Discover Northland in New Zealand

Venture outside New Zealand's popular cities like Auckland and Wellington and head to Northland for a holiday that offers a variety of unique hidden gems. From ancient islands to golden beaches, lush forests to seaside vineyards, there truly is a new experience around every corner waiting to be discovered.

Northland is a subtropical region of New Zealand that stretches upwards from Auckland (just 2.5 drive hours away) to the very top of New Zealand. Northland is a story of two coastlines – the west coast is rugged and soulful while the east coast is relatively more sophisticated and urbane.

Northland is easy to get to, with multiple daily flights and seamless international connections via Auckland. Or if you're on a road trip, the drive is spectacular for those that love beaches and rugged coastlines – it's paradise. 

In the beautiful Bay of Islands you can take a boat cruise, swim with dolphins, dive, fish or just relax in the sun. Be sure to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites.

If you're looking to relax, get a little dose of Kiwi culture and  tap into New Zealand's spiritual home, then book your ticket today at flightcentre.com.au/promotions/bay-of-islands and visit newzealand.com/northland for some extra inspiration.

To help start planning your Northland holiday, we have compiled some of our favourite experiences for you.

Northland’s Top 5 Must-Do’s

1. Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the end of the road heading north in New Zealand. The lighthouse on the cape is a great spot for a photo and the perfect vantage point to see two oceans collide. The swirling waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

2. Dive! Tutukaka

Scuba diving with Dive! Tutukaka at the Poor Knights Islands is an experience that is not to be missed. New Zealand’s second marine reserve encompasses a rugged group of drowned volcanic lava domes with a remarkably varied ecosystem. Diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau once described them as one of the best dive spots in the world.

3. Hole in the Rock

The Hole in the Rock is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Bay of Islands. Take the Fullers Great Sights Dolphin Cruise out to the hole and cruise through it while keeping an eye out for dolphins playing around the boat.

4. Tāne Mahuta

Tāne Mahuta, lord of the forest, is New Zealand’s biggest known kauri tree and a sight to behold. Only a short 5 minute walk from SH12, Tāne Mahuta towers over the Waipoua Forest and is definitely a must-do for visitors to Northland.

5. Waitangi Grounds

The treaty grounds at Waitangi are the birthplace of New Zealand and a very important location to Maori and Europeans. Visit the Waitangi Museum or take a guided cultural tour featuring a live performance and a traditional hangi (earth oven).

Top 5 “culture vulture” activities in the North Island

1. Waitangi Museum

The Waitangi Museum opened in 2016 and is a great place to learn about the birth of New Zealand and the significance of Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi. The museum is a modern and comprehensive showcase of the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in the past, present and future of New Zealand.

2. Footprints

Footprints Waipoua take visitors on a spiritual journey into the Waipoua Forest, a place of deep significance for local Maori. Get up close to Tāne Mahuta, lord of the forest and New Zealand’s largest known living Kauri Tree. The Footprints guides will give guests an in depth insight into Maori Culture.

3. Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum is one of New Zealand's best kept secrets. The Kauri Museum tells the story of the mighty Kauri tree, its fascinating gum and its pioneering past.

4. R Tucker Thompson Heritage Voyages

A magical combination of storytelling and traditional tall ship sailing R Tucker Thompson’s voyages are unique and truly spectacular. An onboard Historian will explain and show you key locations and events that shaped New Zealand’s early beginnings.

5. 90 Mile Beach

'90 Mile Beach', truth be told, is actually 55 miles long and an official highway. This iconic stretch of coastline is a must-visit and locals and tourists alike enjoy surfcasting, swimming and bodyboarding down giant sand dunes. At the Southern end of the beach visit Shipwreck Bay, the site of the sinking of many ships, the wrecks of which are still visible at low tide.

Top 5 foodie experiences in the Northland

1. Charlottes Kitchen

Charlotte’s Kitchen opened in 2015 and has quickly become an absolute must-do when visiting Paihia in Northland. Found right at the end of a wharf Charlotte’s Kitchen brings a social contemporary dining experience to the Bay of Islands. Fresh New Zealand seafood, woodfire pizzas and amazing cocktails are all featured on the menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is always time for a stop at Charlotte’s.

2. Mangonui Fish and Chips

Possibly the most famous fish and chip shop in New Zealand is Mangonui Fish and Chips. Overlooking the water in the small town, the seafood comes straight out of the sea and is cooked anyway you like. Some say it is the best fish and chips you will ever eat!

3. Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough opened its doors in 1827 and is New Zealand’s oldest licenced hotel. Sitting on the waterfront in Russell ‘The Duke’, as locals know it, is a great spot for a drink, some hearty food and an ideal place to stay the night.

4. A Deco

A Deco is one of New Zealand’s top restaurants with outstanding contemporary cuisine and highlights seasonal Northland produce. The fine dining restaurant is true to its name and is set in a beautiful two-storey art deco house with lush gardens and unique style.

5. Karikari Estate

A trip to Northland wouldn’t be complete without a vineyard lunch. Karikari Estate on the Karikari Peninsula is New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard and winery and looks over the rolling coastal land of Carrington Farms, towards the very top of the far north of New Zealand. Make a day of it and play the adjacent 18 hole championship Carrington Golf Course.