Northland New Zealand is a place where you will find the most gorgeous coastlines and beaches in Aotearoa, especially in the popular Bay of Islands.  From ancient sub-tropical forests to a rich culture and history the very top of Aotearoa New Zealand is not to be missed.

HARURU FALLS

Haruru Falls is near Paihia in the Bay of Islands and super easy to access. Just a short walk from the car park you can sit on the nearby banks and enjoy the incredible rush of the water. Haruru means ‘big noise’ and although the falls are not that high they are wide. If you like a little adventure you can take a kayak tour with Bay of Island Kayaking. You will paddle up the Waitangi River right to the falls where you can feel their full power. Or you can do the Waitangi to Haruru Walk which is estimated to take 2.5 hours one way. This is a great little side trip to add to any Northland New Zealand itinerary.

NGĀWHA SPRINGS

Ngawha Hot Springs is a real taonga (treasure) in the heart of Northland New Zealand, just a few kilometres out of Kaikohe. These springs are known for their therapeutic properties and consist of over a dozen different pools. This place has real character with the pools consisting of different colours and temperatures. You can get lukewarm to searing hot. Facilities are very basic here but for $4 for an adult entry you won’t complain. Probably the cheapest entry fee you will find in all of NZ for healing waters such as these. Not too far from the Bay of Islands this is a place worth stopping in at, especially in the cooler months when there would be nothing nicer than to soak in a hot tub.

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM

The Dargaville Museum is home to an amazing collection of relics and displays that showcase the fascinating history of this area of Northland. The museum itself is located up on the hill in Harding Park and offers a magic view overlooking Dargaville and the Wairoa River. Opening in 1985, the museum has grown and become the ‘must see’ attraction when visiting Dargaville. There are six exhibition halls in total which include the Pioneer Hall, Gum Diggers Hall, Collections Hall, Music Room, Maritime Hall and the Māori Hall. The collection of gum digger and Dalmatian (migrants from the coast of the former Yugoslavia, now known as Croatia) history in New Zealand is probably the best you will find in Aotearoa New Zealand. The newest attraction includes the Gum Diggers Camp in the park grounds. Outside you will also find the masts of the Rainbow Warrior, the Greenpeace protest ship that was bombed in New Zealand back in 1985 by the French foreign intelligence services. This museum is open every day of the year, except for Christmas day, with slightly shorter hours through the winter months. If you are interested in finding out more about this museum then check out their website for all information you need.

WHANGAREI FALLS

Whangarei Falls is a popular picnic and swimming spot in the summer time. However, it is worth visiting anytime of the year. The falls are just over 26 metres and can be viewed from three different viewing platforms. There is a 1km loop track around the falls which is definitely worth doing. Traditionally this area was a good eeling spot for the local Māori and in the late 1920’s Mr Archibald Clapham bought the property to stop the falls being developed as a commercial water mill. This waterfall is easy to find on the edge of the city as you head out towards Tutukaka in Northland New Zealand

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PAHI

Pahi is a small harbour settlement at the tip of a narrow headland on the northeastern arm of the Kaipara Harbour in Northland New Zealand. About an hours drive from Whangarei. It is here that you will find this magnificent Moreton Bay fig tree (planted about 1850), one of the largest in the world with a spread of over 42 metres and a girth of over 14 metres. On the weekend of Auckland Anniversary this place hosts the annual Pahi Regatta, the place is transformed and the population increases by about 500%. You will find sideshows, food stalls, the Miss and Master Pahi contests and then the main event, the water sports. This includes the popular bathtub races.

TE WHARE RŪNANGA

Te Whare Rūnanga is a carved meeting house found on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. It faces the Treaty House, with the two symbolising the partnership between NZ Māori and the British Crown. This places is rich in history and a ‘must do’ if you are visiting Northland New Zealand.  The Bay of Islands is a beautiful location to spend several days as there is so much to do and see!

NINETY MILE BEACH

Ninety Mile Beach is not really ninety miles long, more like 88 kilometres. However, it is officially a highway but really only suitable for 4wd vehicles and at only when the tide is low. Many a vehicle has become stuck! There are a few ways to experience this stretch of beach between Ahipara and Scott Point. A bus tour to Cape Reinga is probably one of the most popular. Or if you are a keen hiker you may consider walking the whole beach as part of the Te Araroa Trail. This would be the only reason to camp a night or two in the sand dunes of Northland New Zealand. To view a sunset from here is truly spectacular!

WHALE BAY

Whale Bay is a real hidden treasure in Northland New Zealand and can be found just north of Matapouri. Here you will find idyllic white sand and crystal clear water. This is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and picnics. A perfect day trip from Whangarei.

TE HANA TE AO MARAMA

Just north of Wellsford you will find Te Hana Te Ao Marama, a cultural center that offers a variety of authentic Māori experiences. This place is easy to miss unless the hangi (traditional Māori food) signs out on the roadside entice you to stop. And if you do stop you will find a spacious cafe as well as a shop with authentic Māori arts and crafts available for purchase. The perfect place to pick up a special taonga(gift) or souvenir! This cultural center also offers village tours and noho marae (overnight stays) for very reasonable prices. Something worth adding to your itinerary if you are staying in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and looking for a genuine cultural experience. For further information check out their website. If you do plan to visit you should note that the center is only open Friday-Sunday, 9am-4pm and tours must be booked. Group bookings may operate on other days. However, if it is just good kai (food) or some authentic Māori arts and crafts that you are after then you can call in anytime during opening hours.