Northland Top 5 Things To Do
Northland is a diverse region perfect for year-round travel thanks to its mild climate and wide range of activities suitable for every budget. Enjoy the relaxed pace of life and get away from it all, or fill your days with adventure and experience the stunning natural playground this region has to offer. Every area is steeped in history and culture take the time to connect and return home with more stories than just your own.
1 - Birthplace of the Nation:
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-visit for every New Zealand and every visitor to our shores.
We may all know the Treaty of Waitangi, after all, there is a public holiday dedicated to it each year, but it’s the stories and the people that you really uncover when you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The ticket price doesn’t just get you in to the grounds, it includes a guided tour (and not your regular scripted spiel), a cultural performance that makes your spine tingle and two museums that tap into your soul as they share with you the stories of the people behind the events. The newest museum, Te Rau Aroha, has only been open since February this year, and adds even more depth to an already rich cultural experience.
The biggest mistake you can make when visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is not allowing yourself enough time. Factor in at least three hours to scratch the surface, if not a full day. There’s a café on site, and if prior commitments mean you have to leave before you cover everything, then rest assured, the pass is valid for two days.
2 - Dive the Poor Knights Islands:
Jacques Costeau didn’t rate this as one of the Top 10 Dive Sites in the world for nothing. The islands are remnants of ancient volcanoes, carved into cliffs, tunnels and caves by the ocean.
It’s been a marine reserve for close to 40 years, and the extensive marine life adds to the magical experience. Diving is the best way to experience this stunning location, but with crystal clear visibility thanks to its offshore location, snorkellers won’t miss out either.
The underwater world is certainly special but so are the actual islands. They are nature reserves, home to many special and rare breeds of wildlife like the Buller’s Shearwater and the tuatara. The islands are also home to the world’s largest seacave Rikoriko cave famed not only for its size, but its impressive acoustics.
You might be surprised to learn of all the musicians who have played inside. A trip to the Poor Knights Islands is a full day activity, and a world-class experience, and with a good wetsuit and decent seas, it’s an all year-round activity.
3 - Take a tour:
Many of the landmarks in Northland are easily accessible and impressive to visit. But one thing many miss, are the stories that go with them. From the most iconic, to the little-known, every location in Northland has a story to tell, and likely someone to tell it.
The forests are full of legends, telling stories of how Tane Mahuta created day, or how the kiwi lost its ability to fly. The landmarks, especially spectacular Cape Reinga are surrounded with spirituality and are significant not just for their beauty but their meaning.
The battlegrounds and Tohu Whenua sites (and there are many) hold stories of bravery and togetherness. And the villages and towns all have their individual histories, built up to serve some purpose, existing now to fill another.
There’s a tour in Northland to suit everyone, from wine tasting tours, to boat cruises, to forest and cave walks, to cycle trips. The way you discover the stories is up to you.
4 - Experience Northland hospitality:
A subtropical climate, fertile soils and some great choices along the way have built Northland into a region with an abundance of fresh produce and goods. Dining ranges from honesty box fruit and vegetable stalls on the side of the road, to decadent multi-course meals at stunning restaurants; the trick is to try something at every level.
Avocados, olives, kumara, citrus and macadamia are notable crops but at the numerous farmers markets you’ll find plenty more, from your everyday fruit and vege, to delicious chutneys and sauces, to honey, seafood, cheese, even freshly roasted coffee.
But where would the food be without a tasty tipple. The first wine grapes in New Zealand were planted here over 200 years ago and warm summers result in some fantastic wines all over the region. Many of the wineries have tasting rooms and even on-site restaurants. If wine is not your style, there are also craft beer breweries and distilleries producing sought-after spirits. The choice is yours.
5 - Experience the Bay of Islands:
The Bay of Islands meets the criteria for that South Pacific Island getaway, without the international flight. The best part is you can experience it however you like.
If you’re after an active adventurefilled bucket-list kind of break then you’re spoilt for choice with skydiving, parasailing, mountain-biking and helicopter flights. If you prefer to lay back, lay low and indulge, then one of the luxury properties on the water’s edge is right for you. You can go a step further and even charter a yacht for a day.
If you like a bit of history and education with your travels then the museums, historic sites and heritage properties are for you, including our first national capital in Russell.
And last but not least, if you like to travel with a lighter footprint and a touch of education then there’s cycle trails, kayaking adventures, conservation tours and kiwi sanctuaries waiting for you.