What to do in Northland

Activities, attractions and tours

Northland
Russell showing interior views
Botanica & Cafler Park which includes forest scenes
Northland showing landscape views and tranquil scenes
Northland which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes

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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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Russell featuring tranquil scenes and a bay or harbour

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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Paihia Beach showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

3. 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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Paihia Wharf featuring a bay or harbour and a coastal town

4. 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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Karikari Peninsula which includes a house and a park

5. 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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Mangawhai Heads Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views

6. 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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Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

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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Russell Beach featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and a coastal town

8. Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is steeped in Māori history and famous for its striking waterfall. Find great views of the falls and embark on a nature walk that leads through the nearby mangrove forest. Alternatively, approach the falls by kayak.
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Walk along the banks of the scenic Waitangi River and admire this beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall. Continue on the trail to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

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What to do in Northland


Discover the most popular places to visit in Northland

Explore areas of Northland

Mangawhai Heads showing a river or creek and a small town or village

Mangawhai Heads

For an action-packed seaside holiday near Auckland, look no further than Mangawhai Heads.

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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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
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Onerahi

4/5(14 area reviews)

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 Mt Manaia and Town Basin Marina.

Onerahi
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Portland

While there might not be top attractions in Portland, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Whangarei Art Museum and Mt Manaia.

Portland

 

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Day trip destinations from Northland

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