About Northland

Known as ‘the Winterless North’ for its subtropical climate, Northland’s expanses of white sandy beaches, great fishing and scenic locations like the Bay of Islands all combine to make it a popular place to live. New Zealand’s northernmost region is home to around 150,000 people. Roughly half live in the largest city, Whangarei, around two hours drive from Auckland. 

Northland is particularly rich in Maori tradition, having welcomed the canoes of the first explorer Kupe around 800 years ago. Today, around a quarter of Whangarei’s population identify themselves as Maori.

The warm climate and safe harbours also drew the first European settlers, and Paihia, an hour north of Whangarei, was New Zealand’s first seat of government. New Zealand’s founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) was signed just outside Paihia in 1840.

Within the Region:

• Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Where the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand.
• Te Paki Sand Dunes. The largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. While the climb to the top is a challenge, the way down is to surf them via boogie board.
• Poor Knights Diving site. Off the Tutukaka Coast and rated by dive expert Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
• Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Ride through native bush, suspension bridges, waterfalls, beautiful streams, lakes, estuaries, harbours, boardwalks, disused train corridors and tunnels.
• Quayside at the Whangarei town basin. A sophisticated and leisurely centre for eating and entertainment. Modern landscaping blends perfectly with colonial architecture to create a gathering place for locals, visitors and yachties from all over the world. As well as stylish cafes and restaurants, there are museums, art galleries and specialty shops.
• Whangarei Falls. Often called the ‘most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand’.
• Waipoua Forest. Stand face to face with Tane Mahuta – the ‘Lord of the Forest’ and the world’s largest Kauri tree.
• Cape Reinga. The northernmost tip of New Zealand. Steeped in Maori legend with mighty views.
• Ninety Mile Beach. A seemingly never-ending stretch of sand stretching along the western tip of the North Island that is officially a highway.