Northland &
Bay of Islands

NZ's best marine reserve

Not many Kiwis realise we've got a little group of islands in our own backyard that's home to tropical waters and incredible snorkelling. There are more than 120 fish species that call the Poor Knights Islands home. The trip out to New Zealand's best marine reserve takes only 40-minutes from the Tūtūkākā Harbour, a tiny settlement two-and-a-half hours north of Auckland. The Poor Knights is an internationally renowned dive spot. Famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau rated the Poor Knights one of the top ten dive spots in the world. Read more

The largest island

Urupukapuka Island is the largest of all of the bay's 144 islands. Located a 40-minute ferry ride from Paihia or Russell, the island boasts incredible beaches and walking tracks, and as a pest-free sanctuary is home to native birds you’re unlikely to see (or hear) anywhere else. At Otehei Bay, you can hire a kayak or paddle board, and refuel at the fully licensed café on the waterfront. Climb to the top of Urupukapuka Island for panoramic views of the harbour.

Stories of NZ's great discoverer

The harbour Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, or ‘the place of Kupe's great return’, is considered to be one of the oldest settlements in Aotearoa and the site from where the discoverer later departed back to his homeland. As well as taking in the breathtaking outlook across the towering sand dunes and sparkling harbour, visitors to Hokianga can stop into the Manea – Footprints of Kupe Experience. A welcome pōwhiri and live performance kicks off the 75-minute experience. From there, visitors have the opportunity to learn all about the intrepid voyager through a combination of storytelling, art, taonga, film and digital interaction. Read more

The power of art

Northland has a new jewel in its visitor crown: the incredible Hundertwasser Art Centre, which proudly sits on the city's waterfront. Friedensreich Hundertwasser was a world-renowned artist and architect, and in 1993 he was asked to design an art centre for Whangārei. More than 25 years later, the iconic structure has posthumously opened. The centre is nothing short of a gamechanger for the city. It houses the largest collection of Hundertwasser's work outside Vienna, the country's first dedicated Māori art gallery, and a popular restaurant.

More than a hole in a rock

Utah has its famous Mormon Road, but at the top of New Zealand's North Island is something that's arguably even cooler - an easily accessible island tunnel so big it can fit medium-sized cruise boats through it. Sprouting proudly out of the Pacific Ocean off the wild end of the Bay of Islands' Cape Brett is Motukōkako (Piercy Island as it was named by James Cook), rises 148 metres out of the sea with a spectacular 16m-high hole at its south-western end. Harbour cruises and jet boats will take you through the hole on a calm day and you can even land a helicopter on the top of the island and have a picnic. Read more

Get a bird's eye view

How high? 1300 feet towards God. But don't worry, you won't make it all the way to meet him - Flying Kiwi Parasail has an impeccable safety record. You don't need to do anything; you just get strapped in and enjoy the ride. If you have a testy relationship with heights, the heart will get a workout - but just consider this: the youngest to go up was only three, the oldest more than 100. And a nearby retirement village regularly brings its clients so they can tick it off their bucket list. So, you have no excuses - do it! Read more

The top of Aotearoa

You don’t have to be religious, or even particularly spiritual, to sense there’s something special about Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Arriving at this most sacred of Māori sites after a long drive down the spine of the Far North, is like reaching some kind of final frontier. According to Māori oral history, the cape is where spirits last set foot on the Land of the Long White Cloud before making their way to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. From the carpark, it’s a gentle 1km walk to the historic lighthouse and signpost that form the backdrop to many a visitor photo.

Ride from coast to coast

Ride from one side of New Zealand to the other on this 87km trail between the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour. Following a rail trail, cycle paths, country roads and a wetland boardwalk, Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail offers relaxed riding year round, taking in under-the-radar natural and cultural attractions in quintessential Northland coastal and rural settings. Highlights include the cute seaside community of Ōpua, the waterfalls and suspension bridges between Kawakawa and Kaikohe, Northland’s largest lake (Ōmāpere), and the Wesleyan Mission House in Hōreke.

Northland’s answer to the Sahara

Te Paki's 10km stretch of giant sand dunes must be the unofficial sandboarding capital of New Zealand. Heading north to Cape Reinga, a short detour down a gravel road will take you to Te Paki Stream at the base of the dunes, formed over millions of years as a result of volcanic activity in other parts of the country. Standing up to 150 metres, the dunes are the highest in the southern hemisphere, so be prepared for your calves to complain as you haul your boogie board or other sliding apparatus to the top.

Walk up Flagstaff Hill

While in Russell, make sure you check out one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites – Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill. After the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the sight of the Union Jack flying high on the hill was seen by local Māori as a symbol of what they had lost. In protest against British rule, Ngāpuhi leader Hone Heke and his allies chopped it down four times, leading to the start of the Northern War in 1845. These days, Flagstaff Hill is far more peaceful place, offering 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands. The Flagstaff Hill Track is an easy 2.5km loop, which should only take about 30 minutes. Read more

The not-quite 90-mile beach

It mightn’t live up to its name, but that’s the only thing lacking about this famous beach stretching from the small surf town of Ahipara to Scott Point. Its 55 miles (88km) are a swimmer’s, surfcaster’s and beachcomber’s delight – plus it is said to offer one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world. Facing west, its sunsets are spectacular to boot, as are its star-studded night skies. If a long walk along the beach has you craving some kaimoana, dig your fingers into the sand in the shallows in search of tuatua, or cast a line from the beach. As an official highway, the beach is also one of New Zealand’s most magnificent ocean drives. Just don’t attempt it without a 4WD or checking the tides. If you'd prefer to leave it to the pros, join a coach tour from either Kaitāia or Paihia. Read more

Secret lava valley

Down a winding metal road in the Far North, and behind an honesty box, you'll find an ancient lava valley 2.8 million years in the making. This fairytale forest has an incredible walkway with a series of bridges that weave through Jurassic cracks. The private Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve, found about four hours north of Auckland, is easily one of the best hidden gems in Northland. Read more

The world's largest sea cave

While most people concentrate on swimming in the Poor Knights Islands, a visit to the marine reserve can also include a journey into the largest sea cave by volume on Earth. Rikoriko Cave was formed by a gas bubble from an eruption millions of years ago, which created the 221,494 cubic metre chamber. Just how big is that? Well, you could fit 110 million two-litre milk bottles inside. Read more

Worth making time for

If you’re sensitive to bad puns and clock jokes generally, you’ll need to brace yourself before entering Claphams National Clock Museum in Whangārei. As well as plenty of weird and wacky clocks, you can have a close look at some very fine examples of the art of horology, from towering grandfather clocks, right down to the tiniest timepiece. The collection of varied timepieces inside was started more than a century ago by Archie Clapham, who liked a bit of fun, along with his clocks. Though his personal ticker stopped in 1963, the clocks have not only carried on, but they have been added to, so that there are now more than 1400 different pieces to view. Read more

Gravity-powered monster scooters

These motor-less two-wheelers were initially designed as an activity for European ski fields in summer. The first place to introduce them in Australasia is the Headsup Adventures park in Whangārei. There are seven off-road tracks in total on Warren Gill's hilly 57-hectare property to tackle. You'll be shuttled to the top of a hill, before choosing one of several tracks to race down with your friends and family. Start on the gentle beginner's course that weaves through thick native forest before hitting the intermediate, advanced, and jump tracks. Read more

Explore the harbour

The Hokianga Habour is vast – it's the fourth-largest in the country – and the best way to get an appreciation of it is on a jet-ski safari with Awesome Adventures Hokianga. Under the watchful eye of Lenny Naera, you'll be taught how to use a jet-ski before beginning your adventure. The trip starts with a journey to the entrance of the harbour before exploring the winding waterways lined with mangroves. Read more

Kerikeri's hidden waterfall trails

While popular with locals, the Kerikeri River Track is often bypassed by visitors, who take the far less scenic Heritage Bypass or other busy roads to the falls. They’re missing out. Featuring two waterfalls, multiple natural swimming holes, an old power station and towering stands of kauri and tōtara, this is one of the best short walks in the Bay of Islands. The river walk is one of a network of tracks around the town’s heritage precinct linking five impressive waterfalls, four of which don’t receive nearly the number of visitors they deserve. Read more

Northland's version of Hanmer Springs

A spectacular new version of Northland's famous Ngāwhā Hot Springs near Kaikohe has recently reopened, and you won't recognise the place. A multi-million dollar redevelopment has added a welcome touch of luxury to the bathing experience. Now the pools almost feel like a Hanmer Springs of Northland, with a grand entrance and café that's expected to open soon. You can book two-hour bathing slots, which gives you access to all 16 pools - famed for their healing properties. Read more

A journey to another planet

One of the Hokianga's most spectacular sites sits across the harbour: the magnificent Rangi Point sand dunes. These are most famous for sandboarding, where you can slide straight off the sand and into the water. But few people realise you can also take one of New Zealand's best short walks, and explore what feels like another planet. Hokianga Express Charters will take you across the harbour to the dunes, before pointing out where to walk. It's then a 40-minute journey to the top, with incredible views of the harbour along the way. Read more

Northland by horseback​

Sandy Bay Horses is a 35-minute drive north from Whangārei and is part of a coastal glamping retreat where guests can stay in the serene and secluded Awatuna Yurt complete with a private outdoor bathtub, or on the farmstay, and enjoy horse riding and treks through native bush, across streams and along the stunning Northland coastline. The setting is the perfect marriage of what Northland showcases so well - rolling hills of farmland and native bush on one side, an expansive ocean vista on the other. Read more

An out-of-the way seaside settlement

This little seaside settlement is not only at the literal end of the road, but the road itself is so out of the way that pretty much only locals take it. Starting at Kohukohu, across the Hokianga Harbour from Rāwene, it’s about 45 minutes’ drive along the winding, mostly unsealed West Coast Road through farmland and forest. You’ll pass through little Panguru, and see the 1930s Spanish Mission-style church Hato Kereti me Hato Remehio. Finally, you’ll wind up at Mitimiti, a scattered collection of homes along this wild coast, anchored by Mātihetihe marae, unique in the country for containing a Catholic Church. Read more

​​ Ride the vintage railway

The town of Kawakawa features a unique railway line that runs right down the centre of its busy main street – the only one of its kind in New Zealand, and one of just a few in the world. You can chug down the middle of the State Highway, with people waving and photographing you on each side, on an hour-long train trip with Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. The train runs from the heritage-listed Kawakawa station to Taumārere’s Long Bridge – which itself is a sight worth seeing, as the longest curved wooden viaduct in the southern hemisphere. Read more

The after-hours kauri encounter

It’s well worth the stroll along the boardwalk from the road to see tallest kauri in the world. There is a better way to see it though. On a four-hour twilight tour with Footprints Waipoua, after the public visiting hours are over, you get to visit both Tāne Mahuta, Lord of the Forest, and the even more stately Te Matua Ngāhere, Father of the Forest and the world’s oldest kauri, at 3000 years. More than just seeing them as remarkable trees, you’ll learn the cultural background, hear the legends that surround them, and understand their significance to the local Māori people. Read more

Artistic freediving

Mermaiding isn’t just some cosplay fantasy for Disney-loving children, or entertainment for certain adults. The activity is rapidly growing as another branch of ocean activities alongside freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling. Mermaid diving - tail and all - is about the journey and the play. New Zealand has only one official PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer, Sacha Williamson, of Northland’s Freedive Aotearoa. PADI mermaid courses start with relaxation and breathhold training, practice in a swimming pool or other confined water space, before taking it to the open water. Read more

Take the helm of a tall ship

Through the summer, traditional gaff-rigged schooner, the R. Tucker Thompson, sails around the Bay of Islands thrilling day-trippers on board. Heave on the ropes to hoist the sails, take the helm, even climb up the rigging to the crow's nest, or out onto the bowsprit. All you can hear are the waves, the wind, the seabirds, maybe the splash of dolphins. And then you drop anchor in a sheltered bay and can jump overboard for a lunchtime swim to the shore, or descend more sedately into a tender. Read more

Visit the Hell Hole of the Pacific

Russell was the first European settlement in New Zealand, and back then virtually no laws applied. Prostitution was rife, grog flowed and fights followed. The Duke of Marlborough is where a lot of it all began. The iconic pub first opened in 1827, and was the first place in the country to be granted a liquor licence in 1840. Have a drink on the waterfront, knowing you're sitting where the most influential people to shape New Zealand history have tried to solve a few problems (and created a few too).

The freshest fish and chips

Northland’s Mangonui Fish Shop is worthy of the iconic label. Undoubtedly one of the main reasons for tourists to make the turn off the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, this picture-postcard chippery on the Mangonui Wharf has been serving locals and travellers for more than 70 years. It’s famed for fish so fresh that it seems to have jumped from the sea onto the plate via the fryer. The famous building perched on its poles welcomes you into the small settlement of Mangonui, a historic fishing port in the sublime Doubtless Bay. It may not be big in size, but it more than makes up for that in charm. Read more

Pukenui's legendary pāua pies

On the windy road to Cape Reinga, you'll find a pastry-filled nirvana in Pukenui. It's called the Container Cafe, and it has more than 200 five-star Google reviews for a reason. Here you'll find a kaleidoscope of different pie flavours, including its legendary pāua pies. It’s the last café before reaching the top of the country. Enjoy your pastry package on one of the wooden picnic benches of you can't hang on for the 40-minute drive to Cape Reinga.

Chocolate lovers rejoice

If you have a sweet tooth, a stop at Makana Confections and their chocolate factory is compulsory. Yes, they have free tastings, and you can watch Champagne truffles and sea-salt caramels being created, but really, it's all about macadamia butter toffee crunch. This is the best sweet treat you'll ever try. We're not fudging.

Where to start your day in Russell

A visit to hole-in-the-wall coffee bar Hellhole is the best way to start your day in historic Russell. Hellhole is the physical home of family-run boutique roastery Tohorā Coffee Co. Pair your morning brew with one of the freshly made doughnuts or loaded bagels and enjoy on a wooden bench right by the water. The Vegemite and Swiss cheese, the BLAT or the smoked kahawai are favourite picks from the short but sweet menu. Read more

Get among the locals

Kerikeri is a short drive away, where you can experience the Old Packhouse Markets, the biggest in Northland. New Zealand's first grapes, avocados, citrus, and passionfruit were planted in the region, so there is a long history of excellent produce. You'll also find salted-caramel doughnuts, pies and crafts from the vibrant community of local artisans. If you can’t make it to a market, there’s an on-site café which is open daily.

Dine in a work of art

Eutopia Café is set back from the road in Kaiwaka, but you still can’t miss seeing it. This licensed, open-air café is a worthy destination in itself. You can get good coffee here, and tasty home-made food that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, much of it organic. The main attraction, though, is the artwork, which mostly comprises the building itself. The wall outside features big, brightly painted huia and native flowers moulded onto it. And then there’s the roof, rounded and set with ornate domes and balls, and dominated by the outstretched wings of a gull. Once through the gateway, it gets even better. Read more

The Bay's best beer garden

Summer hotspot Hone's Garden on Russell’s York Street was founded by Nicholas Loosley, the brains behind Auckland food waste charity, Everybody Eats. The laid-back garden bar is a popular spot to unwind over craft beer and wood-fired pizza after a day of adventuring in and around the region’s tepid waters. Start with Orongo Bay oysters by the dozen, move onto slices of the parma ham and buffalo mozzarella pizza, and then finish with profiteroles smothered in chocolate and cream. Read more

Part gallery, part café

At this little oasis of culture and coffee you get to feed both the spirit and the stomach. You could spend ages in the gallery, browsing around the colourful exhibits and dithering over what to buy, if you weren’t distracted by the wonderful views outside over the wooded hills down to the distant sea, and the knowledge that there’s a café with good food and coffee right next door, plus a sculpture garden to explore. Helena Bay Café’s friendly staff will serve you fair-trade coffee and fresh home-made food. Sit at a table on the veranda to enjoy both the food and the natural scenery, highlighted by some striking artworks in the foreground. Read more

Northland's off-the-grid glamping ark

Add New Zealand's first floating glamping experience to the list. The floating Ark at Cottle Hill Creek is just five minutes from Kerikeri village, about three hours north of Auckland. The ark sits on a large man-made lake, complete with a tiny island in the middle, perfect for rowing out to on the small dinghy provided to have a romantic picnic on. The ark has a little kitchen, lounge, dining table, composting toilet, and a huge comfy bed in the attic. Read more

The fairytale tree house

The Fairytale Treehouse isn't a tree house - it's more like a tree castle, extending over three levels with a live tree growing right through it. The previous owner of the property built the house for his elderly mother who dreamed of living in the bush. You have the kitchen overlooking native bush, a lounge, a spacious bedroom and a modern bathroom. There are even pieces from the set of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe scattered among the house for you to go on a treasure hunt and find. Read more

An adults-only cave escape

The Cave at Crab Cove is an adults-only romantic retreat tucked away in the far reaches of Northland. The cave sits on the side of a hill near beautiful Matauri Bay. The cave is man-made - it was dug out, the room built, then buried and covered in grass. Inside is a kitchen, huge bed, telescope, a massive double shower, and sauna. It has everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel room, except this one happens to be underground. Read more

A new glamping escape

One of Northland's newest glamping escapes is tucked away in native bush, where you'll fall asleep to the gentle trickle of the stream. Rewind a few thousand years, and Awatuna Yurt would be fit for an emperor. The plush interior includes a luxurious bed, a separate bathroom with a flush toilet, and an outdoor bath. Best of all, you're less than a kilometre from Sandy Bay, which is a popular surf spot for locals – but also an excellent swimming beach. Read more

The charm of rural life

The quaint village of Kohukohu is the kind of place you immediately relax on arrival; it’s a village of yesteryear and nobody is in a rush. Make a night of it by staying at the Kohukohu Historic Villa, one of the country's oldest homes. The house was built sometime between 1840 and 1860 and started life as an office for a vast kauri mill that was once the centre of town. The house has been meticulously restored by hosts Dee and Sean Morrissey, who will even cook a delicious meal in the evening – probably the best food you'll find in all of the Hokianga. Read more

The hidden glasshouse

The magic starts as soon as you enter the gates of the Taiharuru estate. The Glasshouse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where visitors find themselves on 20 acres of coastal private peninsula that sits like a postcard waiting to paint you in to its perfection. The opulent private retreat consists of two glass boxes anchored by a covered loggia and a jutting deck complete with an outdoor fireplace – all ringed by pōhutukawa trees ablaze in red. Floor to ceiling glass sliders bring the outside in where the sense of transformation continues. Read more

Waipū's luxury farm stay

Durham Farms Luxury Stay has all the reassuringly deluxe features you might hope for in an upscale tenting experience. There are sculptural bell tents, proper beds complete with plump duvets, well-equipped kitchens, hot showers and fluffy towels. It’s in a dreamy-yet-convenient location, nestled in a small valley with a gentle river running through it, surrounded by forest and only an hour and half by car from Auckland. A sustainable organic philosophy and a passionate respect for nature form the backbone of the farm. It’s an ethos that feeds through to the glampsite in a range of practical, thoughtful ways. Read more

Glamping with a view

Overlooking the magnificent Poor Knights Islands, nestled in native bush, you'll find Matapouri Glamping – one of Northland's best hidden gems. The Bowden Family owns the mighty Tawapou Farm, the closest mainland point to the Poor Knights Islands. The property has a vast area of regenerating native forest, and among this is the spectacular glamping site, complete with coastal views from the bed, deck, and outdoor bath. You're just a short drive away from Matapouri Beach, one of Northland's best, and don't miss a snorkel trip out to the Poor Knights, which departs from nearby Tūtūkākā. Read more

Stay in a tree house

On the way to Hokianga, stay the night in the trees at Wild Forest Estate. This new glamping retreat has a series of escapes hidden among 35 acres of bird-filled native bush, intersected by three rivers. It's found in Donnellys Crossing, just before you enter the Waipoua Forest. The retreats include a tree house with an outdoor forest bath, lotus belle tent and a 'tin box' eco-escape made from a converted shipping container. Read more

Seaside style and tranquil views

Driftwood’s two self-catering holiday homes, billed as “laidback luxury”, are set in 45ha of private coastal land overlooking one of Te Puna Inlet’s many bays, approximately 40 minutes north-east of Kerikeri. The Bach is a renovated 1960s house, situated so the spacious lounge and first bedroom enjoy prime sea views. Sitting in the renovated sail loft of a boat shed, The Pad is all angled roofs, a mezzanine level and compact charm. Both residences are kitted out with a busy mixture of seaside- and nautical-themed paraphernalia, lots of patterns, polished wood floors and cosy linens in beachy colours. The water’s on your doorstep, so start by going swimming or fishing. Read more

An ideal couple's paradise

If Northland had a little slice of Bali, this retreat – perched on the side of a mountain with sweeping views – would be it. Tui Hilltop is the passion project of Greg Hall, who has spent 20 years meticulously landscaping the grounds. He's now opened his property to the public, so they can enjoy what he created. The retreat has three huts; the first is a kitchen and dining area, a few steps away you'll find a glass-lined bedroom, and finally a separate shower block with composting toilet. As you're high up on a hill, you may even be lucky enough to wake up above the clouds. Read more

Tūtūkākā's resort-style dive lodge

Run by Dive! Tutukaka in the country’s diving hotspot of Tūtūkākā, Lodge9 is a resort-style lodge mainly aimed at scuba divers. The property has six private rooms each with their own bathrooms, and a shared communal space for dining and unwinding, as well as a covered outdoor dining area and space for relaxation by the pool. The Dive! Tutukaka premises are on the same property, so you can sort out your day’s dive or snorkel activities easily, while right next door is Schnappa Rock, one of the best eateries in Tūtūkākā. Read more

Luxury on Taiharuru Peninsula

The Cliff House is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house set on 10 hectares of private land at Whangārei Heads. It’s one of five properties run by Ara Roa Villas and Boutique Lodgings, who really deliver on their promises of “beautiful” and “secluded”. Here, there's the chance to gaze at nature, beautiful in its strength and simplicity, as far as the eye can see across rocky coastline and the Poor Knights Islands. The two sleeping wings are separated by the living area and kitchen. But the Master Bedroom, with its comfy bed, gorgeous views and access to the pentanque court, is a real highlight. Read more

A sweet eco-retreat

Nestled on a private sanctuary in Pātaua North, Tahi has three luxury retreats scattered around the property. Each escape has multiple bedrooms, making it the perfect place to catch up with family and friends. Tahi is best-known as a luxury honey brand, winning multiple awards for its authentic mānuka harvests. However, the property also has a seasonal cafe and its new retreats, which give you access to the magnificent 316-hectare farm and sanctuary. You’ll also enjoy private access to the beach and lots of other stunning walks to explore.

For more information visit northlandnz.com and visitboi.co.nz