North Island

Northland

Best timeNorthland is mild all year, which is why it is called the "winterless north".

Getting therePaihia is about three and a half hours' drive north of Auckland.

Main townsWhangārei, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri, Kaitāia, Dargaville

Warm, unhurried and full of history: Northland is where modern New Zealand began, with island-studded bays, giant kauri forests and long empty beaches running all the way to the top of the country.

Highlights

Bay of Islands 144 islands, dolphin cruises, sailing and kayaking from Paihia and Russell.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840; the museums and carved meeting house are a must.
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua The lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, a place of deep spiritual meaning for Māori.
Waipoua Forest Home of Tāne Mahuta, the largest known living kauri tree. Clean your shoes at the cleaning stations to protect the trees.
Hokianga Harbour Quiet harbour villages and giant sand dunes at Ōpononi.

Best time to go

Northland is mild all year, which is why it is called the “winterless north”. December to April is warmest for swimming and sailing; spring and autumn are quieter and still pleasant.

Getting there

Paihia is about three and a half hours’ drive north of Auckland. There are flights from Auckland to Kerikeri, Kaitāia and Whangārei, and InterCity buses along State Highway 1.