Northland

Discover the very roots of New Zealand’s human history in a region blessed with a spectacular range of coastal scenery and bathed in subtropical warmth.

From ancient forests to a coastline rich with quiet coves, white sand-beaches and mangroves, Northland is a place of contrasts. It’s tranquil, unhurried and unspoilt – a place where you can spend days sailing amidst unpopulated islands and then tuck into a sumptuous meal at a marina restaurant. It was here in Northland, on a lawn sloping down towards the sea, that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. In a region dense with history, the dividing line between past and present thins in forests that have stood for millennia, and on quiet harbours where New Zealand’s settlers first dipped oars many centuries ago.

DO IT. Sail the waters of the Bay of Islands, explore history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 4WD adventure to Cape Reinga, visit the huge Tane Mahuta Kauri tree in Waipoua Forest, dine at the marina in Whangarei, experience Maori New Year at the Tai Tokerau Matariki Festival in June.

Destinations

Bay of Islands Stunning island-studded waterways and pretty settlements.
Cape Reinga & Kaitaia The far north of New Zealand.
Doubtless Bay Beautiful white-sand beaches and sheltered harbours.
Kaikohe Country town at the crossroads between Bay of Islands, Kaitaia and Kauri Coast.
Kauri Coast & Hokianga Magnificent Kauri forests and an historic harbour bordered by quaint villages.
Kerikeri Pretty town rich in history and culture and set in a lush fruit-growing region.
Paihia Buzzing seaside resort town at the heart of the Bay of Islands.
Russell Picturesque Bay of Islands village, steeped in colourful history.
Whangarei & East Coast Sunny northern city and beach-lined coast.

Getting there and around

Air Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia airports each offer a number of daily domestic arrivals and departures. The nearest international airport is in Auckland. www.auckland-airport.co.nz
Road Access from Auckland is via SH 1 on the east coast and SH 12 on the west – together they form the Twin Coast Discovery Highway touring route. Coach services operate between larger centres.
Ferry Vehicle ferries operate across the Hokianga Harbour between Rawene and Kohukohu, and across the Bay of Islands between Opua and Okiato. Passenger services operate between Paihia and Russell.

Insider's tip

Take a bathroom break at the Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa – modern art meets essential convenience.

Making history at Waitangi

On 6 February 1840, 40 Maori Chiefs gathered on the lawn at Waitangi to sign a treaty with representatives of the British Crown, marking the birth of New Zealand’s constitutional history. The Treaty afforded Maori the rights of all British subjects in return for ceding sovereignty to the British Queen.