Northland is the warm, subtropical tail of the North Island, from Mangawhai and Waipu down to Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific. Paihia and Russell sit on either side of the Bay of Islands, with ferries crossing the short stretch of water between waterfront pubs and dolphin-trip wharves. Russell was New Zealand's first colonial capital, and the flagstaff walk above town recalls its whaling past.
Waipoua Forest shelters Tāne Mahuta, a kauri tree wider than a bus, and Kerikeri grows citrus and avocados in red volcanic soil. Coach tours run to Cape Reinga along Ninety Mile Beach, where sand can be too soft for some rental car policies.
What to do in Northland
The Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, off Tutukāka, suit diving and snorkelling when swell is low. Dolphin and sailing days leave Paihia for the outer islands. Short kayak trips explore mangrove inlets near Waitangi. Combine Northland with Northland and Auckland on your first week after landing.
Booking on adventuro
On the Book here tab, check whether dive boats leave from Tutukāka or Paihia and whether your trip needs a calm-weather backup day.
