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Northland
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Explore Northland's Bay of Islands, ancient kauri forests, Pacific beaches, Māori heritage and coastal roads from Whangārei to Cape Reinga.

Northland occupies the tapering northern peninsula of New Zealand's North Island, stretching from the harbours around Whangārei to Cape Reinga and the meeting waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Its long coastline is shaped by sandy bays, rocky headlands, sheltered inlets and broad estuaries, while inland roads pass through farmland, subtropical vegetation and remnants of the great kauri forests that once covered much of the peninsula. The region is geographically larger and more varied than a short visit to the Bay of Islands alone might suggest.
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Whangārei is Northland's principal urban centre and a practical base for exploring the east coast, Tutukākā and the surrounding countryside. To the north, the Bay of Islands combines a deeply indented coast with historic settlements including Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Waitangi. Further west, the Hokianga Harbour has a quieter, more contemplative character, with Māori cultural connections, rural settlements and access to the ancient kauri of Waipoua Forest. The Far North culminates in Cape Reinga, a powerful coastal landmark traditionally known to Māori as Te Rerenga Wairua, the place from which spirits depart.
Northland's history is central to its identity. Māori communities established extensive settlements, gardens and trading networks across the peninsula, and Ngāpuhi remains a major iwi of the region. European maritime exploration, missionaries, traders and timber companies later transformed the Bay of Islands and Hokianga. The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Waitangi in 1840 made the region a defining setting in New Zealand's constitutional history, although the treaty's interpretation and consequences remain subjects of continuing discussion.
The landscape invites unhurried travel. Boat trips explore the Bay of Islands, diving and snorkelling are particularly associated with the Poor Knights Islands near Tutukākā, and coastal walks reveal dunes, headlands and forest. Kauri protection is an important part of visiting: tracks may be closed or managed to limit the spread of kauri dieback disease, and visitors should follow all cleaning and track instructions. In towns and rural districts, local galleries, produce stalls, cafés, museums and marae-based cultural experiences add human scale to the natural scenery.
Food reflects Northland's maritime and agricultural setting. Fresh fish and shellfish, seasonal fruit, locally produced honey and craft beverages appear alongside New Zealand staples in restaurants, cafés, markets and country pubs. The region is best approached as a collection of distinct landscapes rather than a single resort area: the east coast is more sheltered and boating-oriented, the west coast more open and elemental, and the far north combines cultural significance with long distances and limited services.

When is the best time to visit Northland?

Best: January–March · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2480
February (best)2570
March (best)2380
April2190
May18100
June16110
July16110
August17100
September1890
October2090
November2290
December2490

Getting to and around Northland

How to get there

Whangārei Airport is within Northland and provides domestic access, while Auckland Airport, outside the region, is the principal international gateway commonly used for road journeys north. State Highway 1 runs through Whangārei and the Far North, with bus and coach services connecting major settlements, although routes and frequencies vary. The Bay of Islands can be reached by road from Auckland via Whangārei, and ferry services connect some local coastal communities and islands. Check current transport arrangements before travelling, particularly for remote Far North destinations.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching Northland's dispersed beaches, forests, historic sites and rural communities, but driving distances are longer than the map may suggest because roads are often winding. Whangārei and the Bay of Islands have local buses and taxis, while intercity coaches link principal towns; coverage is much thinner beyond them. Boat tours and water taxis serve parts of the Bay of Islands, and guided excursions are practical for the Poor Knights Islands and some Cape Reinga itineraries. Cyclists and walkers should plan carefully around narrow roads, hills, traffic and limited roadside services.

Top city travel guides in Northland

The cities of Northland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Northland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Northland

Northland's attractions range from nationally important cultural sites to forests, beaches and marine environments. At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, visitors can explore the setting where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed, while nearby Paihia and Russell provide access to the sheltered islands and coves of the Bay of Islands. Kerikeri combines early mission buildings with galleries, cafés and river landscapes. Whangārei offers museums, a developed waterfront and an accessible base for the surrounding coast. Tutukākā is the departure point for excursions to the Poor Knights Islands, known for diving, snorkelling and marine life. On the west coast, Waipoua Forest protects giant kauri, and the Kauri Museum at Matakohe explains the timber and gum industries. The Hokianga Harbour, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē and Cape Reinga bring expansive beaches, dunes and headlands, while Northland's sheltered bays support kayaking, fishing and boat trips. Walks vary from short forest tracks to demanding coastal routes, and conditions, tides and access arrangements should be checked locally.

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Best landmarks in Northland

Waitangi Treaty Grounds is Northland's most consequential historic landmark, representing the place where the treaty was first signed and containing an important meeting house, ceremonial waka and historic military flagstaff. In Kerikeri, the Stone Store and Kemp House form a distinctive riverside group associated with early mission and trading activity. Russell's Christ Church and surviving colonial streets reflect the settlement's nineteenth-century maritime history, while the nearby Pompallier House preserves a rare account of early Catholic printing and tannery work. In the west, Tāne Mahuta and other giant kauri in Waipoua Forest are living landmarks rather than constructed monuments, with deep cultural importance to Māori and ecological significance for New Zealand. Cape Reinga's lighthouse and headland mark the northern end of the peninsula in popular geographic imagination, while the expansive dunes and shoreline of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē create one of Northland's most recognisable natural scenes. Whangārei Falls provides a more accessible inland landmark within the Whangārei area.

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Explore Northland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northland

Northland dining draws on a maritime climate, fertile soils and a strong connection with small producers. Fish and shellfish are widely available in coastal towns, while cafés and restaurants in Whangārei, Kerikeri, Paihia and Russell commonly feature seasonal vegetables, fruit, artisan baking and New Zealand-style brunches. Farmers' markets and roadside stalls may offer avocados, citrus, honey, preserves and other local produce, although availability changes with the season. Country pubs and rural cafés provide informal meals on longer drives, while the Bay of Islands and Whangārei have a broader range of contemporary restaurants. Māori food traditions and locally led cultural experiences add an important dimension, but visitors should distinguish established regional produce from dishes simply promoted as Northland specialities. Local craft beer, wine from wider northern New Zealand and non-alcoholic fruit drinks are also found, with menus varying considerably between the coastal visitor centres and small inland settlements.

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Best bars in Northland

Northland's evening life is concentrated in Whangārei and the Bay of Islands rather than spread evenly across the region. Whangārei has bars, restaurants, live music and occasional cultural performances around its central and waterfront areas, while Paihia and Russell offer relaxed pubs, restaurants and seasonal evening venues oriented towards visitors and local residents. Kerikeri has a modest selection of bars, eateries and food-and-drink producers, but it is not a major late-night centre. In rural Northland, the traditional pub, club or community event is more typical than a nightclub, and many places close earlier than visitors from large cities may expect. During summer and holiday periods, waterfront hospitality becomes busier, so reservations and an organised return journey are sensible. Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced throughout New Zealand.

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Best nightclubs in Northland

Northland's evening life is concentrated in Whangārei and the Bay of Islands rather than spread evenly across the region. Whangārei has bars, restaurants, live music and occasional cultural performances around its central and waterfront areas, while Paihia and Russell offer relaxed pubs, restaurants and seasonal evening venues oriented towards visitors and local residents. Kerikeri has a modest selection of bars, eateries and food-and-drink producers, but it is not a major late-night centre. In rural Northland, the traditional pub, club or community event is more typical than a nightclub, and many places close earlier than visitors from large cities may expect. During summer and holiday periods, waterfront hospitality becomes busier, so reservations and an organised return journey are sensible. Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced throughout New Zealand.

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Best shops in Northland

Shopping in Northland is rooted in market towns, local food and independent craft rather than large-scale retail. Whangārei has the region's broadest selection of everyday shops, galleries and specialist businesses, with waterfront and central areas offering cafés and locally made goods. Kerikeri is known for galleries, craft outlets, produce stalls and food producers, while Paihia and Russell combine visitor-oriented shops with art, gifts and practical coastal apparel. Farmers' markets and seasonal roadside stalls are useful places to look for honey, preserves, fruit, avocados and baked goods, though opening days and locations can change. In smaller towns and the Hokianga, shopping is more limited but may include pottery, Māori art, woodwork, woven items, books and locally produced food. Buy cultural works through reputable galleries or artists, ask about provenance where appropriate, and remember that remote communities may have limited trading hours and card connectivity.

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Northland essentials

Currency and Payment
Northland uses New Zealand dollars (NZD), the national currency. Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted in Whangārei, the Bay of Islands and other established visitor centres, though smaller stalls, rural businesses, some parking facilities and remote areas may have limited connectivity or prefer cash. Carry a modest amount of New Zealand currency for local purchases, and do not assume that every remote fuel station or market accepts foreign cards. New Zealand's standard card surcharges may apply at some businesses.
Safety
Northland is generally straightforward to travel, but its rural scale creates practical risks. Drive cautiously on narrow, winding roads and allow extra time in wet weather. Swimming and surfing conditions can change quickly on exposed west-coast beaches; observe lifeguard advice, flags and local warnings, and never underestimate rip currents. Tides matter on beaches, estuaries and coastal tracks. Protect yourself from strong sun, carry water on walks and check forecasts before boat trips. In forests, follow biosecurity instructions and do not leave marked tracks.
Emergency Situations
Dial 111 anywhere in Northland for police, fire or ambulance emergencies and state which service is required. For non-urgent police matters in New Zealand, use 105. On the coast, emergency services may coordinate with the coastguard, while search and rescue can assist in remote areas; provide precise information about your location, track, beach access point or vessel. Mobile coverage can be intermittent in rural Northland, so tell someone your plans before a long walk or remote drive and download essential maps in advance.
Do's and Don'ts
Treat marae, meeting houses, cemeteries, historic sites and culturally significant landscapes with respect, and follow local guidance about photography and access. Remove footwear when requested and do not touch carvings or enter restricted areas. Keep to marked paths in kauri forests, clean footwear at stations and avoid bringing soil onto tracks. In the countryside, close gates, respect private land and leave no rubbish. At the beach, obey water-safety warnings and never drive on sand unless access is clearly permitted and conditions are suitable. Tipping is not compulsory, though good service may be acknowledged.
Local Tips
Use Whangārei, Paihia, Kerikeri or another suitable base according to your itinerary rather than attempting the whole region from one location. The east and west coasts have different weather and scenery, so a forecast for one side may not describe the other. Fill the tank before remote journeys, especially towards Cape Reinga or the Hokianga, and keep food and water available between settlements. Ask local operators about tide times, track conditions and seasonal closures, and consider visiting attractions early or late in the day during the summer peak.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKia ora[kee-ah or-ah]
GoodbyeHaere rā[high-reh rah]
YesĀe[ah-eh]
NoKāore[kah-oh-reh]
Please/You're welcomeTēnā koa[teh-nah koh-ah]
Thank youNgā mihi[nah mee-hee]
Excuse me/SorryAroha mai[ah-roh-hah my]
How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?[kay teh peh-heh-ah koh-eh]
Fine. And you?Ka pai. Ko koe?[kah pie. koh koh-eh?]
Do you speak English?Ka korero koe i te reo Ingarihi?[kah koh-reh-roh koh-eh ee teh reh-oh ing-ah-ree-hee?]
I don't understandKaore au e mohio[kah-oh-reh ow eh moh-hee-oh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te kite i te rārangi kai, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow key teh kee-teh ee teh rah-ruh-ngi ki, teh-nah koh-ah]
I don't eat meatKaore au e kai i te mutton[kah-oh-reh ow eh kah-ee ee teh muht-ton]
Cheers!Kia ora![kee-ah or-ah!]
I would like to pay, pleaseKa hiahia au ki te utu, tēnā koa[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow key teh oo-too, teh-nah koh-ah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tāwharautia![tah-wha-rau-tia!]
Go away!Haere atu![high-reh ah-too!]
Call the Police!Tūtohu ki te Pirihimana![too-toh-hoo key teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah!]
Call a doctor!Tūtohu ki te tāngata rongoā![too-toh-hoo key teh tah-ngah-tah rong-oh-ah!]
I'm lostKei te pōtirohia au[kay teh poh-tee-roh-hee-ah ow]
I'm illKei te pāwera au[kay teh pah-weh-rah ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ka hiahia au ki te hoko...[kah hee-ah-hee-ah ow key teh hoh-koh...]
I'm just lookingKei te rapu noa au[kay teh rah-poo noh-ah ow]
How much is it?E hia te utu?[eh hee-ah teh oo-too?]
That's too expensiveHe tino utu teitei[he tee-noh oo-too tay-tay]
Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te tuku i te utu?[kah tah-eh ah-eh koh-eh teh too-koo ee teh oo-too?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kei te aha te wā?[kay teh ah-hah teh wah?]
It's one o'clockKotahi karaka[koh-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
Half past (10)Hāwhe ki te 10[hah-wheh key teh ten]
MorningAta[ah-tah]
AfternoonPō[poh]
EveningAhiahi[ah-hee-ah-hee]
YesterdayInanahi[ee-nah-nah-hee]
TodayI tenei rā[ee teh-neh rah]
TomorrowĀpōpō[ah-poh-poh]
1Tahi[tah-hee]
2Rua[roo-ah]
3Toru[toh-roo]
4Whā[fah]
5Rima[ree-mah]
6Ono[oh-noh]
7Whitu[fee-too]
8Waru[wah-roo]
9Iwa[ee-wah]
10Tekau[teh-koh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E haere ana te...?[eh high-reh ah-nah teh...?]
What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?[he ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai (i runga i te mapi)?[kah tah-eh ah-eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my (ee roo-ngah ee teh mah-pee)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kāore e te wā kei te haere mai (te pahi)?[kah-oh-reh eh teh wah kay teh high-reh my (teh pah-hee)?]
A ticket (to ....)He tikiti (ki ....)[he tee-kee-tee (key ....)]

History of Northland

Māori settlement and Ngāpuhi

Māori settlement shaped Northland's coastal and inland landscapes long before European arrival. Communities developed pā, gardens, fishing grounds and trading links around the Bay of Islands, Hokianga Harbour and the west coast. Ngāpuhi became one of the region's most influential iwi, with important leaders, alliances and conflicts affecting the wider northern peninsula. Archaeological sites, place names, oral traditions and living cultural practice continue to express this history. Visitors should understand that Northland's Māori heritage is not confined to museums: it remains part of the region's communities, whenua and civic life.

Early European voyages and contact

The Bay of Islands was visited by European explorers during the eighteenth century, including James Cook, and soon became a meeting place for Māori, sailors, traders and whalers. Kororāreka, now Russell, developed as a busy port and acquired a rough reputation during the early nineteenth century. Missionaries established some of New Zealand's earliest permanent European institutions in the Bay of Islands and Hokianga, while new goods, technologies, diseases and political pressures altered Māori society. The surviving mission buildings at Kerikeri help visitors understand this period of rapid and unequal change.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, 1840

Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and numerous Māori rangatira, with further signings taking place elsewhere in New Zealand. The two language versions contain important differences, and the treaty's promises and subsequent breaches have remained central to New Zealand's constitutional and historical debates. Waitangi Treaty Grounds presents the event and its continuing significance through historic buildings, waka, collections and cultural interpretation. It is one of the most consequential historical sites in Northland and the country.

Kauri timber and gum digging

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, kauri timber extraction and kauri-gum digging became major industries in Northland. Kauri supplied shipbuilding timber and other products, while gum was dug from the soil and exported for varnish and related uses. The industries brought workers and merchants from many backgrounds, but also caused extensive forest loss and reshaped Māori land and rural economies. Waipoua's surviving forest and the Kauri Museum at Matakohe interpret both the engineering and labour involved and the environmental cost of the industry.

Mission settlements and the Bay of Islands

Kerikeri became an important centre of early mission activity and cross-cultural exchange. The Stone Store, completed in the 1830s, and Kemp House, New Zealand's oldest surviving European building, stand beside the Kerikeri River and reflect the commercial and religious networks that developed there. Missionaries introduced literacy and Christianity, while Māori communities actively negotiated, adapted and responded to these changes. The buildings are therefore valuable not simply as picturesque historic structures but as evidence of a contested period when local and overseas systems began to intersect.

Conservation and contemporary Northland

Twentieth-century environmental awareness brought new attention to the remnants of Northland's kauri forests, wetlands, islands and marine habitats. Waipoua Forest, the Poor Knights Islands and other protected areas now support conservation, recreation and scientific work, although pressures from introduced pests, habitat loss and kauri dieback remain significant. Northland's contemporary identity also reflects Māori cultural renewal, horticulture, tourism and regional towns adapting to seasonal travel. Modern visitors encounter a landscape where conservation and cultural responsibility are practical parts of everyday destination management.

Northland in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northland, New Zealand

Discover Northland with Evendo. This 100% free app-based travel guide covers all you need: attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Simplify your travel plans today!

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars, and more
  • High-quality images and detailed descriptions
  • Local tips and maps for easy navigation
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Make the most of your Northland trip with Evendo, the free app-based travel guide offering rich information on attractions, landmarks, dining, and more.

  • Contact details and booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Historical insights and travel essentials
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Northland, New Zealand? Look no further than Evendo, your all-in-one travel companion. From the breathtaking Bay of Islands to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Evendo ensures you won't miss a beat. The app features detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities Northland has to offer. Each location is accompanied by high-quality images, comprehensive descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy to plan and organize your trip.

Fancy a culinary adventure? Evendo has you covered. Explore top dining spots such as the Duke of Marlborough in Russell or the Whangarei's Butter Factory for a taste of local cuisine. With the 'Near Me' feature, you can effortlessly discover hidden gems around you, whether you're craving seafood by the coast or a cozy café inland.

In addition to just providing information, Evendo allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more juggling between different websites to figure out what to do, where to go, or how to get there. Whether you're looking to dive into the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, explore the ancient kauri trees in Waipoua Forest, or take a cultural tour through the historic town of Kerikeri, Evendo has it all in one place.

But that's not all! Evendo also offers historical insights, travel essentials, and curated local tips to ensure you experience Northland like a local. With easy navigation and a user-friendly interface, this app is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, with global coverage spanning over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is your perfect travel companion no matter where you go.

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