Top 10 things to do in Northland

Looking for activities to do during your stay in Northland? Here are our top 10 tips in no particular order.....

Visit Ruapekapeka Pa

Ruapekapeka Pa is situated just 14kms south east of Kawakawa, and is one of the largest and most complex Maori pa sites in New Zealand. It was the site of Northland’s last great land war battle between British troops and Nga Puhi tribe led by Hone Heke and Kawiti. The final assault on the pa took place in January 1846. The ditch and bank defences of the pa are still visible today, along with one of Kawiti's cannons and the well that supplied water to the defenders. The earthen defences of the advanced British position are also still visible. Learn more……

Bathe at Ngawha springs

Ngawha Hot Springs

Located 5kms east of kaikohe, the Ngawha hot springs have changed little over the years. The hot water springs are a popular spot for locals and the steam from the springs is also used at the Ngawha geothermal field power station.

http://www.nzhotpools.co.nz/hot-pools/waiariki-pools-ngawha-springs

Located 5kms east of the town of Kaikohe, the Ngawha hot springs have changed little over the years. The hot water springs are a popular spot for locals and the steam from the springs is also used at the Ngawha geothermal field power station. Learn more.

Play a round of golf

Northland has some of the New Zealand’s most spectacular golf courses. Whether you’re a pro our just a keen amateur, courses like Waitangi, Kauri Cliffs or Carrington are sure to challenge and amaze you.

Catch the ferry to across to Russell and explore….

Just a short ferry ride across from Paihia, the once notorious “Hell Hole of the Pacific” is now a charming little township and offers a peaceful insight into New Zealand’s early history. Explore on foot or join the guided 1hr Russell Mini Tour for an informative overview before settling down for a bite to eat and drink in one of the many seafront cafes. Perhaps the most famous of all being The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, who have proudly been “Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827” and holders of New Zealand’s first liquor licence.

Learn to surf

Northland has a range of surf spots ranging from safe lifeguard patrolled beaches, to secluded adrenalin pumping offshore reefs. Check out Elliot Bay Matauri, Sandy Bay, Rarawa Bay, Baylys Beach, Taupo Bay, Taputaputa Bay, Shipwreck Bay or Hobsons.

Visit the Waipoua Forest and meet Tane Mahuta

Situated between Dargaville and Omapere on the West Coast of Northland, the Waipoua forest is home to some of the best examples of kauri trees in New Zealand. The well maintained walking tracks make it easy to view the trees up close, especially the mighty Tane Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world. Estimated to be 2,000 years old his mighty girth is over 13 metres and he stands an impressive 51 metres tall. Learn more.

Dive the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior

On the 10th July 1985, agents from the French foreign intelligence service detonated two underwater limpet mines on hull of Rainbow Warrior while in Auckland, to prevent her from interfering in a nuclear test in Moruroa. Greenpeace crew member and photographer Fernando Pereira drowned on the sinking ship. Three years after the bombing, Greenpeace gifted the Warrior to the sea and she now lies as an artificial reef in the Cavalli Island's, a refuge for the marine life she was trying to protect. Local dive operators run daily dive trips to the site which lies at a depth of 26m.

Visit Cape Reinga and see the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide

The name Cape Reinga comes from the Māori word 'Reinga', meaning the ‘Underworld. Another local variation is 'Te Rerenga Wairua', which translates to leaping-off place of spirits. Both names refer to the Māori belief that the cape is the site where spirits depart the earth for the afterlife. A journey to Cape Reinga isn’t complete with a drive along 90 Mile Beach and sandboarding down the massive sand dunes at Te paki stream. Note that despite being a registered highway, most vehicle insurance policies won’t cover you on 90 Mile Beach. Don't forget to stop and sample the famour fish and chips at Mangonui. Tours depart daily from Paihia and Kerikeri. Find out more.

Hire and rod ‘n reel and go fishing!

Nothing beats the thrill of catching your first fish and the Bay of Islands offers a great opportunity to catch things big and small. You’ll often find local kids fishing from the wharf at Russell and rods can be hired from the local convenience store. If big game is more your style then join a local charter operator and head out in search of Tuna, Marlin, Sharks or Kingfish.

Cruise the Bay of Islands, swim with dolphins and sail through the Hole in the Rock

You simply can’t visit Northland without taking a cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. There are numerous options to choose from including half day, full day and even overnight cruise options available. Tours depart Paihia and Russell daily, with dolphin viewing/swimming restricted by the Department of Conservation to licensed cruise operators only.