Northland
Northland is famously described as 'the birthplace of the
Nation', as the Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand's founding
document - was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840.
Also known as 'the Winter-less north', this area is New Zealan's
warmest region and enjoys sub-tropical temperatures year round,
averaging 2000 sunshine hours per annum. Northland has a wealth of
warm sandy beaches, secluded coves and beautiful islands to enjoy.
The warm weather and clear blue waters also make an acquatic
playground popular with water sport enthusiasts.
Drive north along the west coast and you'll come across Tane
Mahuta, the tallest Kauri tree in an area that was once covered in
Kauri. Exit the forest and you come to the Hokianga Harbour with
its huge white sand dunes and quiet beach communities. Then head to
the northernmost tip, Cape Reinga, and watch the seas of the
Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide.
The east coast has different charms. Here the pristine beaches
are white-sanded and tranquil, places of relaxation and countless
activities - big game fishing, swimming in solitude, incredible
sailing and diving in marine reserves. In the beautiful Bay of
Islands, take a cruise, soak up the sun or immerse yourself in
Maori culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
To Do:-
Explore the Far North. Walk out to Cape Reinga and see an Ocean
and Sea merge as one. Return with a trip down Ninety Mile Beach.
Climb the massive sand dunes and try a spot of sand-tabogganing.
Finish the day with a Kiwi favourite - fresh fish'n'chips on the
pier from the famous shop at Mongonui.
Spend the day on the water. Paihia is the gateway to the
beautiful Bay of Islands - although not visible from the shore,
board your yacht for the day to go and discover. Sail alongside
frolicking dolphins and put your line over the side to catch lunch.
You'll be taken ashore on a secluded beach to swim in the clear
waters and returned home with memories of magical moments in the
Bay.
Absorb the local history and culture with a visit to the
Waitangi Treaty lands. Take the ferry over and follow this with a
visit to historical Russell, New Zealand's original capital
city.
Enjoy the stunning Tutukaka coastline. Pristine white sand
beaches at Ngunguru and Matapouri. Try boogie-boarding at Sandy
Bay. How about some diving at at the Poor Knights - a Marine and
Nature Reserve formed by 11 million year old volcanoes - where you
can swim with native seals and dolphins.
Enjoy the local delicacies. Visit the Kerikeri markets for local
produce, take in a winery for lunch and try the local organice skin
products.
Go gamefishing. Charter a boat at any numbers of wharfs that
will take you out to hook the 'big one' - be it striped-marlin,
tuna, shark and kingfish amongst the species found around this
coast. And if youre lucky, you may even snare a rare black
marlin.