NORTHLAND
Calling Code: +64 9
The narrow province of Northland thrusts 350km out from Auckland
into the subtropical, "winterless north", separating the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. Palms and citrus fruits
thrive, it rarely frosts and days are warmer than anywhere else in the country.
The east coast of Northland comprises a labyrinth of straggling peninsulas, with hidden coves set between plunging headlands. The
beaches tend to be calm and safe, their waters protected by clusters of barrier islands. The west coast provides great contrast as it
is one enormous dune-backed beach pounded by powerful Tasman breakers and broken by the occasional harbour. Some beaches are
even designated as roads, but are full of hazards for the unwary. The major routes thru Northland are inland leading to long forays down
twisting side roads. There is no place in Northland that is more than 40km from water.
Just north of Auckland the short Kowhai Coast is popular with yachties sailing around Kawau
Island and snorkellers exploring the underwater
world of Goat Island Marine Reserve. The broad sweep of Bream Bay runs from the Scottish
settlement of Waipu up to the dramatic crags of
Whangarei Heads at the entrance to Northland's major port and the associated town of Whangarei. New Zealand's premier dive spot lies
just off the coast with the Poor Knights Islands.
The Bay of Islands is pure heaven with a coastline dotted with islands perfect for
cruising, diving and swimming with dolphins, and
steeped in early New Zealand history. Everything north of here is considered the Far North. The quiet remoteness of the
Whangaroa
Harbour, the popular resorts of Doubtless Bay, and the Aupori Peninsula which backs Ninety Mile Beach all the way up to Cape Reinga
make the Far North a wonderful destination.
First stop on the west coast is Hokianga Harbour, one of New Zealand's largest, with some fine sand dunes gracing the north head. Head
south and you're into the Waipoua Forest.
It's believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in this region during the 11th century, but it wasn't until after the landing of the British
sea voyager Captain Cook in 1769 that missionaries, whalers and traders arrived. The Treaty of Waitangi, the document that founded bicultural
New Zealand was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840.
Best Way to Get Around
Northland has no passenger train services so getting around by public transportation means travelling by bus.
Kaitaia and the Bay of
Islands airports have direct flights to Auckland and each other. If you're driving the choices are limited to a major road - the Twin Coast
Discovery Route - up each side of the peninsula.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
 | The Kowhai Coast to Bream Bay
Orewa, Warkworth, Kawau Island, Matakana, Leigh,
Pakiri, Mangawhai Heads, Waipu, Waimate North
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| Whangarei and around
Whangarei, Whangarei Heads, Tutukaka,
Ngunguru, Matapouri, Marsden Point
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| The Bay of Islands
Paihia, Waitangi, Opua, Kawakawa,
Russell, Kerikeri
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| North to Doubtless Bay
Matauri Bay, Whangaroa Harbour, Mangonui,
Hihi, Karikari Peninsula
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| Kaitaia
Kaitaia, Ahipara
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| Ninety Mile Beach & Cape Reinga
Awanui, Houhora, Pukenui, Parengarenga Harbour,
Te Kao, Cape Reinga
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| Hokianga Harbour
Kohukohu, Rawene, Opononi, Omapere
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| Kauri Forests and Kaipara Harbour
Waipoua, Kai Iwi Lakes, Dargaville, Matakohe, Kaikohe, Helensville
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