A Road Trip to Winterless Northland
Experience the sub-tropical climate in the winterless North. Walk pristine sand on a deserted beach, or a trek through ancient kauri forests. Take a trip to Cape Reinga; the northernmost tip of New Zealand where two oceans meet. Relax in the Hokianga and enjoy amazing sunsets with fish and chips on the beach. Take a scenic cruise in the Bay of Islands. Travel through rolling countryside and be sure to stop at the great towns on the way. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, scenic Northland caters for all.
Northlands subtropical climate makes this region the ideal year-round holiday destination. The Far North region includes Cape Reinga; the northernmost tip of New Zealand. Not far from here you can visit Ninety Mile beach and the Te Paki sand dunes. Kaitaia the Far Norths main town is the departure point for many adventure activities in the area.
The drive from Auckland through Northland and to the top of New Zealand is steeped with history, visitor attractions, rolling countryside and great towns to stop in on the way.
Within easy reach from Whangarei is Whangarei Heads which is a popular destination for holidaymakers.
The Tutukaka Coast is the gateway to the world-famous Poor Knight Islands, renowned for its diving expeditions. Dive the shipwrecks including the Rainbow Warrior.
Hokianga is rich in Maori history and the place where Kupe first walked on Aotearoa. The region surrounds the historic Hokianga Harbour and joins the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. The Hokianga is the perfect base for an action-packed holiday as there is so much to see and do. The warmer climate makes for the ideal year-round destination. As the region is on the West Coast of NZ, it is one of the best places to see some of the most amazing sunsets in the country.
Discover the Kauri Coast - Preserved kauri forests are short drive from Dargaville, at the top of the Kaipara harbour. The Waipoua sanctuary has New Zealand’s largest tree (Tane Mahuta). Walking tracks and guided tours offer the visitor an experience of this unique sub-tropical forest and birds. Visit The Kauri Museum in Matakohe and learn the remarkable history of Kauri in NZ.
The western coast of the region is dominated by several long straight beaches, the most famous of which is Ninety Mile Beach in the regions Far North. There are many settlements around this coast offering a variety of accommodation and adventure options.
Northland boasts many beaches and stunning coastline with white sandy beaches. It is also home to the famous Waipoua Forest on the Kauri Coast, home of the country’s largest Kauri tree.
Visitors to Northland are spoilt for choice as there are a variety of things to see and do:
- Eat fish & chips on a wharf as others try to catch their supper
- Northland’s transparent waters are one of the favourite playgrounds for lovers of anything aquatic
- Body surf waves from the Tasman Sea or Pacific Ocean
- Dive various ship-wrecks at the Poor Knights Islands from Tutukaka
- Sail, fish or take a boat cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands
- Swimming with the dolphins - this can be done around the Bay of Islands or Leighs Marine Reserve (Goat Island)
- Visit Tane Mahuta – NZ’s tallest Kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest
- Bodyboard down the sand dunes at 90 Mile Beach or Rangi Point in the Hokianga.
- Visit historic Russell in the Bay of Islands – NZ’s former capital.
- Take a trip to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse at the very top of the country, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular swirl of currents.
- Pack and picnic and relax at one of the many white sandy beaches
- Explore a hiking track with family and friends
