Things to do in Northland

Northland holds a unique place in New Zealand’s story and is widely recognised as the birthplace of the nation. Rich in Māori history, early European settlement, and cultural heritage, the region offers visitors the chance to experience some of Aotearoa’s most important historic sites and cultural attractions. A visit to the Māori culture experiences and heritage attractions throughout Northland provides insight into the traditions, stories, and people who shaped New Zealand.

One of the most significant places to visit is the Waitangi area  in the Bay of Islands, beside Paihia is home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. Visitors can explore museums, heritage buildings, carved meeting houses, guided tours, and cultural performances while learning about the foundations of modern New Zealand.

Nearby, the historic seaside village of Russell was once New Zealand’s first capital and remains one of the country’s most fascinating heritage destinations. Its waterfront setting, historic church, colonial buildings, and relaxed atmosphere make it one of Northland’s most charming towns. In Kerikeri, visitors can explore the famous Stone Store and Kemp House beside the Kerikeri River, both among New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings.

Further west, the Hokianga Harbour is deeply connected to Māori history and the legendary voyages of Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator. Combined with local storytelling, cultural performances, museums, and historic settlements, Northland offers an authentic and meaningful journey through the history and identity of New Zealand.

Surrounded by two coastlines and some of New Zealand’s warmest waters, Northland is one of the country’s premier destinations for marine adventures and ocean-based experiences. From the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to the world-famous dive sites of Tutukaka and the remote Far North coastline, the region offers an incredible variety of activities on and beneath the water.

The Bay of Islands is the heart of Northland’s marine tourism, with departures from Paihia and Russell, providing easy access to island cruises, wildlife encounters, and scenic coastal tours. Visitors can explore hidden coves and remote beaches on boating and cruise experiences, join dolphin and wildlife tours, or enjoy relaxing sailing trips through the region’s turquoise waters and island landscapes.

Northland is also internationally recognised for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling, with marine reserves, volcanic reefs, caves, and historic shipwrecks attracting divers from around the world. The waters around the Bay of Islands, Cavalli Islands, and Tutukaka Coast are home to colourful reefs and abundant marine life, while fishing enthusiasts can join world-class fishing charters targeting snapper, kingfish, and marlin in some of New Zealand’s most productive waters.

For visitors seeking faster-paced adventure, Northland also offers thrilling water sports including jet boating, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Whether you are exploring remote islands, diving beneath the surface, or cruising along the coastline at sunset, Northland’s marine experiences showcase the region’s natural beauty from every angle.

Northland is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery, with the Bay of Islands recognised as the region’s leading tourism destination. Made up of 144 islands, sheltered bays, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the Bay of Islands offers an incredible mix of relaxation, marine adventure, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the coastline on a variety of boating and cruise experiences, from scenic island cruises and sailing charters to dolphin watching tours and private day trips.

The coastal towns of Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri each provide a different experience while acting as ideal bases for exploring the wider region. Paihia is the main tourism hub with easy access to island cruises, parasailing, kayaking, and water activities, while Russell offers a quieter historic atmosphere with beautiful beaches and waterfront dining. Kerikeri combines subtropical landscapes with historic attractions, waterfalls, wineries, and boutique food experiences.

Northland’s warm climate and calm waters make it one of New Zealand’s top destinations for dolphin and wildlife encounters, diving adventures, fishing charters, and kayaking experiences. Visitors can cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock, snorkel marine reserves filled with colourful fish, or simply relax on secluded island beaches surrounded by native bush and turquoise water.

Whether you are seeking scenic cruises, outdoor adventure, or peaceful coastal escapes, Northland’s coastline delivers some of the most unforgettable experiences in New Zealand.

Northland’s warm subtropical climate makes the region one of New Zealand’s leading producers of fresh fruit, artisan food, wine, and locally crafted products. Alongside its outdoor adventures and coastal scenery, Northland also offers a growing range of indoor attractions, boutique food experiences, galleries, markets, and cultural activities that provide visitors with memorable experiences in every season.

The towns of Kerikeri, Paihia, and Whangārei are particularly well known for their relaxed café culture, artisan producers, local markets, and creative communities. Kerikeri is famous for its citrus orchards, vineyards, handmade chocolates, and fresh produce, with visitors often stopping at local wineries, farmers markets, and boutique food stores while exploring the Bay of Islands region.

One of Northland’s most popular indoor attractions is the Makana Chocolate Factory in Kerikeri, where visitors can watch handcrafted chocolates being made while sampling a range of locally produced treats. Combined with nearby galleries, wineries, cafés, and artisan workshops, the region offers plenty of relaxed experiences perfect for couples, families, and travellers looking to slow down and enjoy Northland’s local flavour.

Across the wider region, visitors can also enjoy wine and food tours, boutique tastings, local produce trails, and indoor cultural experiences including museums and heritage attractions. For rainy days or quieter travel moments, Northland combines scenic beauty with welcoming hospitality, fresh local produce, and authentic experiences that showcase the character and creativity of New Zealand’s Far North.

Northland is one of New Zealand’s best road trip destinations, with spectacular coastal drives, subtropical landscapes, historic towns, and hidden natural attractions spread throughout the region. From the rolling coastline of the Bay of Islands to the dramatic scenery of the Far North, every journey through Northland offers new experiences and unforgettable views.

One of the region’s most iconic adventures is the drive north to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Located at the northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga is a place of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet beneath the famous lighthouse. Many visitors choose to join guided day tours or scenic excursions that travel along Ninety Mile Beach and stop at giant sand dunes, remote coastal settlements, and scenic lookouts along the way.

The west coast route through the Hokianga and Kauri Coast reveals another side of Northland, with towering kauri forests, dune landscapes, harbour views, and rich Māori history. Visitors can explore Waipoua Forest and stand beneath Tane Mahuta, the largest known kauri tree in New Zealand, while scenic drives connect remote beaches, walking tracks, and peaceful rural communities.

Northland’s road trips also link together many of the region’s best outdoor experiences, including walking and hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, wineries, and marine adventures. With its warm climate, laid-back atmosphere, and constantly changing scenery, Northland is a region best explored slowly, allowing time to discover both famous attractions and hidden local gems.

Northland’s diverse landscapes stretch from pristine coastlines and native rainforest to giant kauri forests, waterfalls, rolling farmland, and peaceful harbours. The region’s warm subtropical climate allows native bush and wildlife to thrive, creating some of the most scenic and accessible natural attractions in New Zealand.

The world-famous Waipoua Forest along the Kauri Coast is home to Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand and one of the country’s most important natural landmarks. Walking beneath these ancient giants is one of Northland’s most unforgettable experiences, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique ecosystem and cultural significance.

In the Bay of Islands, the towns of Kerikeri and Paihia provide easy access to waterfalls, scenic bush walks, and coastal viewpoints. Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri is one of Northland’s most photographed natural attractions, while the Kerikeri River Track passes through native bush and historic sites beside the river. Around Whangārei, visitors can explore the stunning Whangārei Falls, coastal reserves, and the beautiful beaches of Bream Bay and Mangawhai further south.

Northland also offers excellent opportunities for walking and hiking, nature and wildlife experiences, and scenic outdoor exploration. Whether you are wandering through ancient forests, discovering hidden beaches, or relaxing beside a waterfall, the region’s landscapes encourage visitors to slow down and connect with nature.

With dramatic coastlines, lush native bush, and some of New Zealand’s most significant natural landmarks, Northland is a destination where nature plays a central role in every journey.