Northland, or “the land of the North”, is a unique place in the world. Located in the far north of the North Island, this is the warmest place in all of New Zealand. It is also home to a large number of Maori settlements, the native people of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Respect for traditions should be paramount, but don’t worry, the locals will welcome you with open doors. A stop by Waitangi Treaty Grounds will be your destination if you want to really get involved in their fascinating culture.
Yes, Northland is a special region, full of charming beaches, giant dunes, unique scenery like Cape Regina or fantasy lakes… Have I already mentioned that here you can see the enormous Kauri trees?
The Bay of Islands deserves a separate introduction. This unique archipelago, located on the east coast of Northland, is a paradise by far. The islands are very diverse, small rocks mixed with green islands and others with mountainous slopes. There are 141 in total! Each one of them has something new to offer.
Here you can enjoy exciting activities such as kayaking, dolphin watching, diving, skydiving… What? Yes, you heard right! I’m telling you, it will be worth stopping by and enjoying everything it has to offer. You can’t visit Northland without stopping by the Bay of Islands.
The beauty of Northland is that it has the best weather in all of New Zealand. It’s hot and dry during the summer months (December to March) and mild the rest of the year. Many backpackers spending their year in the country head up to Northland to spend the winter. In fact, winter in there is a hotspot for New Zealanders. That said, although it can be visited all year round, it’s best to go in spring or summer (remember, you’re in the southern hemisphere now).
From September to December: It is spring, the weather is starting to be warm without being too hot like it can be in summer. The pastures are green, the streams are full of water, and the moderate temperatures will allow you to swim some days.
From December to April: It’s summer, and it’s going to be hot. Remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen (even better if it’s coral-friendly), since the Northland sun will burn your skin. Luckily, you can cool off at any beach, lake or stream you find around the area. Although April is the beginning of autumn, the weather is still warm and you can visit the place.
It’s essential to travel to India with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
The most common way to get to Northland is via Auckland. Check out our Auckland guide to find out the best way to get there 😉 Although rare, there are also direct flights landing at Whangarei Airport.
If you don’t want to fly but you also don’t have a car, things get complicated. You’ll have to combine a bus to Picton with a Picton-Wellington ferry and then a bus back to Auckland. An adventure that will cost you a lot, and not just in time. It’s the same route as the previous one, but with the problem of connecting buses. There is also the possibility of arriving by train from Wellington to Auckland, but the trains are not daily.
By bus. You can catch a bus from the InterCity Bus Stop Auckland Central terminal and it will take you to the InterCity Bus Stop Whangarei Central terminal located in central Whangarei. There are two buses a day, at 7am and 1:30pm, both costing NZ$40. These same buses will go all the way to Paihia.
By car. If you have a car or caravan, this is the best way to get to Northland, since there is a direct motorway to Whangarei from Auckland. The advantage of taking a car is that it allows you to move from one place to another without any problems.
By plane. It’s only worth it if you’re coming from far away and Auckland is just a stopover to Whangarei Airport. The flight is only 30 minutes from Auckland Airport.
The northernmost point in New Zealand. Driving from Kaitai (the nearest town) to here will take you about an hour and a half through the middle of nowhere. Once you arrive, it’s a 10-minute walk from the entrance accessible to everyone.
And finally… the whitish lighthouse in front of you, opening up the view to the immensity of the sea! A blue sea that will invite you to swim, although you won’t be able to do so here.
Head to Tapotupotu Bay and cool off on its white sandy beach, or take the Te Paki Coastal track if you have 3 or 4 days to spare.
Cape Reinga is a place of great symbolism. The northernmost land in New Zealand, the point where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, the start of the famous Aoteroa track…
Also, according to Maori culture, from here the spirits “jump” to the next life, carried by the wind. A perfect place for a picnic! NO! Do not eat anything while you are at Cape Reinga as it is considered disrespectful to the deceased Maoris. Keep your chips in the car 😉
Located on the West Coast a little further south of Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach is a long beach of 88 kilometres from end to end! This beach is massive, enormous, and its gigantic dunes do justice to its length. But dunes do not form out of nowhere: large air currents drag the sand, accumulating and creating the dunes (free science lesson).
What does this mean? It will be very windy, and this same wind will sometimes hurt like knives. Tip: Wear long pants even in summer.
My favorite part of Ninety Mile Beach is that… you can drive around it! This can be a unique experience. But be careful and be aware, so you don’t get stuck in the sand or trapped under the tide. Recommended only for 4×4 vehicles or people with good driving experience.
Finally, a unique activity that you can only do here is surfing on the dunes. Get on top of one of them and go for it with your surfboard!
You will be greeted by the small Coca Cola Lake with its coloured waters… Can you guess? Correct! No more needs to be said. The local Maoris claim that the mud from the lake cures any skin condition. It may not be true, but rolling around in the mud and playing with it always sounds like fun to me.
Next, you can’t forget to stop by Maitai Bay, where you can swim in its crystal-clear water beach or take a hike to the top of the cliff where you’ll have scenic views of the entire peninsula. There’s also a nice campsite, of which I’ll tell you about at the end. From Maitai Bay you’ll reach the real attraction after a short walk to the top…
Kari Kari, a hidden gem, perhaps less famous than Ninety Miles Beach but with much more breathtaking views. From the top of the peninsula you can see the two bays that separate it, with their white sand beaches and the cliffs that surround the whole area. Quite a spectacle.
Matauri Bay is a very charming place. It is worth going off the beaten track and heading into this bay with green meadows and ocean views. The best thing to do is to take a short route to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial and admire the panoramic views in front of you.
While you’re in the area and fancy a dip, Te Ngaere Beach is a fantastic beach for swimming or picnicking. Nearby there is the St Paul’s Rock Climb, a short climb to the top of this giant rock and take in the views.
A little further north you will find the coastal town of Whangaroa Town, a good place to stop for dinner at one of its local restaurants and admire the views of the harbour, with dozens of small ships under the starlight, an image that is hard to forget.
Paihia is a charming coastal town with small local restaurants and cafes that invite you to have a drink and take a break from your journey through Northland. Here you can sunbathe, kayak, fish, or simply stroll along the seafront.
If you like diving, treat yourself to the challenge of discovering the sunken ships hidden in the sea. There are also several waterfalls that you should see, such as Haruru Falls a little further north of Paihia.
Paihia is the ideal town from which to take the ferry to Russell. You can board from Paihia Wharf.
Russell is a town to visit if you like history. The charming Russell Museum will give you all the information you need about this unusual town, although, if you don’t like history, the boat ride around the Bay of Islands alone is worth it.
But Russell has more to offer: you can swim at the tranquil Long Beach, or take a one-hour walk to Tapeka Point. From here you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the entire Bay of Islands.
On the west coast of Northland, across from Paihia, lies Waipoua Forest. An ancient forest, one of the few that preserves New Zealand’s original vegetation. You can go directly to the entrance of the Tane Mahuta Walk park.
In less than two minutes, you will reach the spectacular Tane Mahuta Tree, the lord of the forest. This Kauri tree, over 50 metres tall, is the tallest in New Zealand. You will feel like an ant next to it!
If you want to experience the authentic forest in all its splendour, I recommend parking at Kauri Walk. From the same car park you can take three routes through the forest, lasting 20 minutes, 50 minutes and 1 hour and a half. You can also enhance the trails with a friendly local Maori guide and learn first-hand all the magic that this forest holds.
Since you’re driving here, here are a couple of places where you can enjoy some incredible views. From Oponini you’ll enjoy the ocean in front of some giant dunes. At Pakia Hill Lookout you’ll have a different angle of the dunes, but they’ll be no less cool.
Grab your picnic basket and get ready! Kai Iwi Lake will teleport you to a different country. Feel like you’re on a beach in Thailand, with turquoise water, white sand and… freshwater? Yes, this freshwater lake will invite you to swim in its calm waters.
And if it’s windy, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to do Wind Surf! Anything you would do in the sea you can do at The Lui Lake, that’s how interesting it is.
This lake really has a special charm. You can spend hours in the tranquility of its beach, have picnics, or even spend the night in its giant campsite. A place for the whole family. And if you feel like walking, put your boots on and stroll around the lake. Discover everything it has to offer from different perspectives or take a dip in one of its secret beaches.
Finally, hang on and stay until sunset … If it’s your first one in Northland, the spectacle will leave you speechless.
The capital of Northland and therefore the largest city in the region. Getting there from Auckland will take you almost three hours if you go by car or campervan. Alternatively, you can book daily buses or tours from Auckland that will drop you off right in the city centre.
In this city you can visit the different museums. The most famous is the Kiwi House, Museum and Heritage Park where you can see the famous Kiwi Bird in its natural state.
You can also stroll around, visit the Quarry Gardens with its sub-tropical vegetation or take the Hatea Loop and discover all the iconic places in the city.
A must-do while in Whangarei is to visit the impressive Whangarei Falls. At this 26-metre waterfall, you can even swim under it. Feel the power of the river on your back! Tell your buddy to take the perfect photo while you’re here 😉
The Abbey Caves are a unique place in Northland, a set of three caves with their own personality. The easiest to walk through is the Organ Cave, where you enter and exit through the same place.
The other two are more complicated. Be careful! Middle Cave and Ivy Cave are not suitable for everyone and can be dangerous. Only venture in if you feel confident and tell someone beforehand if you go. There will be no guide, so it will all depend on you.
Be prepared to get wet, and make sure the weather is nice before you leave. And if you decide to go, take a good flashlight and your best boots.
A more friendly option is to explore the Waipu Caves Track. This cave is much more famous than the previous one. You can take tours and explore it with company or discover it on your own. That said, this adventure will be worth it only if you turn off your flashlight for a few seconds and look at the ceiling of the cavern.
What are those lights that look like stars? There they are, the famous Glow Worms imitating the starry sky. It is also full of stalactites and stalagmites, although their size is not very impressive.
The route inside the cave following the serpentine stream will take you no more than two hours, about 2 kilometers. Again, be prepared to get your feet wet, the water can reach up to your knees. Don’t forget your flashlight!
Northland is amazing, not only because of the lovely places you can visit, but also because of the unique activities you can do. Join me and let’s explore the most exciting ones.
Sliding on the sand and surfing the immovable dunes is an experience that you can only have in Northland. This activity is one of the most fun and does not require much investment. Simply rent your SandBoard at any shop you find in the area and set off on your adventure.
Of course, the climb up to the dune will be quite a challenge, so be prepared and fill your water bottle. You can also join one of the many tours that run through Northland and surely pass by Te Paki Stream, with the added bonus of exploring Ninety Miles Beach by bus or discovering all the history behind Cape Reigna.
This is considered by some to be the best Fish and Chips place in New Zealand. In fact, on camper.mate you can find it named as, and I quote, “The World Famous Fish and Chips”.
I don’t know if it’s the most delicious, but the views of the beach are breathtaking, the fish is quality and the portions are generous. If you’re in Paihia, you should stop by and check it out for yourself 😉
If you like diving or want to try it for the first time, the warm waters of Northland will be the best option. The Bay of Islands undoubtedly offers the greatest variety of sites to dive and explore the seabed. The most visited spots are Poor Knight and Cavalli.
Shipwrecks will be the main theme, but you can also see different fish, rays and sharks, and, with a bit of luck… dolphins! You can go directly to any diving shop or book a two-day tour on a leisurely cruise.
And since we’re talking about dolphins… This activity is a must for lovers of these friendly aquatic mammals. There are many tours that will sail from various ports, the most common is to find a cruise that departs from Russell or Paihia. All of them will go around the different islands of the Bay of Islands.
Dolphins will swim hand in hand with your boat, so close that you will be tempted to touch them. This tour was left pending on my Northland adventure, but my friend went on it and the photos she took made me die of envy…
As I mentioned at the beginning, Bay of Islands is the place where you can enjoy the most attractions and tours. This one in particular will give you several opportunities to do so. More general than the previous one, it allows you not only to see dolphins or orcas, but also to stop at the most emblematic islands of the archipelago, such as the always spectacular Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island.
You can choose from several options, some of which will take you around the islands and leave you free to engage in other activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding. Below is the one that I think is the most complete: 5-hour cruise around the Bay of Islands.
Two very fun activities that will bring you closer to marine animals without the annoying sound of the boat engine. Kayaking is usually safer and faster, although some people prefer paddle boarding, I will never understand why. You can book your kayak or paddle board in Paihia and explore its beach on your own, or join a tour that will take you to the most iconic islands.
A very interesting option is to take the ferry to Urupukapuka Island, and in Otehei Bay, rent a kayak or a board. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the Bay of Islands and even camp on the island while watching the magical starry sky.
This is no ordinary place. Located less than 2 minutes drive from Paihia, here you will discover a complex entirely dedicated to Maori culture. With the purchase of a single ticket you can access all three different areas.
An English-speaking guide will give you all the information about the place, explain the architecture and all the mysteries of this mystical culture.
You can also enjoy the Maori Cultural Performance, a typical and very interesting performance. Finally, it is essential to stop by and see “The world’s largest ceremonial war canoe”, an example of the connection that the Maori population has with the sea.
This is the final activity, the pinnacle of the adventure, only for those who want to live an unforgettable experience. Take the plane, fly to a height of 9,000 feet. 20 seconds of free fall, not suitable for the faint of heart and… Bay of Islands in all its splendor!
A spectacle worth seeing. There is not much more to say, if you really want to experience something incredible, gather your courage and… go for it!
Below you will find a chart with the best hiking routes in Northland. Just keep in mind that they are explained in a basic way, giving you a rough idea of what you can expect.
The routes are based on my and my friends’ personal experiences, and completed using the alltrails website. Check it out if you want to know more!
| Name of the route | Length and duration | Location | Difficulty |
| Cape Brett Track | 30 km – 1 or 2 days | Bay of Islands | Difficult |
| Mont Manaia Track | 3,5 km – 2 hours | Whangarei Region | Easy |
| Urupukapuka Island Archeogical Track | 8,5 km – 3 hours | Urupukapuka Island (Bay of Islands) | Easy |
| Dukes nose Track | 10,8 km – 4 Hours | Bay of Island | Moderate |
| Te Paki Coastal Track | 48 km (one way) – 3 or 4 days | Cape Reinga | Moderate |
| Bream Head Track | 8,4 km – 7 hours | Whangarei Region | Moderate |
| Mangowhai | 8,7 km – 2.5 hours | Mangowhai | Moderate |
There are several places to stay overnight in Northland, although the main hotels and hostels are either in Paihia or Whanganui. That doesn’t mean there aren’t more options outside of these two towns, as you can find campsites and car parks in almost any town or near the main attractions where you can spend the night if you are travelling with a caravan.
With this explained, let’s go into detail.
Pepper Tree Lodge. My top recommendation not only for those looking for a budget stay but for anyone who wants to enjoy a social atmosphere. Pepper Tree Lodge is located in the very centre of Paihia, less than 80 metres from the beach. It offers a shared kitchen, barbecue and even access to a tennis court. There are double rooms, family rooms and of course dormitories, these being the most economical. Especially recommended for those who want to socialise and meet new people.
Other budget options:
If you are looking for a good hotel that is within your budget, The Camel at Araiawa Raio Lodge will be your choice. Located in Pukenui, it combines mountain and sea views. This hotel is especially suitable for groups or families, as it offers individual units with kitchenettes included. But the best thing is undoubtedly its location, since it is perhaps the closest hotel to Cape Reinga, taking you only 1 hour to the famous enclave.
Other mid-range offers:
If you want to enjoy a luxury holiday in Northland, Waiapoua Lodge. is the place for you. This spacious hotel is built on an old farm and the rooms include a jacuzzi and a small garden. Plus, the location is enviable, right next to Waipoua Forest.
Other star hotels are:
The best way to explore New Zealand is by campervan, and Northland is no different. There are plenty of campsites and car parks where you can spend the night comfortably and cheaply. Plus, many less famous places will only be accessible by car or campervan.
And as always, a round of tips and recommendations for anyone who wants to make the most of their visit to Northland and the Bay of Islands.
It is worth it spending 4-5 days exploring the far north. Although you can see the most important things in just 3 days, you will have to rush and spend many hours behind the wheel.
Some tours are very cost-effective because they allow you to make the most of your Northland adventure. Particularly recommended is the Cape Reinga tour if you don’t have a car and rely on buses to get around. Similarly, a cruise with the possibility of kayaking is a great way to explore the Bay of Islands.
Don’t forget to check the weather conditions before entering any caves or doing any of the routes. It can be dangerous.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Northland.
