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FijiRegion · Auckland and Northland
Northland
Northland is the subtropical northern region of New Zealand: the Bay of Islands, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the kauri forests and Cape Reinga at the far north.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Northland
Northland (Te Tai Tokerau) is the peninsula that stretches north from Auckland to Cape Reinga. It is the warmest region of the country, with indented bays on the east coast, long beaches on the west coast and an interior of hills and forests. The regional capital is Whangārei.
The Bay of Islands includes more than 140 islands and is the region’s tourism hub. Paihia is the base for boat tours, such as the one to the Hole in the Rock (Motukōkako) at Cape Brett. Russell, on the other side of the bay, was the first permanent European settlement and whaling port in the country and is home to Christ Church, the oldest church in New Zealand still standing. In Kerikeri are the Stone Store and Kemp House, the country’s oldest stone and timber buildings.
In Waitangi, next to Paihia, the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on February 6, 1840, between the British Crown and Māori chiefs; it is a founding document of the country. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds include the treaty house, a carved meeting house (whare rūnanga), the ceremonial canoe Ngātokimatawhaorua and museums; February 6 is a national holiday.
On the west coast, Waipoua Forest protects Tāne Mahuta, the largest known living kauri, a few minutes’ walk from the road. At the far north, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) has the lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, a sacred place for Māori, and the Ninety Mile Beach stretches along the west coast.
When to go
The climate is humid subtropical. From December to March days are warm and the sea is more pleasant for boats, kayaking and diving; this is also the busiest time, especially during the country’s summer holidays from mid-December to the end of January. April and May still have mild days and fewer crowds. From June to August there is more rain, but the cold is mild compared with the south of the country.
Getting there
Paihia is about 230 km north of Auckland, roughly a 3.5-hour drive via SH1, and there are also direct buses. Kerikeri (KKE) and Whangārei (WRE) airports have flights from Auckland. Between Paihia and Russell, the passenger ferry crosses the bay in about 15 minutes, and the vehicle ferry departs from Opua. For Cape Reinga and Waipoua Forest the distances are long: driving or an organized tour are the usual ways to visit.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Northland
Where to stay in the Bay of Islands?
Paihia concentrates the boat tours, restaurants and accommodation and sits next to Waitangi. Russell, on the other side of the bay, is smaller and quieter, with historic buildings on the waterfront. Kerikeri, inland, is close to the airport and the orchards.
How to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds?
It is a few minutes from central Paihia, by foot or car. Admission is charged and usually includes a guided tour and a Māori cultural performance; allow half a day. Check performance times before you go.
Can you go from Paihia to Cape Reinga in a day?
You can, but it is a long day: it’s about 210 km of road each way. One-day bus tours usually include the Ninety Mile Beach, traversed on sand by suitable vehicles, and the Te Paki dunes. Rental cars generally are not permitted to drive on the beach: confirm with the rental company.
How to see Tāne Mahuta?
The tree is in Waipoua Forest, on SH12 on the west coast, about a 2-hour drive from Paihia. The boardwalk to it takes only a few minutes. Clean your footwear at the wash stations at the entrance: they help protect kauri from a disease that attacks the roots.