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Northland New Zealand

  Traveller Ratings  
Traveller Ratings
 


  Places to stay in Northland  
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga
Kingsgate Hotel Whangarei
Lodge Bordeaux
By The Bay
Cherry Court Motor Lodge
Taipa Bay Resort
Oceans Tutukaka
Rural Tourism Superior - Tealmere Grove Bed & Breakfast
NZ Apartments - Carrington Club
Royal Palm Lodge
 

  Northland is known for  
Diving
Marine Life
Scenic Views
Cultural Attractions
Coastal
Cruises
Kayaking and Canoeing
Walking and Trekking
Arts and Crafts
Educational
 
Subtropical weather, beautiful beaches, magnificent bays and native forests

 

Rich in culture and history and blessed with a pristine natural environment, no visit to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Northland. Learn about the arrival of the first Maori canoes to New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Northlanders today live, work and thrive in an environment which is the envy of those inhabitants of big cities and a more bustling lifestyle.

Northland is filled with stunning beauty including golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastline, wild beaches and spectacular forests.

Northland is a sub-tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild winters. Typical summer temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (maximum daytime) but seldom exceed 30°C. In winter, high temperatures are between 14°C to 17°C. Annual sunshine hours average about 2000 in many areas.

Along the East Coast, Northland greets its visitors with golden beaches fringed by Pohutukawa trees, secluded coves and tranquil harbours. Forest and coastal walks, and sought-after dive spots abound. Just offshore, predator-free islands are home to all kinds of rare species, whilst offering great diving as well! In the Bay of Islands you can find thrilling adventure or perfect peace. For travellers with time to spend, it's the ultimate outdoor playground. The Poor Knights islands marine reserve along the Tutukaka Coast is a dive mecca, regarded by the late Jacques Cousteau as one of the world's top dive locations. Northland's east coast is where visitors and locals alike enjoy their favourite pastimes of boating, surfing, fishing or just lazing around in the warm northern sunshine. With trails through native forest and outstanding views, it's little wonder it is New Zealand's subtropical playground. In the Top of the North, the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean surround the land with warm, subtropical waters. At the furthest point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga plays host to the historic lighthouse guarding the northwestern approaches. Out at sea the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, sometimes producing waves more than 10 metres high. Along Ninety Mile Beach, surfers take to the waves where giant sand dunes line the shore. It's a place to keep one's eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Aupouri Forest.

Further south a sprawling array of inlets and tributaries form the Hokianga region, leading on to the Kauri Coast. It's a place of wild beaches, spectacular coastline and peaceful forests. Giants like Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) watch over the Kauri Coast. An atmospheric drive through Waipoua Forest will acquaint you with New Zealand's largest living Kauri trees. Standing 50 metres tall, the Kauri are one of the world's mightiest trees and their forests give shelter to many other plant types like the Taraire, Kohekohe, Towai and northern rata trees. They are also a useful refuge for threatened wildlife such as the endangered North Island kokako and brown kiwi. They share their habitat with a peculiar but distinctive creature: the large and very handsome kauri snail, a carnivore that feeds mainly on earthworms, slugs and soft-bodied insects.

The eighteenth century saw the arrival of European migrants from England, France, Scotland, Dalmatia, Ireland and Wales to establish missions here or work in the kauri industry and agriculture.

Today the region has a population base of more than 140,000, spread through cities, towns and communities on a land area of 13,800 square km. About 55,000 employees work for almost 11,000 businesses.

In 1832, the Governor of New South Wales appointed James Busby as British Resident in New Zealand. It was the first formal step to bringing New Zealand into a permanent constitutional relationship with Britain. In February 1840, Busby hosted the formal signing ceremony of the Treaty of Waitangi on his front lawn.

Maui, a Maori hero of ancient times, hooked the enormous fish after smuggling himself on board his brothers' canoe to prove his fishing prowess. Look at a map of the North Island and you can see that Wellington is the head, Cape Taranaki & East Cape are the fins and Northland is the tail of the fish, Te Hiku o Te Ika.

Today, many iwi (Maori tribes) trace their ancestry back to the legendary explorer Kupe who, with his crew, voyaged deep into the Southern Ocean. Northland iwi claim the first landfall of Kupe's waka 'Matawhourua' was on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour. And so it is believed that Northland gave birth to what is today New Zealand. Some of the oldest traces of Maori settlement, or kainga, can be found in the region. And throughout known history the social structure of Maori has remained the same: from whanau (immediate family) to extended family (hapu) and ultimately iwi (tribe). There was no Maori nation: instead Maori saw themselves as belonging to their iwi.


Information from our customers (Wiki)

The Northern Tip of the North Island

At the northwestern tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga is a place of intense cultural and spiritual significance to Maori. The ancient pohutukawa tree that clings to the cliffs is the reinga, 'the place of leaping'. According to Maori folklore, the spirits of the dead leap off the headland and descend down the roots of the tree into the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiiki. This tree is believed to be about 800 years and is said to have never blossomed.

The lighthouse at Cape Reinga is a New Zealand scenic icon. Built in 1941, it replaced a lighthouse which was located on nearby Motuopao Island. The light flashes every 12 seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles.

If you look north from the cape, you’ll see where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. Even on calm days, the water is in turmoil as currents fight to gain dominance over each other.

For those who love the sand and sea

Ninety Mile Beach is a beach located on the western coast of the far north of the North Island of New Zealand.

The beach stretches from just west of Kaitaia towards Cape Reinga along the Aupouri Peninsula. It begins close to the headland of Reef Point, to the west of Ahipara Bay, sweeping briefly northeast before turning northwest for the majority of its length. It ends at Scott Point, five kilometres south of Cape Maria van Diemen.

Bodyboarding down the sand on Ninety Mile Beach is a hugely popular tourist attraction. Guided coach, 4-wheel drive and quad bike tours are also available.

The name Ninety Mile Beach is a misnomer - it is actually 88km (55 miles) long. The reason for its name is unknown, although several theories exist.

In 1932, Ninety Mile Beach was used as the runway for some of the earliest airmail services between Australia and New Zealand. It is still sometimes used as an alternative road to the official route north from Kaitaia.

Inviting beaches with luxurious caramel and white sands

Considered by many to be the ultimate Northland destination, with something for everyone, the Doubtless Bay area encompasses several seaside townships and the quaint little fishing village of Mangonui.

All around there's an abundance of superb, safe beaches - Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi and many more. Each has its own special character, ranging from rugged and rocky to sheltered and sublime.

You can swim, dive, surf, hire a kayak, sail, go cruising, water ski, surfcast from rock or beach, fish from hired craft or the Mangonui wharf, dig for shellfish or relax and do nothing at all.

If you are not in, on or under the water, you will certainly be close to it. Whatever your choice, in a peaceful environment you can soak up the sunshine in a subtropical climate, far from motorways, traffic lights and the stress of city life. Here, the water is clean, the air is clear, the beauty is unforgettable and nowhere is crowded. It's a gentle, happy escape. Restaurants are excellent and the country's reputed best fish and chips are here too.

Kaitaia is known as the gateway to the far north – it’s the last major town before you reach the top of New Zealand

Kaitaia, the most northern town in New Zealand is about 116 kms south of Cape Reinga. It has a good shopping centre, a variety of cafés and restaurants and a museum.

A busy farming town, it also supports vineyards and fruit growing - especially avocados. Like most rural towns Kaitaia has its very own annual Agricultural & Pastoral Show, well over a hundred years old and one of the oldest in New Zealand.

The surrounding areas are home to many skilled craftspeople working in wood, pottery, paint, glass, ceramics, flax, bone, and greenstone. Its Maori and European history is long and rich - with a strong Dalmatian community harking back to the days of the gum digging boom. The Far North Regional Museum has moa, kiwi and gum digging displays, early transport and communication history, and the work of Arthur Northwood and his brothers from early last century - the Northwood Photographic Collection.

A Community Centre serves as a venue for concerts, plays and other cultural events as well as conferences, seminars and meetings. Other recreational facilities include an indoor sports centre, facilities for bowls, golf, tennis & squash and a shooting range.

Legendary sunsets can be seen from the west facing beach at Ahipara

Ahipara is at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach, 14 kms west of Kaitaia. Renowned for spectacular sunsets it also boasts one of the best left hand surf breaks in the world and is home to one of Northland's award winning wineries.

This unspoiled sandy beach curves its way up the western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga. Apart from taking time to relax and soak up the scenery popular local pastimes are surfcasting, sunbathing, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, horse riding, sand dune riding, body boarding, kite flying and hang gliding. There's also an all weather, year round 18 hole links golf course running parallel to 90 Mile Beach.

Shipwreck Bay is aptly named as it was the site of the sinking of many ships, the wrecks of which are still visible at low tide. Close by is the Ahipara Gumfields Historic reserve and the remnants of ancient kauri forests. At their peak the gumfields supported two thousand people, three hotels, and numerous shops. Bullock teams carted the gum to the beach at Shipwreck Bay; from here the ships sailed on to Auckland.

Ahipara's first church and school were built in 1872 and the town of around 1,000 supported several stores, post office and boarding house. In the 1950's the market for gum fell away and so did much of the population. The township currently has a resident population of around 1,100 people.

One of the top dive sights in Northland and home of the Rainbow Warrior wreck

The Cavalli Islands lie off the coast of Matauri Bay. The main island, Motukawanui (area 3.40 km²), is a nature reserve with a walking track. You can paddle to the islands on a sea kayaking safari or arrange a local charter.

The group also consists of smaller islets Motutapere, Panaki, Nukutaunga, Motuharakeke, Haraweka, and Motukawaiti Islands.

On the seafloor between the Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay lies the Rainbow Warrior, the Greenpeace vessel that was scuttled here in 1987 to become a dive attraction. Today the wreck is a complex eco system covered in corals and sea anemones. Dive trips to the wreck run throughout the year and visibility is usually excellent.

The harbour itself is the jewel in a crown of beautiful bays that encircle Whangaroa's coastline

To the north of the Bay of Islands lies the spectacular Whangaroa Harbour , a jewel in the crown of beautiful bays that encircle the surrounding coastline.

Matauri Bay, with its golden sandy beach looking out to the Cavalli Islands, is the final resting-place of the ill-fated Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior. Now home to reef fishes, it is known world-wide as a spectacular diving spot. Matauri Bay is also popular for activities such as horse trails, beachfront camping, safe swimming, and jet skiing.

Another seaside delight on this loop is Tauranga Bay with its beautiful sandy beach, famous for superb diving and fishing.

Te Ngaere and Mahinepua both offer quiet secluded beaches with safe swimming for all ages.

Whangaroa Harbour provides another opportunity to polish up your deep-sea angling skills. Fishing is a religion around these parts. Whangaroa township is known as 'Marlin Capital' of New Zealand. The Whangaroa Big Game Fishing Club, situated over the water's edge in the township, has an outstanding display of fishing memorabilia.

Other features of Whangaroa are harbour cruises, sailing, snorkelling, sea-kayaking and golfing.

A top holiday destination with a rich history and fantastic beaches

In the Bay of Islands you can find thrilling adventure or perfect peace. The unbelievable natural beauty, amazing beaches and a host of islands make for an idyllic aquatic playground and ultimate retreat.

Not so long ago this land saw the throng and bustle, blood and tears of ship deserters, whalers, sealers and sailors. The Bay of Islands, birthplace of New Zealand as we know it today, was once a bustling seafaring and political base fusing Maori and European culture. Now it is a place of holiday fun and water adventures, refined food and wine pleasures and quiet contemplation of the past.

Several towns are scattered like shells around the coast, each with its own individual feel. There's the main holiday town Paihia - a vibrant, uptempo place and a few minutes away elegant Russell, once a whaling town, now a tranquil oasis.

It's a sweet irony that the town described in the lawless late 1800's as 'the hellhole of the Pacific' is now one of the country's most refined places to visit. In Russell, our colonial past is honoured in our present with carefully restored historic buildings such as Christ Church with its bullet holes from the Maori Wars.

In Waitangi amid a quiet reserve you'll find the Treaty House and a fully-carved Whare Runanga, or Maori Meeting House. Waitangi is the historic site where Maori chiefs and European representatives signed the charters that formed our governing agreement, the Treaty of Waitangi, in 1840.

This was years after the initial conflict created by the arrival of French navigator Marion de Fresne in 1772 which resulted in bloodshed of both Maori and Europeans. Later came religious leaders like Australian Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden in 1814 and the first Roman Catholic Bishop of the south-west Pacific, John Baptist Francis Pompallier. Bishop Pompallier was respected by Maori chiefs and European leaders alike and was present at Waitangi.

Less than 15 minutes drive from Waitangi and you're in Kerikeri. This fertile orchard town is also an artist's retreat with an arts and crafts trail as well as wineries, the magnificent 27m Rainbow Falls and nearby kauri forest, Puteki. If Bay of Islands is a magnet for boaties, the town of Opua has the greatest pull with every kind of boat to be found in its safe harbour. This is the way you come to Bay of Islands by boat. And if you come by road, your gateway is Kawakawa.

It's extraordinary that amid all the colonial history of this area in this township you’ll find the only building in the Southern hemisphere designed by Austrian artist, Frederick Hundertwasser and the last of his buildings before he died in 1999. Even more curious, it’s the public toilet.

Rawene is full of historic charm

With its warm climate and rich kauri forests, the Hokianga attracted some of New Zealand’s first European settlers. The historic town of Rawene has a legacy of heritage buildings from this time. Look for Clendon House, built in the 1860s; the Masonic Hotel, from 1875; the Methodist Church, 1876; and the courthouse, which was built in 1875.

Rawene is also a place to enjoy the comforts of modern life, such as excellent espresso, gourmet pizza and art. Take a stroll on the mangrove walkway, which offers an interesting view of a wetland habitat. A ferry service runs between Rawene and Kohukohu, making it possible to explore the northern side of the Hokianga Harbour.

Hokianga-Nui-A-Kupe - The Place of Kupe's great return

Just over three hours' drive north of Auckland on State Highway 12, the giant kauri of the Waipoua Kauri Forest act as sentinels for the undiscovered jewel of Northland's west coast, the historic Hokianga Harbour.

Known also as Te Kohanga o Te Tai Tokerau (the nest of the northern tribes), it is the central point from which most Northland Maori trace their ancestry. Many of the country's bicultural families also have their origins here.

Well maintained tracks give access to the forest giants like 1400 year old Tane Mahuta and 2000 year old Te Matua Ngahere. Other forest walks include Yakas Track, Lookout Walk and the Waiotemarama Kauri and waterfall walks. Then discover several fabulous coastal walks, including the Signal Station Walk with its awesome sand dune views.

Many small picturesque villages dot the Hokianga, including the twin settlements of Omapere and Opononi (made famous in 1955-56 by Opo the dolphin). From here, you can travel out to 300m high sand dunes. Rawene, New Zealand's third oldest European settlement, has historic Clendon House. Moving up the harbour the second oldest European settlement, Horeke, was the site of a thriving ship-building industry as early as 1826. Nearby is the Mangungu Mission House, established the following year by the Wesleyan missionaries at the invitation of chief Patuone. At the same time, across the water, Kohukohu developed a prosperous timber trade and at one time was the largest social and cultural centre in the North. Signs of its past glory can still be seen.

Hokianga has a wide range of accommodation available, from bed and breakfasts, farm stays, backpackers and camping grounds to hotels and motels.

There is plenty to see, do and explore. Horse trekking, a craft trail, carving, a boulder valley, bush walks, sand dunes, fishing, boating, swimming and golf. Plus there is a museum and great eating establishments. Or you can just take it easy in the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

The vehicle ferry takes up to 21 cars each crossing, providing a fast, comfortable trip across the Hokianga Harbour. First sailing from Rawene 7.30am and last sailing from the Narrows near Kohukohu at 8pm. It departs from Rawene on the half-hour and the Narrows on the hour.

Travelling east towards the Bay of Islands - Ngawha Springs off State Highway 12 is New Zealand's most northerly geothermal site. A little further on is the town of Kaikohe, a welcoming stopover for shopping and refreshment. On Monument Hill you'll find a tribute to Hone Heke, New Zealand's first Maori Member of Parliament. Kaikohe also has a Pioneer Village, for a glimpse of life as it was a century ago.

A good place to buy supplies and catch a quick meal

West of the Bay of Islands is Kaikohe, a welcoming stopover for shopping and refreshment. Monument Hill offers excellent views and is a beautiful place for a picnic.

The main local attraction in Kaikohe is the pioneer village, which includes several restored historic buildings – New Zealand’s oldest courthouse, an 1875 cottage, a jail, a school and more. You’ll also see Maori artefacts, gum-digging equipment and a blacksmith’s shop.

Not far from Kaikohe is Ngawha Springs, the most northern of New Zealand’s geothermal sites.

Kaikohe has a strategic position in the centre of the province, giving access of some of New Zealand's finest scenic attractions. Within a 50 km radius are the famous Bay of Islands and the Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta kauri forests. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and Hokianga harbours, the Waiomio limestone caves, many beautiful beaches and secluded bays, and the historic town of Kerikeri.

Named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Cousteau would know; and Cousteau was right!

Dive into the World of the Poor Knights Islands. The Poor Knights Islands, lying just 24km off the coast of Tutukaka, are often referred to as one of the world's top dive locations. Spectacular water clarity and warm subtropical currents provide a rich, varied and abundant sea life. Underwater caves, tunnels and archways are home to an extraordinary variety of seaweeds and friendly, colourful fish. Dive trips depart Tutukaka daily.

The world's largest sea cave, Rikoriko, can be found here, a record claim lodged with the Guinness Book of Records. It is an amazing 7,900,000 cubic feet with over a hectare of sea surface area inside the cave itself.

Poor Knights Islands are made up of 195ha of rocky islands, 25km offshore from Sandy Bay.  The two main islands are Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, with Aorangaia and Archway islands at the southern end of the group. They are volcanic, and notable for their steep headlands and cliffs, tunnels, caves and natural bridges. They are also home to the rare Poor Knights lily (Xeronema callistemon), have populations of tuatara (lizard-like reptiles) and are the only known nesting place of the sea bird, Buller’s shearwater (Puffinus bulleri).

The islands have a rich cultural history and were home to a local Maori tribe (Ngati Wai). But since their bloody massacre in 1822 the islands have been labelled tapu (sacred), with no one allowed to set foot ashore thus becoming a very special Nature Reserve.

The waters surrounding the islands were made a marine reserve in 1981 because of the diverse sea life there, and are one of world’s top diving spots. The islands are a nature reserve, and landing without a permit from the Department of Conservation is prohibited. They were named by Captain James Cook on 25 November 1769, allegedly after a popular English dish of fried dumplings, called ‘poor knights’. The name is thought to refer to the lumpy appearance of the islands.

Gateway to the Poor Knights Islands

Only half an hour north-east of Whangarei, Tutukaka is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve. The Islands, 25km off shore, have been rated by the famous Jacques Cousteau as one of the top-ten dive sites in the world - the water is known for its clarity and an abundance of sea life. Sea currents and visibility up to 30 metres underwater allow the diver, (and kayaker or snorkeler) to see a highly-populated, rich and diverse tapestry of marine life

Kayaking, eco and historic river cruises, fishing and surfing are alternative water activities or visit animal farms and tropical gardens.

The Tutukaka Coast is a detour you won’t want to miss on your tour of Northland; a picturesque drive through the fertile farmlands, stonewalls and orchards.  The first coastal village you’ll encounter is Ngunguru, where a sheltered harbour is protected by a long promontory of sand. Next stop after Tutukaka is Matapouri, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay that’s perfect for swimming (even in winter, if you’re wearing a wetsuit). Just up the hill from Matapouri is the track to Whale Bay. Fringed by large Pohutukawa trees, this sheltered beach is both beautiful and peaceful. Getting there along the walking track is half the fun. Beyond Whale Bay, the beaches are more open to the ocean. Sandy Bay is a much-loved surfing spot when conditions are right.

An excellent place to slide into the laid back Northland lifestyle

Whangarei is ideal for a short break or a weekend getaway, Whangarei has plenty to entertain the whole family or a couple wanting to recharge and relax. From exhilarating and completely unique adventures to peaceful back to nature activities, inspired shopping and quality dining, you will be surprised by what you find.

Quayside at the Town Basin is the place to go for stylish cafes and restaurants, art galleries, a glass-blowing studio, specialty shops and the National Clock Musuem.

Call in at LongView, Whangarei's award winning winery, for a taste of fine Northland merlot.

For a unique adventure, visit the Wildlife Gardens. Get up close to big cats and hear New Zealand's very own Lion Man talk passionately about these magnificent, endangered animals.

If you are looking to recharge and relax, there are plenty of back-to-nature attractions around Whangarei. Choose from a variety of coastal walks with outstanding views of the harbour, coastline and offshore islands or tranquil walks through native forest.

The city offers an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés to suit all variety of tastes and budget, as well as all the main chain restaurants and fast food outlets. There is a good selection of night time entertainment with the bars and nightclubs providing DJ's or bands to suit varying tastes in atmosphere and music.

Located just 45 minutes drive north of Whangarei City, via the scenic coastal route to Russell, is Whangaruru Harbour and neighbouring Oakura Bay.

Secluded bays and beaches allow for water skiing in the harbour, exploring beautiful bays, coastal diving and fishing, walking tracks.

Miles of white sandy surf beaches

The relaxed mood of Bream Bay is a by-product of the beautiful environment and the sunny climate. Discover the white sandy surf beaches, tranquil rural scenery, walking tracks, native bush, waterfalls and caves and the quaint village of Waipu.

The beaches of Bream Bay have sand and surf in common, although each one has slightly different characteristics. Ruakaka is all wide open spaces-used to great advantage during Whangarei Racing Club's "turf meets the surf" race meetings. A surf patrol operates during the season and there is a playground for the children.

Waipu Cove has more of a village feeling with shops nearby. It's an open surf beach, patrolled in season, but has a lovely river at one end for the children to swim in. Langs Beach is rather exclusive, a beautiful safe swimming beach, lined with Pohutukawa trees.

A river town with an interesting history

Dargaville, the Kumara Capital,is a rural town with a population of 4,800 people. Steeped in history and nestled beside the Northern Wairoa River Kauri logging, gum digging, shipbuilding and shipwrecks are the heritage of this characterful place. Each year it hosts such events as the Northland Agricultural Field Days, and several major surfcasting and trout-fishing competitions.

Dairy farming is the main local industry; the district also produces around two thirds of New Zealand’s kumara (sweet potato) crop.  Kauri gum and timber products are a speciality of the Kauri Coast and available from several local galleries and craft shops. There's also a specialist paper mill utilizing rice grass from the river. Explore the history of the North and Kaipara Harbour in Dargaville Museum. Here you will find relics from many of the area's shipwrecks.

Sample the variety of accommodation properties on offer, the cuisine of the local cafés and restaurants using delicacies like tua tua (shellfish), kumara (sweet potato), seafood and fish along with other national fare.

A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tane Mahuta, probably the largest tree you'll ever lay eyes upon

Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest on the west coast north of Dargaville. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of huge trees and rare birds. The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road's edge.

This forest is the home of Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is 1250 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tane Mahuta is rightly called 'The Lord of the Forest'. Another significant tree in Waipoua Forest is Te Matua Ngahere – 'Father of the Forest' – which is estimated to be 2000 years old.

Well-maintained short walking tracks provide easy access to the most spectacular attractions of Waipoua Forest, including Tane Mahuta, Te Matua Ngahere and the Yakas kauris. There are longer hiking tracks for those who want to venture deeper into the forest, especially into the high plateau and ranges.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

Located just one hour’s drive north of Auckland, Goat Island is an attraction for all the family.  Stand knee deep, watching the fish swim around you or catch a ride on the glass bottom boat which takes you around Goat Island to the big caves and outer reef.

The more adventurous can dive the Leigh Coastline and outer islands where you will always find an abundance of marine life and fish. Goat Island is the gateway to a unique diving experience. You can enjoy New Zealand's 'Coastal Aquarium' by scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking from the safe Goat Island Marine reserve beach.

Goat Island is New Zealand's first marine reserve. Its official opening took place in 1977. As a 'no-take' marine reserve, set aside for scientific study, the marine life is fully protected. It covers a coastline of about 5km, extends out in sea by 800m, and encompasses 5km2 or 500 ha.

Gateway to Goat Island Marine Reserve

There are beaches at every area in Leigh, whether it's Omaha, Goat Island, Whangateau, or even Pakiri. There are great Fishing spots, seafood hunting areas, and so much more in Greater Leigh.

"Goat Island Marine Reserve", New Zealand's first marine reserve, provides the bulk of recreational leisure with features including Scenic Marine Observations, Glass-Bottom Boat trips, Scuba-Diving, and much, much more, however there is strictly NO Fishing! Leigh is the perfect base for Goat Island activities.

There is so much to do in Leigh including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bush walking, fishing cliff climbing and more. Leigh also has a number of licensed cafes and restaurants.

Sensational beaches along the Bream Bay coast between Magawhai and Waipu

Waipu is a friendly town with a strong Scottish heritage, which can be appreciated at the Waipu Heritage Centre. The area was settled by Scottish Highlanders who moved from Nova Scotia in the 1850s.

Waipu is known internationally for its Highland Games, celebrated every January since 1871. The event features Highland dancing, bagpipes, massed pipe band, drumming champs, athletics and traditional New Zealand Championship Highland heavyweight events.  View Scottish country dancing, investigate genealogy and family history and clans.

With crystal clear waters and golden white sands, Waipu Cove provides an environment of safe swimming, surfing, rockpools, hiking, a bird sanctuary, fishing and kayaking.

Just outside the town are the Waipu Caves, which contain a significant population of glowworms. The Waipu Caves area features a karst / limestone landscape and weathered rocks. Guided walks and caving excursions are available through various tourism operators.

Frolic in the waves on the surf side of town or enjoy a peaceful swim in the sheltered harbour

This sleepy seaside resort is becoming increasingly popular as visitors discover its hidden charms. Situated on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, it is 90 minutes from Auckland's central business district, 50 minutes south of Whangarei and overlooks the upper reaches of the Hauraki Gulf. This makes Mangawhai a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The appeal is the white sandy beaches (5 within 15 minutes' drive), the subtropical climate, beautiful walkways, sand dunes, and wildlife sanctuary. Superb fishing, diving, water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing or boogie boarding makes Mangawhai a water-lover's paradise.

Mangawhai Heads beach, famous for its surf and well known to families and surfers alike, has a lifeguard service in summer. The stingray, after which Mangawhai takes its name are still to be found basking in the clear waters of the harbour. There are two parts to Mangawhai, the Heads and the Village, which nestle around this long waterway surrounded by big sand dunes on the seaward side and Pohutukawa trees on the other.

Recreational boaties and charter boats fish, dive and take scenic trips from the harbour to nearby islands and favourite fishing spots in the Hauraki Gulf and Bream Bay.

The world class 18-hole championship golf course, with its resident professional, attracts a regular flow of enthusiasts, as do the adjacent bowling greens. The Collections museum, gardens and cafés, along with the historical pub and quality crafts, ensure there is always something to do.

Over recent years Mangawhai has developed a reputation for quality cafés. Whatever your choice, be it fish and chips, licensed and BYO cafés serving contemporary style food or standard fare at the historical tavern you'll find it here. Entertainment is a regular feature, particularly over the summer and holiday periods at many of the establishments.

Real New Zealand Heritage at its best

Nestled amongst the upper reaches of the historic Kaipara Harbour, Matakohe offers "Real New Zealand Heritage" at its best.

The focal point is the world famous Kauri Museum depicting the mighty kauri tree and faithfully charting the history of the people, area and community. Magnificent displays, steam sawmills and large mill machinery, kauri gum exhibits, a quality 1900's kauri house, beautiful kauri and other native timber panels, extensive photographs, historic buildings and superb collections of memorabilla make The Kauri Museum a "must see". Be sure to allow at least two or three hours to spend at the Museum when you plan your holiday.

The home of the first NZ-born Prime Minister, Gordon Coates, Matakohe is steeped in history supported by an intensely proud community who will make sure your visit is a truly memorable one.

Town of lights

Kaiwaka, a delight to see at night! The town lighting is quite spectacular. In 1997 their church was adorned with "angel" lights and since then many other businesses in the town have followed suit - a large sailing ship, a motorbike, scissors, sawmill, post box, fireman's ladder…

It is an easy 1½ hours north from Auckland or 45 minutes south from Whangarei, and is only a short distance east to Mangawai or west to the Kaipara Harbour (quick access to water activities/fishing, boating).

Kaiwaka was settled by Europeans in 1859. At first they existed by subsistence agriculture supplemented by bush felling and gum digging. Then from the 1880's to 1900 one of the largest stands of the Kauri in the North was felled and conveyed by tramline to the Kaiwaka River. As many as six sailing ships at a time loaded logs in the Otamatea River.

Around 1900 a fire burned over Pukekaroro Mountain - this is now a reserve showing Kauri regeneration of ninety years. Traces of the bush tramway and booms described by Jane Mander in "The Story of a New Zealand River" may still be seen.

Dairy Farming then developed. Cream went to the Hakaru Dairy Factory or by launch to Maungaturoto and later by rail to Helensville. The rail reached Kaiwaka in 1913 and transport by water declined.

Large scale land development after World War II introduced a time of sheep and dairy farming prosperity. Now the smaller farms are being subdivided, which should contribute to the continued growth in Kaiwaka.

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