Discover the roots of New Zealand’s Maori and early colonial history in “the winterless north” with its spectacular range of coastal scenery 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. Easily accessible from Auckland, it is nonetheless 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. The clear waters of Northland are an oasis for lovers of aquatic activities, from diving, sailing and fishing to swimming with dolphins. It was here in Northland, on a lawn sloping down towards the sea at Waitangi, 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.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Stand atop a dune and gaze along a ribbon of sand stretching as far as the eye can see at Ninety Mile Beach – then hold onto your body board for a high-speed ride to the bottom. Set sail in the Bay of Islands and let your skipper introduce you to a galaxy of islands scattered like emeralds across the water. Visit Tane Mahuta, a 1,500 year-old Kauri tree; even the noisiest visitor is hushed into reverence at the foot of the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

NOTABLE CULTURE

Hokianga Harbour is believed to be the place where the first Maori settlers made landfall 1,000 years ago. Watch the 100-metre dunes at the harbour mouth glow at sunset and imagine their rhythmic chants in the murmur of the tide.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

On 6 February 1840, a gathering of Maori Chiefs at Waitangi to sign a treaty with representatives of the British Crown marked the birth of New Zealand’s constitutional history.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Travel to Cape Reinga at the northernmost tip of New Zealand – the departure point, according to Maori legend, of the souls of those who have died.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More