Northland & Bay of Islands.

Being our most Northerly region this area is known for it's sub tropical climate, and of course the Northern tip of the island marked by the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. The climate allows for the growing of citrus crops and this region supplies large quantities of fruit for both the whole fruit and juice markets.

The region is really one large peninsula extending north from Auckland and is only about 100km at it's widest point, this finger of land is cut into by major harbour areas the Hokianga and Kaipara on the western side and Whangarei Harbour and the very scenic and popular Bay of Islands on the east coast.

Kaitaia is our most northern town offering full commercials services such as banks and supermarkets.

Forest, Maritime & National Parks

Northland Forest Park comprises 17 native forests containing 85% of New Zealand's mature Kauri. Including the country's biggest trees in Waipoua Forest. The biggest tree of all 'Tane Mahuta' is easily accessible and only a few minutes walk from the road side.

Bay of Islands Maritime & Historic Park.

Contains 150 islands and over 800kms of coastline, inlets, rugged cliffs, jagged rocks, peaceful bays and Pohutakawa fringed beaches. Popular for water based activities, sailing, boating big game fishing and diving.

The whole of Northland is significant for its early interaction between Maori and Europeans, initially with whalers and missionaries, historic mission houses are scattered through the Northland and Hokianga areas. Points of significance are the Treaty House at Waitangi where the treaty papers were signed in 1840 and the town of Russell, the original capital of New Zealand was located in this area. The Visitor Information Centre in Russell show a very good audio visual on the history of the area. Russell is most easily accessed by boat transfer from Paihia or vehicle ferry from Opua.

Other items of interest.

A drive along ninety mile beach (which is actually only about 90km) is usually included by most tour operators providing services to Cape Reinga but is not recommended for motor cars and prohibited for rental cars.

Kerikeri the historic Stone Store, and Kemp House NZ's oldest house.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Matauri Bay, for golf enthusiasts, a par 72 championship course with outstanding views over Cavelli Islands.

Water based activities, ex Paihia, Kayaking, dolphin and whale watch tours, scenic boat trips, diving for beginners and experienced divers, yacht charters.

Haruru Falls  a horseshoe shaped falls located 3km from Paihia

Christ Church, Russell is New Zealand's oldest surviving church built 1836.

Pompallier House, Russell, built 1842 , built to house the printing press for Bishop Pompallier's Roman Catholic Mission, now a museum.

Hokianga Harbour An area of natural beauty, sheltered waters, and remote settlements. Note there is a vehicle ferry which operates between The Narrows, 4km south of Kohukohu and Rawene, crossing the upper reaches of the Hokianga Harbour the trip takes 15 minutes and depart each point hourly.

The Kauri Museum at Matakohe is fascinating, you can't imagine how many things were made out of Kauri Gum and note the cross section comparison of the biggest Kauri still standing compared with the biggest ever felled. The extraction of Kauri gum from the remains of ancient forests was a huge industry in the late 1800s which required the gum to be dug up, cleaned, graded and exported. Immigrant workers toiled under harsh and boggy conditions to carve out a living, not least of which was a community of Dalmatian workers. Some signs in Kaitaia appear in English, Maori and Yugoslav as a carry over from this period.

Poor Knights Islands, 14 miles off shore, access is from Tutukaka (north of Whangarei), The islands are a wildlife reserve above water and a marine reserve below. Regarded as one of the world's top five dive spots.

Whangarei, the Town Basin Marina offers a peaceful and picturesque environment for a coffee or a meal or a base for a spot of gift shopping.

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Revised: December 28, 2009