both east and west coasts.