Give Feedback

Location and Regional Guide

The Northland Region

Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, Northland (Te Tai Tokerau – The Northern Tide) depicts the very roots of New Zealand human history.

From Kupe, who is believed to be the very first Maori voyager to arrive in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago to the arrival of the first European visitor to the Bay - Lieutenant James Cook in 1769. He was followed closely by the Marion du Fresne, the French navigator who arrived in 1772. On the 6 February 1840 the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place between over 500 Māori and representatives of Queen Victoria. The treaty was written in English and translated into Māori. Most Māori chiefs signed this translation. Like many treaties, this was not a constitution, but a broad statement of principles and promises to form a nation state and to build a government.

Te Tai Tokerau has three distinct regions - the sheltered Bay of Islands on the East Coast, the Far North and the West Coast - each rich in both Maori culture and early European history. Northland’s subtropical climate makes it the perfect destination to explore throughout the year. From the abundant marine life of bottlenose and common dolphin, whales, seals, penguins and a diverse range of birdlife, to great local wine, exquisite food and outstanding scenery.

The Bay of Islands region, known to early Maori as Ipipiri was an industrious coastal sea highway... Maori wakas used this for fisheries, freight, passengers and troop carriers. Later came whalers, missionaries, traders and naval vessels. Shipping lists detailed 1,575 visits to the Bay of Islands between 1803 and 1840. Today, Paihia is a holiday town 23 km south of Kerikeri with a population of just over 2,000. Waitangi is immediately to the north, while Russell is on the opposite shore, reached by passenger ferry, and by car ferry from nearby Opua.

Regional Attractions, Activities, and Events

To truly experience the birthplace of New Zealand, why not extend your stay and explore this region.

The Far North of New Zealand

The Aupouri Peninsula, Te Hiku-o-te-ika-a-maui (the tail of Maui’s fish) is the top 100km of New Zealand. Early European explorers arrived in the area during the 19th century and where later followed by (Kauri) gum diggers.

Ninety Mile Beach, Te Oneroa-O-Tohe (the long beach of Tohe – an ancestor of the northern people) is 60 miles or 96km long and is famous for fishing, shellfish and travelling along by coach during low tide.

Cape Reinga, Te Rerenga Wairua is at the northern tip of Aupouri Peninsular and is often referred to as the tip of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Many Maori refer to Cape Reinga as the departing place of souls (Te Rerenga Wairua). Maori legend tells of a spirit trail (Te ara wairua) along Ninety Mile Beach. At the south end of the beach, departing spirits will wait for an outgoing tide before journeying back home to their ancestral land of Hawaiki.

Experience the Far North region on a full day tour to Cape Reinga from Paihia.

The West Coast

The Hokianga is a beautiful region, rich in history and spectacular scenery: from the vast Kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest to the giant sand dunes at the entrance to the harbour. The landscape is also home to small communities and ancient sites of significant interest. It is a place that is important to modern Maori as it was to their ancestors hundreds of years ago.

Hokianga – Located on the West Coast of New Zealand, the Hokianga, or Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe takes you on a journey of discovery dating back to the arrival of Kupe, the Famous Polynesian explorer who arrived in NZ over 1,000 years ago. This area attracted European traders during the early 19th century with a thriving timber and ship building trade, and then later with the exporting of kauri and gum. Missionaries followed the traders, setting up a Mission House in Mangungu that still stands today. Today, the Ngapuhi tribe still has a strong presence in this region and through interpretive experiences bring to life their ancestors legends, stories and culture.

Follow the trail back in time to the arrival of Kupe on a full day tour from Paihia to the historic Hokianga.

Activities, tours and cruises include:

Cruises:

  • Dolphin Eco Encounter Swim with dolphins in their natural environment, a once in a lifetime experience. This is done onboard Tutunui, a vessel especially designed for dolphin viewing and swimming.
  • Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock A half day cruise including dolphin viewing, traveling through the iconic Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, informative commentary, beautiful islands and secluded beaches
  • Hole in the Rock Cruise A half day cruise including Island stopover, traveling through the iconic Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, informative commentary, beautiful islands and secluded beaches
  • The Original Cream Trip Follow the path of the original Cream Trip with Island deliveries, Hole in the Rock, dolphin viewing, dolphin swimming.
  • Excitor Fast Boat Adventure. A 1 ½ hour adrenalin fast boat adventure ride out to the Hole in the Rock.

Tours

  • Discover Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach. A full day tour including sandboarding down giant sand dunes, Cape Reinga lighthouse, Puketi Kauri Forest, Ancient Kauri kingdom, historical commentary and Maori legends, Ninety Mile Beach and exclusive BBQ lunch
  • Discover Kerikeri. A half day fully guided tour of Kerikeri, showcasing the finest local arts and crafts. Includes Makana Chocolates, Stone Store and Kemp House
  • Eco Experience Kerikeri. A half day full guided tour that enables you to experience the best that Kerikeri offers in renewable and sustainable products and tourism
  • Discover Hokianga. A full day tour following the original trail from Paihia to the historical Hokianga. Includes a visit to Tane Mahuta
  • Russell Mini Tour. A 1 hour Russell Mini Tour that explores the sights of historical Russell.

Regional Events

The Northland region holds a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Why not plan your Ipipiri Overnight Experience to follow on from one of these events. Please click here to view a current list of Northland event