Far North & Northland Region

Discover the far North, beyond Auckland. The winterless North is where the human story started approximately 900 years ago. From the stunning Manea Footprints of Kupe Cultural Heritage and Education Centre, in Opononi to Paihia’s boisterous past there is something for everyone to enjoy. Northland is the wild blue yonder where Tutukaka’s sub-tropical marine currents provide a rich resource for marine life around the Poor Knights Island. The twin coast discovery trail leads to the quiet districts, in the Hokianga where ancient kauri trees hint at former forest glory. Cycling, walking, savouring wine in single estate vineyards, marveling at the skill of artists in the far North is a year round pleasure. Visitors are guaranteed whatever the season there is sure to be a favourite place waiting for you to discover.

For an overview of Aotearoa New Zealand attractions, things to do and places to visit check out the definitive New Zealand travel guide.

TIP

Check out Amazing 12 New Zealand Attractions and pop them on your bucket list.

Travel guides

Hokianga Harbour great sand dunes, New Zealand

TOP-5 free walks in & around the Hokianga Harbour

16 free, awesome things to do in Auckland & Further North

Northland culture and heritage trails

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, New Zealand @Wanderlusters

National parks Poor Knights Islands: Tutukaka, Northland what to see

6 Family Friendly Walks Whangarei

Reyburn House, New Zealand @Travel Notes

8 Heritage Sites in Whangarei

WHANGAREI – NORTHERN ENTRANCE

The northern entrance is vibrant Whangarei. A community celebrating modern art, its rich bicultural heritage and the lush subtropical climate creating magical garden spaces. There is plenty to see and do, for inspiration check 10 Whangarei places to go, trip guide, things to see & do: NZ Jane. Consider Whangarei as a hub to explore Waipu and Bream Bay coastline with its interesting story about Scottish migration at the Waipu museum or a day trip finding the wild blue yonder and Ten reasons to linger in Tutukaka Coast.

The Hokianga is the north’s west coast and relatively unknown. Yet there are attractions such as the recently opened Mana Kupa interactive centre in Opononi bringing visitors to the area. The TOP-10 things to do in Hokianga, activities — trip guides include majestic forest giants, the mighty kauri trees of the far North to sand boarding down towering gold tipped dunes or active adventures quad biking through prehistoric landscapes.

Concretions on Koutu Beach at Hokianga Harbour

Hokianga’s hidden gems include:

Karst limestone landscapes where distorted rock formation challenge the imagination
Smooth rounded boulders looking like enormous giant balls
Beaches and dunes without the crowds
Heritage and art trails in quiet corners off the beaten path
A harbour that offers water sport enthusiasts the perfect spot to test a jet ski

NORTHLAND HIDDEN GEMS

Northland’s hidden gems are side road discoveries worth the detour. The ordinary will become extraordinary.

Ngawha Springs geothermal hot pools, only a few minutes from Te Waimate Mission New Zealand’s second oldest building. The journey is part of the Mission Station heritage trail following TOP-10 Northland Mission Stations, trip guide, what to see: NZ Jane
Kawkawa vintage train that transverses the main street competing with modern dairy tankers, pedestrians and the occasional tourist, Kawakawa trip guide, public toilets & other things to see: NZ Jane. Follow the quirky sign for Kawkawa and prepare to be surprised at a small town with an international reputation of artistic excellence

Ngawha Hot Springs

Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand @Roadrebelz

Poor Knights Islands @Roadrebelz

A beach culture Eight magical beaches and ocean activities in Tutukaka: where to go and what to find redefines what is a perfect year round beach destination
The story of where it all started, Hokianga Harbour, Kupe and the story of Aotearoa, New Zealand is narrated by the visually impressive Kupe interactive centre located in Omapere. Massive sand dunes, the Hokianga harbour, Rawene and its ferry and mission station are visitor highlights marking a slow journey through the west coast. The marine world flourishes in the subtropical ocean surrounding the Poor Knights Islands: Tutukaka, Northland what to see. Dive Tutukaka and cruises get visitors up close and personal with reef fish, dolphins and the underwater world.

FAR NORTH & CAPE REINGA

Catch a 4WD tour and travel Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga Lighthouse and hear the stories of how souls travel back to ancestral land from the tip of Aotearoa New Zealand. There is a gnarly pohutukawa tree and a lonely lighthouse marking the spot. Observe the headlands of Te Rerenga Wairua where oceans meet.

TIP

You need two days in your itinerary for this trip as it is remote and deserves the time spent actually getting there.

Cape Reinga @Fullers GreatSights

Destination: Far North & Northland Region