What to do in Northland

Activities, attractions and tours

Northland
Northland
Northland
Northland
Northland
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Top places to visit

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.
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2. Paihia Beach

Enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and many other outdoor activities at Paihia Town Beach. The main beach is lined with several cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Book a sea kayaking adventure or a big game fishing charter and set out into the sea.
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3. Mangawhai Heads Beach

Swim or surf in the cool waters of Mangawhai Heads Beach and laze on the white sands during a long weekend or summer escape from Auckland. Straddling the South Pacific coast, this idyllic beach is a good introduction to the subtropical north of New Zealand.
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4. Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf is the departure point for some of the best fishing charters and boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise up Waitangi River or go on a dolphin-watching tour. A passenger ferry to Russell, one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, also leaves from the wharf.
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5. Kai Iwi Lakes

Formed approximately 1.8 million years ago, the three pristine lakes that make up Kai Iwi Lakes are an attractive natural wonderland today, ideal for watersports, swimming and hiking. The adjoining campgrounds also make a great base for exploring the nearby beaches or forests of the remote Northland region.
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6. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Stand at the top of the cliffs by Cape Reinga Lighthouse and watch the swirling currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sweeping views across the beaches and visit the 800-year-old tree that is one of the most sacred Maori sites in New Zealand. Extend your stay and camp a night or two at one of the excellent campsites nearby.
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7. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.
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8. Karikari Peninsula

Swim or snorkel in the pristine waters, fish for snapper and other big game or be the first to leave footprints in a perfect stretch of white sand at the Karikari Peninsula. Visit the vineyards and sample the superb local wines or enjoy a round of golf in the peninsula’s stunning interior.
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9. Town Basin Marina

If you love the water and art browsing, make a beeline for the Town Basin Marina when you arrive in Whangarei. Browse the shops, restaurants, cafés and docks of the Whangarei Marina, watch boats come and go, then follow the Town Basin Art Trail along the waterfront to be immersed in creativity and culture.
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What to do in Northland

Popular places to visit

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

Swim with dolphins, learn to sail or discover New Zealand’s fascinating history in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Bay of Islands
Paihia Beach

Paihia Beach

Go on fishing charters, swim in the sea and browse shops and restaurants near Paihia’s main beach, the site of an annual swimming event that attracts competitors from around the country.

Paihia Beach
Mangawhai Heads Beach

Mangawhai Heads Beach

Part of a scenic natural harbor, this sandy South Pacific beach in New Zealand’s Northland is a wonderful place to relax or get active in the outdoors.

Mangawhai Heads Beach
Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf

Dine on fresh seafood in local restaurants, admire stunning oceanfront views and embark on cruises and fishing excursions from this pretty wharf.

Paihia Wharf
Kai Iwi Lakes

Kai Iwi Lakes

Hike through the forest, go kayaking, set up camp on the lakeshore or dip into the clear waters for a swim in this scenic triple-lake nature reserve.

Kai Iwi Lakes
Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Visit this stunning lighthouse at New Zealand’s northern tip and watch the churning currents where two oceans merge.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Russell Beach

Russell Beach

Wander along the jetty for wonderful views of Kororareka Bay, get out on the water in a boat and enjoy alfresco dining along the beachfront.

Russell Beach
Karikari Peninsula

Karikari Peninsula

Discover your own white-sand paradise when you explore this magical peninsula, a scenic vacation destination that offers gorgeous coastlines and wineries.

Karikari Peninsula
Town Basin Marina

Town Basin Marina

Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.

Town Basin Marina

Explore areas of Northland

Mangawhai Heads

Mangawhai Heads

The sun-kissed delights of New Zealand’s Northland come together around this vibrant natural harbor, whether you swim or surf at the Heads or browse the Village.

Mangawhai Heads
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Ahipara

Travellers like the beaches in Ahipara, and Ninety Mile Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Ahipara
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One Tree Point

Though One Tree Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mcleod Bay and Mount Manaia.

One Tree Point
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Onerahi

4/5(1 area review)

While Onerahi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reyburn House and Whangarei Art Museum.

Onerahi
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Te Wahapu

When in Te Wahapu, you can plan a visit to Paihia Beach and Russell Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Te Wahapu
Whangarei Central

Whangarei Central

While visiting Whangarei Central, you might make a stop by sights like Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.

Whangarei Central

Day trip destinations from Northland

Kerikeri

Kerikeri

Waitangi

Waitangi

Cable Bay

Cable Bay