Discover Northland

Discover Northland Te Tai Tokerau

Northland is where New Zealand begins. Known for its subtropical climate, 3,200 km of stunning coastline, and deep cultural history, Te Tai Tokerau is a land of contrasts—lush kauri forests, rolling farmland, golden beaches, and important historical sites. The region, stretching from Mangawhai to Cape Reinga, is where the first interactions between Māori and Europeans occurred, shaping the nation’s story.

Why Visit Northland?

Northland is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Its countless bays, coves, and harbours provide ideal conditions for sailing, diving, and fishing, while the forests and rolling hills offer superb hiking opportunities. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most famous coastal destinations, known for its crystal-clear waters and historical significance, while the west coast is home to towering sand dunes and ancient kauri forests.

Beyond its landscapes, Northland is rich in Māori culture and New Zealand history. The first Polynesian explorers arrived in the Hokianga, and the earliest European settlements were in the Bay of Islands. These are the places with the events that led to the nation of New Zealand.

Beaches, Islands, and Coastal Beauty

Northland is defined by its two stunning east and west coastlines. The Bay of Islands is a world-renowned maritime playground. There are several islands to visit by boat, along with idyllic beaches, dolphin encounters, and historic settlements like Russell and Paihia.

The Tutukaka Coast, home to the Poor Knights Islands, is a world-class diving destination, while the remote Spirits Bay is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also holds deep spiritual significance for Māori. It is believed to be the departure point for spirits journeying to the afterlife.

To the west, 90 Mile Beach (actually 90 km) stretches seemingly forever, a place where you can try sandboarding down the giant dunes at Te Paki or drive along the hard-packed sand at low tide. But wait! Further south on the Kauri Coast, Ripiro Beach holds the title of New Zealand’s longest drivable beach at 120 km, where striking sunsets match the rugged beauty of the coast.

Harbours are also a feature of Northland's coast. The entrance to the Hokianga Harbour provides a surreal desert-like landscape with enormous dunes and panoramic views of the harbour and the Tasman Sea.

For those seeking a secluded slice of paradise, Maitai Bay and many other lesser-known bays and coves offer pristine sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Forests, Volcanoes, and Nature Reserves

Once covered in vast kauri forests, Northland still holds most of the remaining stands of these ancient trees. Waipoua Forest is home to Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, standing at over 50 metres tall and thought to be more than 2,000 years old. Trounson Kauri Park is a lesser-known gem where visitors can experience these towering giants up close and, if lucky, spot a kiwi bird at night.

The Puketi Forest has two well-maintained short walking tracks that take you to groves of ancient trees - the Puketi Nature Trail and the Manginangina Kauri Walk.

You will find striking examples of Northland's ancient volcanic past, with distinctive rocky outcrops and eroded volcanic cores near Whangārei - Manaia and Breamhead, Dargaville - Tokatoka and Maungaraho, and Whangaroa Harbour- St Paul's and Dukes Nose. There is track access to the top of all of these stunning locations.

History and Cultural Heritage

Origins of the Name

Te Tai Tokerau means “the northern tide” or “northern region” in te reo Māori, reflecting its place at the top of the country. European settlers pretty much copied this with "Northland".

Māori and Early European Settlement

Northland is considered the birthplace of Aotearoa. The first Polynesian navigators arrived here, dating back to Kupe, and their descendants, the Māori, built thriving communities throughout Te Tai Tokerau. The region has deep connections to key iwi, including Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, and Ngāti Kahu. The arrival of Europeans in the early 19th century led to a period of both cooperation and conflict, with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 marking a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the most significant historical site in New Zealand. This is where Māori chiefs and the British Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Today, visitors can explore the museums, enjoy cultural performances, and visit historic buildings that tell the story of New Zealand’s founding document.

Mission Stations

Missionaries were amongst the first Europeans to settle in New Zealand, with much of this activity taking place in the Bay of Islands and around the Hokianga Harbour. Early mission stations are some of the oldest buildings in the country, with the best examples including Mission House in Kerikeri, Waimate, and Mangungu.

Major Towns & Cities in Northland

Whangārei is Northland’s only city, with a lively riverfront, waterfalls, and cultural attractions.

Paihia is the gateway to the Bay of Islands, offering boat tours and cultural experiences. Russell, on the east side of the Bay of Islands and originally known as Kororāreka, was New Zealand’s first European town, pre-dating the Treaty of Waitangi. Once a notorious whaling settlement, it is now a charming seaside retreat with colonial-era buildings and stunning harbour views.

On the northwest side of the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri is known for its orchards, historic sites like the Stone Store, and vibrant arts scene.

Kaitaia is the last major town before heading to Cape Reinga, while Dargaville is the centre of the Kauri Coast, providing access to Waipoua Forest and Ripiro Beach.

Special Features for Travellers

When driving the Twin Coast Highway, there are many minor routes and deviations that take you to some of the best spots on the east and west coasts. Consider Ngunguru Road that connects Whangārei to Tutukaka Coast, Rawhiti Road to the northeast end of the Bay of Islands, Purerua Road to the Purerua Peninsula and Wainui Road from Matauri Bay to Whangaroa Harbour. These and other lesser-travelled routes provide access to some of the loveliest bays and campsites in the country.

For hiking enthusiasts, Northland offers incredible walks and hikes. The Mangawhai Walkway provides breathtaking coastal views over the Tasman Sea, while the Maunganui Bluff Track is a more challenging option overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Wairakau Stream Track and the Duke’s Nose in Whangaroa Harbour and Te Whara Track near Whangārei are challenging climbs but reward hikers with panoramic views over harbours and Pacific Ocean coastlines. The Kerikeri River Walk is an easy walk, but the payoff includes the beautiful Wharepoke Falls and Rainbow Falls.

The Cape Brett Walkway is a spectacular two day hike and the Te Paki Coastal Track takes you through sand dunes, along cliffs, and beaches near Cape Reinga for up to four days. Te Ararora also runs the length of Northland, from Cape Reinga to Mangawhai.

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail runs from Opua in the Bay of Islands through Kawakawa to Horeke and the Mangungu Mission in the Hokianga, passing through picturesque farmland and historic settlements.

If you want to take a break from the outdoors, check out the Kauri Museum at Matakohe, Hundertwasser-designed toilets and vintage railway in quirky Kawakawa, and the museums in Russell and Waitangi.

Hidden Gems

The Kai Iwi Lakes are favourites, but don't forget to check out the amazing access to Ripiro Beach from nearby Omamari.

Mangonui is a historic fishing village on the Pacific Coast famous for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere, while Ahipara is a beachiest of towns at he south end of 90-Mile Beach.

Rawene and Kohukohu are quaint historic towns on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour, connected by a car ferry.

Mitimiti is a remote surf and golden sand beach on the west coast, north of the Hokanga Harbour.

Waimamaku Beach is easier to get to than Mitimiti, a short drive south from Ōmāpere on the Hokianga harbour, but just as stunning.

How to Get to Northland

Twin Coast Discovery Highway

The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is the ultimate Northland road trip, looping around the region and connecting its east and west coasts. This scenic drive takes travellers from Auckland up through lush forests, past historic sites, and along breathtaking coastlines.

On the east side, highlights include the Mangawahi and Waipu Cove, Tutukaka Coast, the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa Harbour, and the beautiful beaches of Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula. The west coast showcases the towering kauri trees of Waipoua Forest, the windswept dunes of Ripiro Beach and 90 Mile Beach and the remote beauty of Hokianga Harbour. In the Far North, the roads converge at Kaitaia, then take you to te Paki. Spirits Bay and Cape Reinga.

With plenty of stops for cultural sites, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway is the perfect way to explore Northland at a relaxed pace.

Exploring Northland is best done by road. Flights operate between Auckland and key Northland locations like Whangārei, Kerikeri, and Kaitaia. Buses connect Auckland to major towns, but self-driving allows the flexibility to visit remote areas and hidden gems.

Drive Times

Key drive times from Auckland on State Highway 1 are: 2 hours to Whangarei, 3.40 hours to the Bay of Islands and 5.40 hours to Cape Reinga. With multiple side trip options, we recommend at least 1 week and preferably 2 weeks to explore Northland. If you are limited to 2 to a few days, consider a shorter loop that connects the Kauri Coast with the Hokianga Harbour, Bay of Islands and Tutukaka Coast.