Northland, The Far North and Bay of Islands

Northland, The Far North and Bay of Islands
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In the winterless North, you’ll find two contrasting coastlines just hours apart, with majestic forests in between – and a rich history throughout. The east coast abounds with white sand beaches in secluded coves, tranquil harbours, and game fishing of world renown. Meanwhile, the west coast has endless beaches of wild surf such as the legendary 90 Mile Beach. At Northlands tip is Cape Reinga, where oceans collide and Maori spirits depart for their ancestral homeland of Hawaii. Maori culture and language thrives in richly carved meeting houses while historic buildings tell their story of the early European settlements. Remnants of mighty kauri forests remain where Tane Mahuta, the God of the Forest can be found. In the picturesque Bay of Islands, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, forging a new Nation and new people – truly the Birthplace of a Nation.

The jewel in the Northland’s crown is the Bay of Islands. Containing several hundred islands, it’s a sea lover’s delight of warm blue water and gorgeous beaches. Rich in Maori and colonial history, the quaint seaside town of Russell disguises a disreputable past as the Nations first capital, when lawless seafarers and whalers gave it a reputation as the ‘hellhole of the Pacific’. Today you can swim with dolphins, sail under gigantic rock arches, or slip beneath the surface in semi-submersibles to explore this watery wonderland. World class golf courses can be discovered along with restaurants, bars and cafes tempting taste buds with their own fusion of Pacific cuisine.

Highlights:

Journey by 4x4 along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, or take a sightseeing flight

Visit Waipoua Kauri Forest, home of the largest Kauri tree – Tana Mahuta

Lose yourself on a deserted pure silica sand beach

At Mangounui, seek out dolphins and whales, and enjoy great Fish and Chips

Dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Islands, with sea caves, arches and tunnels

Meander along the East Coast via Tutukaka, Mangawhai and Goat Island

Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the Nation