A lot of tourists miss heading up north not really knowing what it has to offer and head down south after arriving in Auckland instead. Northland is full of great beaches, sand dunes, and little historic towns that you’ll easily fall in love with. Slow the pace down and spend time exploring this remote land and you won’t regret it.
Far North
Cape Reinga Lighthouse – The lighthouse is a short walk away from the carpark, stop and read a bit of the history on the information panels and take in the views. See the two oceans collide, the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. It’s pretty awesome to watch! If you’d like to do one of the walks make sure you plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time and bring food. The views are spectacular and would be well worth it! It’s also a very remote location with hardly any houses or food places so pack a bag of food if you’re planning on staying in the area for the day. If you’re not staying close by, you may have a long 6-hour return journey from Paihia so it very well may be worth joining a tour and let them do the driving while you rest up. Fullers Great Sights Tour and the Dune Rider are great options.
Te Paki Sand Dunes – Not far from Cape Reinga is the Te Paki sand dunes. Here you will find giant sand dunes, some being over 150m high so it’ll be a steep climb but it’ll all be worth it when you’re sliding down. It feels like a desert, there’s sand as far as the eye can see. You can hire boards for $15 from a friendly local that will give you all the best tips on where to go first and how to stay safe. Grab a boogie board and test out your skills. There are guided coach tours that also drive along 90 Mile Beach.
Ninety Mile Beach – go 4W4 on Ninety Mile Beach and explore the beach at your leisure or go on a guided tour bus.
Gumdiggers Park – a kauri gum digging site that’s over 100 years old. There are holes that have been excavated to show gum digging methods and check out the huts that show the living conditions that they lived in.
See if you can spot the wild horses! There’s a herd of around 300 and you just may be able to spot them hanging around the sand dunes of 90-mile beach or in the Aupouri Pine Forest. They have been there for 50 years, since they escaped from their farmer’s paddock.
Beaches:
- Great Exhibition Bay – remote and pristine with the whitest sand and turquoise waves rolling in, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. This, however, can only be accessed by quad bike, horse, or 4W4.
- Rarawa Beach – a long and wide white sand beach with great surf, if it’s too rough there’s always the lagoon for safe swimming.
- Shipwreck Bay – go exploring at low tide and see the remains of shipwrecks.
- Henderson Bay – great snorkelling.
- Spirits Bay – snorkelling, swimming.
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Tapotupotu – just a short 5-minute drive from Cape Reinga is a beautiful bay that great for surfing, fishing, and safe swimming for the kids in the lagoon.
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Ahipara – world-class left-hand breaks, great fishing and sandboarding down the dunes.
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Karikari Beach – snow-white sand beach.
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Maitai Bay – a popular summer holiday spot. Go snorkelling, kayaking, boogie boarding or just sit back and enjoy the sun. The Waikato Bay next to it is within walking distance being separated by a tiny bit of land, go check it out while you’re there. There’s a popular campground with 100 tent sites, get in quick though, it fills up fast.
Walks:
Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track – a short 40-minute boardwalk past kauri trees and along a stream with lots of birdlife to spot.
Wairakau Stream Track – 5hr return. Take the Kairara Rock (Dukes Nose) track, you won’t want to miss this 45-minute detour, there are amazing views of the Whangaroa Harbour that you just have to see – this will fast become the highlight of your trip. If you take this trip though you’ll need some rock climbing ability so save this one for the older kids. The 16 bunk Lane Cove Hut is situated right by the water’s edge and perfect if you’re wanting to walk over two days. Location: Campbell Road. Time: 5 hrs, add 45 minutes if adding in Dukes Nose.
Cape Reinga – there are several walks around Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay, ranging from 1 hour to 3-day hikes. The Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway is 53kms (3-4 days), it goes past beaches, headlands, dunes and swamplands full of birds. The track can be broken up and accessed by car at four different points, allowing shorter walks.
Bay of Islands & surrounds
With 150 islands this is a popular summer destination with most of it spent on the water.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Museum – guided tours. Views. History. Cultural performances. Discover and learn. You can also experience a hangi dinner and concert on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, December to March.
Waitangi Mountain Bike Park – a must-do for other mountain bike lovers.
Russell – jump on the ferry to Russell and go for a wander around this small historic town.
Kawiti Caves, Kawakawa – go on a short tour to see thousands of luminous glow worms and hear the amazing stories of the cave. So close to the highway – it’s worth pulling over for.
Hundertwasser toilets – Need a toilet stop? The Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa are all the talk right now. They are a unique, unusual and colourful public toilet made by an Austrian artist.
Tours:
- Hole in the Rock – view the Bay of Islands on a half-day cruise and see the hole in the rock. There are two tours to choose from, enjoy some time at one of the islands with an island stopover or go in search of dolphins and whales, whatever you choose, you’ll love it! You also have the option to stop in at Russell, explore it at your leisure and walk through the cute little seaside town before heading back.
- Dolphin Eco Experience – swim with the dolphins! Need I say more!?
- R. Tucker Thompson – set sail on the tall ship for a unique, day tour. They welcome people to get involved by taking the helm, helping set the sails and climbing the rigging. During the day sail, you can enjoy an island stopover and have a swim.
- Island Adventurer – looking for something a little more thrilling? The Island Adventurer is a highly manoeuvrable vessel and can get you up close to the caves and cliffs of Roberton Island (Motuarohia) for a thrilling experience. Enjoy a stopover at the beautiful Urupukapuka Island for a walk, swim and to see the wildlife.
- The Cream Trip – enjoy a full day out exploring as they go around making deliveries. They’ll stop off at a secluded island, at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you can relax on the beach, go for a swim, walk to the top for a breathtaking view or grab something to eat at the island’s cafe. You’ll also go through the Hole in the Rock and if you’re keen, go swimming with the dolphins – an unforgettable experience. Give the boom netting a go as you glide through the water.
- Lion New Zealand, Day Sail – the older kids are going to love this once in a lifetime sailing experience on board the famous 80ft maxi yacht. Not suitable for children under 7 years old.
Walks:
Haruru Falls – 2-minute walk to some lovely waterfalls.
Flagstaff Hill Track – an easy 30 minute, 2.5km walk, enjoy the 360 views of the Bay of Islands.
Manginangina Kauri Walk – this track leads you through huge Kauri trees, suitable for buggies. Only 15 minutes long, if you’re looking for something longer there are plenty of other walks in the Puketi Forest.
Cape Brett Track – dramatic coastal views and steep cliff walk, this is a 16km hike that can be done over 2 days or it can be walked in shorter sections – the Whangamumu Track is 4km each way but is an easier walk for the kids, walking through forest and beach.
Beaches:
Elliots Bay – three awesome beaches.
Urupukapuka – you’ll need to take a boat trip to get there but it’s a stunning place to be. Go swimming, head uphill for a walk, have some lunch at the cafe or enjoy some downtime by the beach.
Oke Bay – walk past the cemetery, have a wander, then head over to Oke Bay. It’s a long drive out of Paihia so make a day of it and enjoy the blue sea, the freshwater spring and rock pools, then find shade under the beautiful pohutukawa trees with a packed picnic.
Matauri Bay – with crystal clear water and golden sands, this is a popular holiday spot in the summer. Fantastic for surfing, swimming and snorkelling. This is also a popular spot for divers who like to go down and see the Rainbow Warrior ship wreckage. Go for a little walk around the hill for awesome views.
Mimiwhangata – the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park has beautiful beaches and walks.
Eat:
- Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack – if you love ribs you’ll love this! They make seriously good ribs.
- Craft Beer & Kitchen – great food and right by the ocean.
Kerikeri
The Parrot Place – 300 birds from all over the world. Get close with the walk-in aviaries, meet the parrots and get your photo taken.
Stone Store and Kemp house – the Stone store is one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings being built in 1833 and is still running today. Downstairs is a gift store and upstairs a museum. The Kemp house is the oldest house in New Zealand, take a tour of it to learn more about its history. Location: 246 Kerikeri Road.
Rewa’s Village – a bit run down and in need of some maintenance but this is a cool little spot where you can see what a fishing Maori village would have looked like.
Walks:
Charlie’s Rock – a popular swimming spot with a waterfall. Jump off the rocks and enjoy a swim. 30-minute return walk. Location: Off Landing Road.
Kerikeri River Track – if you’re looking for a walk that’s a little longer, this one is perfect. Walk past two waterfalls, the Wharepuke and Rainbow Falls, the remains of the historic Kerikeri hydro-election station, interesting rock formations and if you’re keen, take a dip in the popular Wharepuke falls swimming hole.
Manginangina Kauri Walk – big kauri trees.
Roland’s Wood – if you’re looking for a little walk this is the place. Go here during spring when the flowers will be coming out. Location: Inlet Road.
Rainbow Falls – just a short 10-minute walk from the carpark and suitable for buggies is the amazing Rainbow Falls. Explore by kayak or dip your toes in the swimming hole. Not far from the highway too!
Hokianga
Koutu Boulders – amazing boulders, up to 3 meters in diameter. Walk up the beach (ocean on your left) to see the boulders, they only get bigger and more impressive the further you go. Go at low tide.
Wairere Boulders Nature Park – check out the amazing rock formations and boulders – they’re up to 2.8 million years old.
Sand Dunes – Here you’ll find New Zealand’s highest sand dunes which can be up to 200 meters high. You’ll need to take a ferry ride to get there, the Hokianga Express leaves on the hour (depending on passenger numbers and weather) from the Opononi Wharf and offers free use of their sand boards to slide down the dunes. Climb further up the dunes to check out the impressive sand dune formations and the great views from the top. Take lots of water – sand dune climbing is tiring!
Ngawha Springs – some say it’s run down and some say it smells but it’s all part of its charm. Relax your muscles after a long day of checking out Hokianga’s best walking tracks and even better, it’s so cheap you’ll be coming back again the next night. The water is said to have healing properties and is naturally heated by geothermal fields – hence the smell. The spring waters are in no way processed and come in their natural state. Each pool has its own colour and temperature, find the perfect one for you. A story says that once there was a conflict between two tribes, they fought and then after, they came here, where they rested and bathed peacefully, and so, these springs not only soothed battle-weary bodies.
Clendon House, Rawene – go back in time as you visit the Clendon House built in 1866. This is where James Clendon, ship owner and trader, lived with his wife and 8 children. He died only 6 years after the house was built, leaving his 34-year-old wife with little money, huge debts and no income. This is an inspiring story of how a resourceful mother paid off those debts, held onto their house and raised and educated her eight children.
Beaches:
Mitimiti Beach – nice beach.
Waimamaku Beach – it’s an 11km return walk along a stream (there will be stream crossings – go at low tide and bring aquashoes) to this beautiful but dangerous beach – make sure you stay safe in the water.
Walks:
Waipoua Forest – Kauri trees can live for a very long time and grow to immense sizes. The Waipoua Forest is home to the world’s largest living kauri tree which is called Tane Mahuta. Tane Mahuta is thought to be around 2,000 years old. It’s 51 meters high and has a trunk girth of 13.8 meters. Take in his glory! If you want to delve deeper, go for a Twilight Tour with a local guide. Note: Walking tracks have been designed to keep visitors away from the roots of these trees. Kauri dieback has killed thousands of Kauri trees in the last 10 years, please help us protect them by staying on the tracks.
Rawene Mangrove Boardwalk – a short, 30-minute walk through the mangrove forest. Go at high tide.
Arai Te Uru Heritage Walk – check out the rock pools, go at low tide.
Pakia Hill Lookout – nice lookout, overlooking the sand dunes.
Waiotemarama Loop Track – just 500 meters from the carpark you can view the Waiotemarama Falls. Continue on for a longer walk through the forest if you wish, an easy 2.5-hour loop track.
Signal Station Track – an easy 15-minute one-way walking track, suitable for buggies and children. See the spectacular views of the coastline and harbour.
Eat:
Rawene Boatshed Café – enjoy some fresh fish at the Boatshed Cafe, which sits over the water, overlooking the harbour.
Doubtless Bay & surrounds
Beaches:
- Matai Bay – Matai Bay is great for camping, walking around the coast, kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing by the beach. Whatever you choose, this is a great spot to relax and take in the views.
- Taupo Bay – a secluded little gem. Great for swimming, surfing, camping, exploring and walking along the beach.
Walks:
- St Paul’s Rock – walk a steep 600m to the top for great views of the township and harbour.
- Mahinepua Peninsula Track – stunning coastal views, bring your togs if you want to swim.
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Eat:
Mangonui Fish Shop – Mangonui is a cute little town just off the main highway and it’s well worth the stop. Drop in at the popular Fish Shop for lunch and enjoy the views from the water.
Dargaville
Kai Iwi Sand Lake – Crystal clear, freshwater lake great for swimming, kayaking and boating. Check out the lake from the top of the hill, the azure blue, crystal clear water is amazing. There are a few walking tracks around the lake.
Omamari Beach – and long and exposed beach, great for surfing, fishing and swimming and exploring the sand dunes. There’s 4WD access, drive the beach at your leisure.
Trounson Kauri Park – a short walk through huge kauri trees. Breathe in the fresh air as the stress of normal life eases away. There are lots of information boards along the way and they also offer nighttime guided tours.
Whangarei
We love Whangarei and there’s so much to do there that I’ve written another post on it, things to do in Whangarei with kids.
Map out your route
Know what route you’re going? See what’s nearby by checking what’s on the map (zoom in).
