Northland Activity Highlights
Northland | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Northland activities include diving, fishing, hiking, swimming, surfing, scenic cruises, mountain biking, sightseeing and so much more! You will find everything to do in Northland.
Northland Activity Highlights Overview
Northland's unique mix of historical and natural pleasures promises a different experience each day. Discover heritage buildings and museums, relax on boats and beaches, enjoy a game of golf or catch a fish, hike the forest or follow an art trail—the choice is yours.
The top of New Zealand
Drive up Ninety Mile Beach on your way to the northernmost point of New Zealand and watch the Tasman Sea collide with the Pacific Ocean.
- Walk up to Cape Reinga Lighthouse
- Take a coach tour along the sand of Ninety Mile Beach
Soul Searching in Hokianga
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)
Just a three hour drive north of Auckland on State Highway 12 the giant kauri trees of the Waipoua Kauri Forest act as sentinels for the undiscovered jewel of Northland's west coast, the historic Hokianga Harbour.
- Most Northland Māori can track their ancestry back to the Hokianga Harbour
- The Waipoua Forest with stands of enormous kauri trees, including 2,000 year old Tane Mahuta and Te Matua, the tree with the broadest trunk, 59 feet
- There are huge white sand dunes to explore, across from the Opononi wharf
Beach Perfection in Doubtless Bay
Considered by many to be the ultimate Northland destination, the Doubtless Bay area has beaches of every description.
- Explore the quaint fishing village of Mangonui
- Discover Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi and many more. Excellent fishing and swimming
» Information about Doubtless Bay
» Doubtless Bay Travel Directory
Marine Recreation in Whangaroa Harbour
Another treasure trove of beautiful and secluded beaches. Matauri Bay is the final resting place of the Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior.
- Organise marlin fishing from Whangaroa township
- Find out about horse trails, heritage trails, jet ski hire, tours to the Cavalli Islands and golf at Kauri Cliffs
- Dive trips to the Rainbow Warrior operate out of Matauri Bay and Paihia
» Whangaroa Harbour Travel Directory
Tutukaka for Surf, Diving and Big Game Fishing
Northland
Photographer: Dive Tutukaka
(www.diving.co.nz)
Take the road from Whangarei to the riverside village of Ngunguru, the sheltered natural harbour of Tutukaka and the beautiful beaches beyond.
- Tutukaka is the gateway to great diving at the famous Poor Knights Islands—a wildlife marine reserve above the water and a marine reserve below
- Big game and line fishing trips depart from Tutukaka wharf
- Or sea kayaking and snorkeling around the marine reserve
» Information about Poor Knights Islands
The Sunny City of Whangarei
Whangarei city enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year.
- Head to Quayside at the Town Basin for eating and entertainment
- Visit the Clock Museum and Whangarei Museum
- Enjoy the view at Whangarei Falls
Adventure on the Kauri Coast
The Kauri Coast is an outdoor playground with a fascinating history.
- Discover the sand lakes at Kai Iwi - safe swimming, boating and a spot of fishing
- From the main centre of Dargaville you can take a tour along Ripiro Beach (New Zealand's beach) or visit the Shipwreck Museum
- Call into Matakohe Museum, for an understanding of the Kauri logging and gum digging heritage of the area
- Book for 'Kauri Country' - a unique eco-adventure that brings to life the early history of the area
Stunning Bream Bay and Mangawhai Heads
Enjoy the myriad of beaches and bays on the Northland coast.
- Saddle up your boogie board for the longest string of surf beaches you've ever seen
- Try horse trekking along the beach at Pakiri
- Be sure to check out Waipu, the original settlement for five shiploads of Scots people in 1850
» Waipu Cove and Langs Beach Travel Directory
Useful Northland Links
To help plan your Northland holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Northland Accommodation
- Northland Tours
- Northland Attractions and Activities
- Northland Transport
- Northland Cuisine and Dining
- Northland Shopping
- Northland Visitor Information
Northland Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Northland region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Northland region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Northland region.
History
History of the Northland region.
Northland Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Wanganui.
