A tale of two coastlines
Much of Northland's extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation.
Whangarei and Opua are havens for international and local yachts; Tutukaka and Russell are game fishing hot spots; the beaches of Doubtless Bay are endlessly beautiful.
Kaitaia, the most northern town in New Zealand, and the springboard for exploration of the real Far North. Surrounded by some the most beautiful beaches in the southern hemisphere, Kaitaia is only a short drive away from our spectacular seaside.
Just 14kms west from Kaitaia township, is the stunning world famous 90 Mile Beach. This unspoilt sandy beach curves its way up the Far North's western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga. Popular local pastimes include surfcasting, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, horse and dune riding and of course relaxing.
The main towns in the Bay of Islands are Paihia and Russell, and to the north of the Bay, Kerikeri. Paihia offers a variety of accommodation and is the main base for excursions, including game fishing, leisure cruising, yachting, paragliding, swimming with dolphins and diving. The town also houses the Aquatic World Aquarium where visitors can learn about the sea life common to the area. Within walking distance of Paihia is the Waitangi Reserve, home to the Waitangi Treaty House. It is here that the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the founding document of New Zealand. The reserve also has a visitor's centre, a 35 metre Maori war canoe, a Maori meeting house decorated with beautiful carvings, and coastal and mangrove forest walks.
Kerikeri is set on a picturesque inlet to the north of the Bay and is the area's main commercial centre. The town offers visitors a range of accommodation, several craft galleries and some interesting historic buildings including Kemp House (1822), New Zealand's oldest house, and the Stone Store (1836). Close to the town is a reconstruction of a traditional Maori village.
In the heart of Whangarei city, Quayside at the Town Basin is a sophisticated, yet leisurely centre for eating and entertainment. Modern landscaping blends perfectly with colonial architecture to create a gathering place for locals, visiting travellers and yachties from all over the world. As well as stylish cafés and restaurants, there are museums, art galleries and specialty shops. The Clock Museum is a must see.
Bay of Islands
A subtropical climate, natural beauty and an abundance of aquatic activities add up to one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand.
Situated on the north eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, on a bay of 144 islands, the area has a warm climate, beautiful bays and sheltered beaches. It is also an area rich in history, being one of the first parts of New Zealand to be settled by Maori and Europeans alike.
The main towns in the Bay of Islands are Paihia and Russell, and to the north of the Bay, Kerikeri. Paihia offers a variety of accommodation and is the main base for excursions, including game fishing, leisure cruising, yachting, paragliding, swimming with dolphins and diving. The town also houses the Aquatic World Aquarium where visitors can learn about the sea life common to the area. Within walking distance of Paihia is the Waitangi Reserve, home to the Waitangi Treaty House. It is here that the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the founding document of New Zealand. The reserve also has a visitor's centre, a 35 metre Maori war canoe, a Maori meeting house decorated with beautiful carvings, and coastal and mangrove forest walks.
Kerikeri is set on a picturesque inlet to the north of the Bay and is the area's main commercial centre. The town offers visitors a range of accommodation, several craft galleries and some interesting historic buildings including Kemp House (1822), New Zealand's oldest house, and the Stone Store (1836). Close to the town is a reconstruction of a traditional Maori village.
 Kaitaia, the most northern town in New Zealand, and the springboard for exploration of the real Far North. Surrounded by some the most beautiful beaches in the southern hemisphere, Kaitaia is only a short drive away from our spectacular seaside.
Just 14kms west from Kaitaia township, is the stunning world famous 90 Mile Beach. This unspoilt sandy beach curves its way up the Far North's western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga. Popular local pastimes include surfcasting, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, horse and dune riding and of course relaxing.
Well known for our local artists and craftsmen, there is a huge range of arts and crafts. Visit ancient Kauri kingdom, Doubtless bay, Historic Mangonui, Karikari Peninsula and Tane Mahutu in the Waipoua forest.
 The Bay of Islands is just a short 3 and a half hour drive from Auckland and offers visitors many delights, cultural and adventurous! The arty town of Kerikeri is definately one of its jewels that should not be missed. Kerikeri is set on a picturesque inlet to the north of the Bay and is the area's main commercial centre. The town offers visitors a range of accommodation, several craft galleries and some interesting historic buildings including Kemp House (1822), New Zealand's oldest house, and the Stone Store (1836). Close to the town is a reconstruction of a traditional Maori village.
Nestled in amongst farmland and citrus orchards, Kerikeri has a unique ambience all its own - designer clothing shops rub shoulders with rural supply stores and art galleries abound in and around the town. Take the time to experience Northern hospitality firsthand. Catch The Farmers' Market every Sunday morning.
Take the Kerikeri Art & Craft Trail. Go to a show at The Centre, our new Arts & Performance Venue. Check out NZ's newest Garden of National Significance at Wharepuke Gardens. Or take a steamboat ride at the historic Stone Store Basin, chuffing along past NZ's oldest historic buildings.
The gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia offers a variety of accommodation and is the main base for excursions, including game fishing, leisure cruising, yachting, paragliding, swimming with dolphins and diving. The town also houses the Aquatic World Aquarium where visitors can learn about the sea life common to the area. Within walking distance of Paihia is the Waitangi Reserve, home to the Waitangi Treaty House. It is here that the historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the founding document of New Zealand. The reserve also has a visitor's centre, a 35 metre Maori war canoe, a Maori meeting house decorated with beautiful carvings, and coastal and mangrove forest walks.
Russell, a 20 minute ferry ride from Paihia, is a quiet township and has a place in history as New Zealand's first capital. It offers visitors accommodation and a variety of attractions. These include a number of historic buildings such as Christ Church (1836) which is the country's oldest surviving church, and Pompallier House; the country's oldest surviving industrial building.
 Whangarei is famous for its superb beaches and romantic countryside, Whangarei enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, and there's rainfall enough to keep surroundings lush, green and attractively semi-tropical.
An easy drive or flight from Auckland, the city sits at the western end of a large, unspoilt harbour. In and around the houses and buildings are pockets of native bush and beautifully landscaped parks.
Translated from Maori, Whangarei means cherished harbour. It certainly is cherished by the keen fisherman and sailors who use the town basin marina as a base for their expeditions, by the surfers who can put themselves on a drop dead gorgeous surf beach within half an hour, and by the visitors who find the city's relaxing ambience the perfect antidote to an over-stressed life.
Mount Parahaki the highest point in the city - was once the site of the largest Maori Pa (fortified village) in New Zealand. The excavations are still visible and interpretation of the area is provided at the site, which can be accessed by a pleasant walk through native forest from the summit. Take a picnic with you and spend a few hours soaking up the panorama.
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