Northland
Just to the north of Auckland as the name indicates is Northland. More a destination than an individual area, this subtropical region is a contrast between the sophistication of the east coast and the low-key and out of the way small towns of the west coast.
With the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, the region ends at Cape Reinga, at the very top of the North Island. Starting about an hour north of Auckland, much of Northland’s extensive coastline remains unspoiled even though the drive up the East Coast is more densely populated. The only city in the area is Whangarei and the harbor used to be where Maoris would meet while traveling south by canoe. Today it is a sophisticated marina full of international and local yachts, and a mecca of restaurants, cafes and shops. A short distance out of town is Heritage Park Whangarei where you will find good examples of pre-European Maori tools, canoes and clothing.
Continuing north along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, you’ll want to leave the main roads and travel the smaller coastal roads enabling you to see the dramatic coastline, gorgeous beaches and smaller towns. About an hour or so north you reach the area known as the Bay of Islands.
The town of Paihia is the main place that travelers stay in but it is mainly used as a base for the ferries and boats and to explore the surrounding region. From here you can embark on the Fullers’ Bay of Islands jet-catamaran which takes you right through Motukokako Island’s famous “Hole in the Rock”.
The nearby town of Waitangi was where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 06 February 1840. This is the founding document for New Zealand as it is today, and was signed in a beautiful park on what is now the Treaty Grounds. A short walk from the Visitor’s Center at the Waitangi National Trust Center is the Maori war canoe, Ngatoki Matawhaoroa. This is a replica of the large kauri canoe in which the Polynesian voyager, Kupe, is said to have discovered New Zealand.
Northland’s history is interesting and rich and it believed that the first Polynesians arrived here at Hokianga Harbor by boat in the 11th century. In 1840, European settlement began, also enriching the region’s colorful past. Today Waitangi is the seat of Maori culture and 32 percent of the population in this area are Maoris. The nearby historic city of Russell, which can be reached by driving or the more popular ferry, was the first capital of New Zealand. Even though it has a rather sordid history, today it is a very quaint small town of lovely old houses, a pretty walk along the tree-lined seafront, some gorgeous nearby beaches, and lovely restaurants, cafes and lots of stores. Russell and Tutukaka are very popular game-fishing hot spots for yellowfish tuna, sharks, kingfish and billfish. There are also some great golf courses around this area, and the famous trek out to the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
From Russell, you can take sailing trips or swim with the dolphins. It is possible to dive the wreck of the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior, or discover the beautiful fish in the Poor Knights Islands. Or perhaps you would like to just snooze under one to the pohutukawa trees on the beautiful beaches of Doubtless Bay.
Traveling further on you reach Kerikeri, also an important place for early history, but today is a becoming popular for its’ arts and crafts stores. It is also the home for Kauri Cliffs, a private, luxury resort as well as one of the more challenging golf courses on the North Island.
Cape Reinga is the northern most part of the North Island, and is a beautiful long drive next to the gorgeous Ninety Mile Beach. This is Northland’s most sensational water’s edge experience. If time is of the essence, you can still take a one-day fly/drive excursion up to the Cape.
The drive down the West Coast of the Northland region is less populated, and more rugged. Not too far down the drive is the Waipoua Forest, home to the famous kauri tree, Tane Mahuta or Lord of the Forest. This is the biggest kauri tree in New Zealand at 173 feet high and nearly 45 feet around the base.
About 40 miles south is Dargaville, around which are numerous camping areas, and then further down is the Matakohe Kauri Musuem with its interesting collection of memorabilia from earlier pioneers.
So follow the Heritage Trail around Northland to discover the history or the Twin Coast Art Trail for wonderful galleries and arts and crafts. Or just explore along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway while enjoying beautiful scenery, gourmet food, fine wine and numerous accommodations and luxury lodges. The choice is endless.
