Northland, North Island - New Zealand
Rich in culture and history and blessed with a pristine natural environment, no visit to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Northland. Learn about the arrival of the first Maori canoes to New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Northland is rich in a unique history that ties both Maori and non - Maori people together. Historical sites and artefacts can be found throughout the region.
Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastline, wild beaches and spectacular forest. Northland is filled with stunning beauty - an aquatic playground and a land of unspoilt natural beauty. The region is home to a diverse, quality arts sector. From an expansive collection of community arts organisations to internationally recognised artists, the choice is extensive and varied. Northland is long and narrow made up of many smaller regions. Some of the place names may be familiar to you - Bay of Islands, Poor Knights Islands, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga to name but a few. Each one has its own distinctive style and it is worth allowing plenty of time to explore each one individually.
THE EAST COAST - Along the East Coast, Northland greets its visitors with golden beaches fringed by pohutukawa trees, secluded coves and tranquil harbours. Forest and coastal walks, and sought-after dive spots abound. Just offshore, predator-free islands are home to all kinds of rare species, whilst offering great diving as well! In the Bay of Islands you can find thrilling adventure or perfect peace. For travellers with time to spend, it's the ultimate outdoor playground. The Poor Knights Islands marine reserve along the Tutukaka Coast is a dive mecca, regarded by the late Jacques Cousteau as one of the world's top dive locations. Northland's east coast is where visitors and locals alike enjoy their favourite pastimes of boating, surfing, fishing or just lazing around in the warm northern sunshine. With trails through native forest and outstanding views, it's little wonder it is New Zealand 's subtropical playground.
Mangawhai - Mangawhai, Northland is the ultimate destination for rest and recreation. Mangawhai is only 80 minutes north of Auckland and 50 minutes south of Whangarei. Experience the white sandy beaches, fishing, boating, kayaking, surfing, diving and other water sports. For the more leisurely inclined, indulge in boutique shopping and Mangawhai's many cafes and restaurants. For the active landlubber there is plenty to do - including an all weather 18 hole championship golf course, tennis, bowls, walks, mountain biking and horse riding. Accommodation in Mangawhai NZ meets every need, whether it's camping grounds on the waters edge, staying in character baches, studio apartments, guest houses, bed and breakfasts or luxury chalets, lodges or motels in Mangawhai.
Waipu Cove - Waipu Cove is a beach resort with good swimming, fishing and surfing. Accommodation in Waipu Cove NZ includes basic beach front cabins to luxury accommodation, lodges, motels, bed and breakfasts, private cottages, coastal camping and caravan parks and coastal backpacker budget accommodation in Waipu Cove.
Waipu - The quaint township of Waipu (40km south of Whangarei) has strong Scottish heritage, and features along with a selection of arts and crafts and cafes, and the Waipu Heritage Centre. This is in memory of the great migration of Scottish Highlanders who moved from Nova Scotia and settled in Waipu in the 1850's. Waipu is known internationally for the Highland Games, celebrated annually on Jan 1st, and the longest running games in the southern hemisphere. The Waipu Heritage Centre, a fascinating museum in the township of Waipu, also serves as an Information Centre. In June, July and August, the 'Winter @ Waipu Festival' features events and promotions in the Waipu area. Accommodation in Waipu in the north island of New Zealand includes beachfront cabins to luxury accommodation, lodges, motels, bed and breakfasts, private cottages, coastal camping and caravan parks and coastal backpacker budget accommodation.
Whangarei - Secluded bays and beaches allow for water skiing in the harbour, exploring beautiful bays, coastal diving and fishing, walking tracks. There's a gallery specialising in Maori and Pacific Art and accommodation in the vicinity ranges from campsites and baches to upmarket studio apartments or lodge. Call in at LongView, Whangarei's award winning winery, for a taste of fine Northland merlot. For a unique adventure, visit the Wildlife Gardens. If you are looking to recharge and relax, there are plenty of back-to-nature attractions around Whangarei. Whangarei offers an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés to suit all variety of tastes and budget, as well as all the main chain restaurants and fast food outlets. There's accommodation in Whangarei to meet every need and budget from camping grounds to character baches, studio apartments, guest houses, bed and breakfast, luxury lodges, hotels or motels in Whangarei.
Tutukaka Coast - Only half an hour north east of Whangarei, Tutukaka is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve. The Islands, 25km off shore, have been rated by the famous Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world - the water is known for its clarity and an abundance of sea life. Sea currents and visibility up to 30 metres underwater allow the diver, (and kayaker or snorkeller) to see a highly populated, rich and diverse tapestry of marine life. Accommodation in the Tutukaka Coast includes holiday home accommodation.
BAY OF ISLANDS - The Bay of Islands is situated 3 hours north of Auckland on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Boasting a spectacular Maritime Park, it is also New Zealand's largest base for Big Game Fishing. Discovered by Captain Cook in 1769 it has an abundance of historical significance for both Maori and European, as this was the first area of European settlement in New Zealand. Bay of Islands hotels allow you to explore the many scenic destinations in the area. Stay in Bay of Islands accommodation and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Bay. The 'Black Rocks' are volcanic formations unique to the Bay and host to many bird colonies and abundant marine life. Bay of Islands accommodation is a great base from which to explore the top half of the North Island.
Opua - For those who arrive in the Bay of Islands by sea, Opua is your port. It's where the boats live - yachts, launches, ferries and runabouts of every description. On the wharf, a number of charter companies offer yachts you can sail yourself. A new 240 berth marina is now complete so with the friendly yacht club, the boat haul-out yards and extensive marine services, Opua is a delightful safe-haven for any sailor. It is also where you catch the car ferry if you want to drive to Russell. Accommodation in Opua includes bed and breakfast accommodation.
Paihia - Paihia is a great starting point to see the rest of the Bay of Islands. Paihia is known as one of the jewels of the magnificent Bay of Islands. With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches Paihia motels is a good place to be based for your Bay of Islands experience. Paihia accommodation lets you truly relax, unwind and take in all there is in this magnificent haven of the Bay of Islands. Let Paihia accommodation provide you with what it takes to relax and unwind, whether it be that stroll or swim along unspoilt beaches. Take a boat charter to our most famous fishing grounds - you won't come back disappointed! Accommodation in Paihia includes luxury hotels, affordable motels and lodges, bed and breakfast accommodation, apartments, holiday homes and cottages.
Russell - A quick ferry ride across the water from Paihia is the charming, elegant township of Russell. This tranquil place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage. Accommodation in Russell includes luxury hotels, affordable motels and lodges, holiday parks, bed and breakfast accommodation, apartments, holiday homes, villas and cottages.
Haruru Falls - Haruru means "big noise." The water falls in a horseshoe shape - very rare and quite spectacular - and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls township - which is only 3km from Paihia. In the 1800s, there were over 100 Maori villages along the Haruru Falls River. Accommodation in Haruru Falls includes affordable motel accomodation.
Waitangi - Truly one of New Zealand's most historic sites, being the place where both Maori and European joined in signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty House is located amongst a vast peaceful estate, which includes a fully carved Maori Meeting House, one of the largest Maori War Canoes and a Visitor Centre and Gallery. The estate is a must see for any visitor interested in New Zealand's history and culture. The Waitangi Golf Course is located in a wonderful setting with majestic ocean views. And for a deeper understanding of how mangrove forests fit into coastal ecology, take a trek through to Haruru Falls or join a guided kayak tour. Accommodation in Waitangi includes hotel accommodation.
Kerikeri - Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. Visit the wineries, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes, indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Historical highlights of Kerikeri: the Kerikeri Mission House, the country's oldest house built by John Butler in 1821, and the Mission's Stone Store dating from 1832 and New Zealand's oldest stone building. These wonderful buildings are regarded as the "Cradle of the Nation", and are must for all visitors to the Bay of Islands. Kerikeri, the largest town in the Bay of Islands region of the North Island of New Zealand, is a popular tourist destination, a 3 hour drive north of Auckland. Use Kerikeri accommodation to explore all that the area has to offer; whether it is the historic buildings, the Rainbow Falls, or perhaps the Fairy Pools, all are within easy reach of Kerikeri accommodation.
Doubtless Bay - Coopers Beach and Mangonui offer accommodation in Doubtless Bay approximately 1 hour drive north of New Zealand's famous Bay of Islands. There is a wide variety of superb beaches including Taupo Bay, Hihi Beach, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Karikari Peninsula. Coopers Beach is ideal as a base for touring further north, with general shopping facilities and restaurants. In Mangonui there are several fine retail shops selling everything from local arts and crafts, gifts and quality New Zealand souvenirs to locally produced food and wine. There are numerous waterfront cafes with alfresco dining, the historic hotels and courthouse plus the 'world-famous' fish shop. There is a variety of accommodation in Coopers Beach and Doubtless Bay including beachfront self-catering motels and suites, and several bed and breakfast options.
TOP OF THE NORTH - In the Top of the North, the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean surround the land with warm, subtropical waters. At the furthest point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga plays host to the historic lighthouse guarding the north western approaches. Out at sea the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, sometimes producing waves more then 10 metres high. Along Ninety Mile Beach, surfers take to the waves where giant sand dunes line the shore. It's a place to keep one's eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Aupouri Forest.
Ahipara - An amazing array of beach based fun with surfing, blokarting, quad-bike tours , Fishing (surf-casting or charter boats available for bottom or big game). Ahipara also has a 18 hole links golf course with magnificent views from the course and club rooms. With Ninety Mile Beach at your doorstep there are plenty of fun activities for all ages. These include golf, fishing, surfing, swimming, quad biking, blo-karting, walks on the beach and many more. Accommodation in Ahipara in the Top of The North includes apartments, motels, backpacker and holiday houses in Ahipara.
THE WEST COAST - Further south a sprawling array of inlets and tributaries form the Hokianga region, leading on to the Kauri Coast. It's a place of wild beaches, spectacular coastline and peaceful forests like Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park. Giants like Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) watch over the Kauri Coast. An atmospheric drive through Waipoua Forest will acquaint you with New Zealand's largest living Kauri trees. Standing 50 metres tall, the Kauri are one of the world's mightiest trees and their forests give shelter to many other plant types like the taraire, kohekohe, towai and northern rata trees. They are also a useful refuge for threatened wildlife such as the endangered North Island kokako and brown kiwi. They share their habitat with a peculiar but distinctive creature: the large and very handsome kauri snail, a carnivore that feeds mainly on earthworms, slugs and soft-bodied insects.
Dargaville - Yugoslavian immigrants established the town of Dargaville in the 1870s. Initially, its prosperity was based on kauri timber and gum. Today, the local community is mostly involved with dairy farming and cropping and the area is known for its kumara (sweet potato) production. The Dargaville Museum has an interesting collection of Maori artefacts, shipwreck treasures and gum-digging exhibits. The local paper factory makes handmade paper from Manchurian wild rice. There is a wide range of accommodation in Dargaville - a luxury lodge with restaurant and bar, self-catering motels and cottages, holiday parks with budget accommodation in backpacker hostels.
Northland accommodation provides you a perfect base to explore sub-tropical Northland. Much of Northland's extensive coastline remains unspoilt. It is indeed an aquatic playground for adventure activities and relaxation. There is accommodation in New Zealand's Northland to suit every budget and holiday need.
Whangarei and Opua are havens for international and local yachts and accommodation in these areas will ensure you get that pampering you deserve. Tutukaka and Russell are game fishing hot spots; the beaches of Doubtless Bay are endlessly beautiful. History has always been made in Northland. The Hokianga Harbour was the first Polynesian landing place, Russell was New Zealand's first capital and the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands. Russell, Paihia and Opua accommodation makes a great base for appreciating all the great things that Northland has to offer. Its history is rich and interesting. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in Northland during the 11th century. Today Waitangi is the seat of Maori culture, which is very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori). European settlement began in the 1840s, further enriching the region's colourful past. Northland accommodation is perfect for enjoying these areas.
Or use accommodation in Auckland as a base to explore the North Island.
