What to do in Northland
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Northland
Activities
From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
AU$119
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch
AU$156
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop
AU$144
per adult
Bay of Islands, Wine & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch
AU$181
per adult
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
AU$139
per adult
Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach
AU$29
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia
AU$161
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop
AU$140
per adult
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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. 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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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. 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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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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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9. 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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What to do in Northland
Stay near popular Northland attractions
Our guide on where to stay in Northland
Find the best Northland areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Northland
Learn more about Northland
Mangawhai Heads
You'll enjoy the beaches and coffee shops in Mangawhai Heads. You might want to make time for a stop at Mangawhai Heads Beach or Mangawhai Golf Club.
Ahipara
Travellers like the beaches in Ahipara, and Ninety Mile Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.
One Tree Point
Though One Tree Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mount Manaia and Mcleod Bay.
Whangarei Central
While visiting Whangarei Central, you might make a stop by sights like Whangarei Art Museum and Town Basin Marina.
Te Wahapu
When in Te Wahapu, you can plan a visit to Paihia Beach and Russell Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.
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