"Northerly point of North Island" Top 5 Page for this destination Northland by vtveen

Northland Travel Guide: 731 reviews and 1,339 photos

most famous signpost of New Zealand - Northland

Northern Northland - Cape Reinga

Situated north of Kaitaia, the most important town in the area and a good starting point for exploring the Aupouri Peninsula (a more or less unknown name), where one can find Cape Reinga. This peninsula is a narrow piece of land between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which meet together north of Cape Reinga.

Other points of interest are: Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Reserve and some remoted beaches.

On your way north on SH11 you will enjoy the beautiful scenery. Both left and right are amazing views over the beaches of the Tasman Sea or the Pacific Ocean. Much of them do have white sand and stick out against the deep blue waters.

It is a fantastic scenic drive to the cape and you will even enjoy the gravel road !!

East Coast - Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Birthplace of a Nation. February 6 in 1840 was the so called Waitangi Treaty signed by Maori's and the British resident. And that was the birth of modern New Zealand.

But today you will find more interesting places like Russell, Kerikeri, Whangarei and a small village like Mangonui, lots of wonderful beaches and the marine reserves of the Poor Knights Islands.

And last but not least the Bay of Islands, a marvelous piece of New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular regions in New Zealand, due to a lovely climate, great scenery, lots of activities and places of historical importance.

Paihia is the 'capital' of the Bay, but we didn't like it too much, because it is (during the summer) more or less overcrowded. Russell is much better and still rather quiet. Or Kerikeri with its own charm and historical buildings around the town basin.

To get a better idea of the placement of the various towns in the Bay of Islands see website: http://www.bayofislands.net/maps/

West Coast - kauri's and beaches

Wild West Coast: near Mitimiti

As often in New Zealand the west coast is much wilder. There are two main destinations: Waipoua Forest Park (with impressive kauri's) and Hokianga Harbour (with huge sand dunes) and further south the little town of Matakohe with a kauri (and pioneer) museum.

Around Hokianga Harbour are a couple of little towns like Omapere, Opononi. Take the car-ferry from Rawene to Kohukohu. and you will reach a very quiet part of New Zealand, where many Maori's are living in small villages like Panguru and Mitimiti.
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Pros and Cons

Pros:historical points of interest, great scenery

Last visit to Northland: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Apr 15, 2008
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Reviews (30)

Hikurangi and Waro Limestone Reserve Off The Beaten Path (7)

This is a really ‘off the beaten path’ tip and I only recommend it visitng when travelling to/from Auckland to the Bay... more travel advice

Kai Iwi Lakes Off The Beaten Path (7)

On our way back from Hokianga Harbour to Auckland along SH 12 we made a detour to take a look at the Kai Iwi Lakes. Take... more travel advice

Bay of Islands: The Hole in the Rock - Northland

Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock Cruise Things to Do (17)

When visiting the Bay of Islands area we had to make at least one cruise to see at least a couple of the 144 islands. We... more travel advice

one of the ferries between Paihia and Russell - Northland

Passenger ferry Paihia - Russell Transportation (2)

Paihia and Russell are the main towns in the Bay of Islands area. They are connected by road (a long and scenic but... more travel advice

Hotels (4)
See All Mangawhai - B&B with a view

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Comments (6)

angiebabe Sep 5, 2006 at 9:29 AM Report Abuse

these two kauris each side of the road (SH12) are known as Darby and Joan - i have forgotten who they were - celebs in the past - will find out. thx 4 the pics!
TheWanderingCamel May 10, 2006 at 1:35 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips and lovely photos. Not a part of NZ I've made it to yet ... one day ... leyle
kotitihaere Mar 25, 2006 at 3:58 PM Report Abuse

Great photos of home :-) It is also good to see that you had no difficulties driving out there, but are letting members know where to find tips - better be safe than sorry :D
kiwi Mar 25, 2006 at 2:42 AM Report Abuse

I love your enthusiasm for my country, your photos are great and you have traveled extensively in the North Island, thanks :-)
Wann Dec 7, 2004 at 8:16 AM Report Abuse

Always wonderful your page and some useful tips. hmmm photos are really fantastic !!
pepples46 Dec 4, 2004 at 1:07 PM Report Abuse

yep your right Jaap, NZ could have been dutch ^..^ if only old Abel would have set food on this shores...he got scared off by the Maori People....excellent page!!