Location: Northland Region
Top Things to do in Northland Region
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Northland Region, North Island
Ngāi Takoto, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Wai, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa Te Roroa
Restaurants in Northland Region
1. Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
World-renowned diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau rated this reserve, notable for its excellent visibility, as one of the top ten places to dive in the world.
Reviewed By erna317 - Whangarei, New Zealand
Great experience! Wide variety of fish, they’re not scared at all, rather inquisitive. Good visibility. Water colder than expected, even in summer so remember full wet suits!
2. Bream Head Coast Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
We are Northland's first three-day private unguided walk. Situated at Whangarei Heads our boutique walk encompasses private farmland, stunning ocean and harbour beaches, rural roads, recreational reserves and public walkways. Start each day from our immaculately presented lodge and walk through an amazing variety of landscapes. At the end of the day return for a delicious dinner prepared by us and cooked by you. This outstanding natural experience will leave you with lasting memories.
Reviewed By joneschch - Christchurch, New Zealand
A fantastic experience, we went as a group of friends and had the place to our selves. Claire made the whole experience seamless, providing transport, amazing food, and great knowledge of the walks and area. The facilities were clean, welcoming and comfy.
3. Whale Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Tsynder - Christchurch, New Zealand
Stunning 10 minute walk through native bush down to a sheltered bay with clear blue water. This beach is perfect for a family picnic and for those looking for a place to swim without waves. Having the choice of shade under the massive Pohutukawa trees or to bake in sun means it can cater to all people.
4. Tane Mahuta Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 562 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By AnthonyG542 - Wellington, New Zealand
Impressive sight to see such a mammoth of a tree still alive but also makes you a wee bit sad to think of everything that has been felled. That said still a really great attraction t I appreciate it’s magnificence. The kids really enjoyed the experience going on an little adventure through the nahare. Handy to have a little coffee cart across the road too for a morning snack and a coffee afterwards.
5. Mount Manaia Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 217 reviews
Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By peekaboo19
A nice challenging walk up 420m to the viewpoint looking over the coast. Well worth the sweat up to see the beautiful view. Would recommend walking this if you are in the area but may not be accessible for everyone
6. Matapouri Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By 473kylieo - Mosgiel, New Zealand
All of the bays around this area are breath taking. We are kiwis but felt as if we had gone overseas. Found a perfect freedom camping site at Woolley Bay on Christmas Day. All sites are clearly marked and so well organised by local council. Great options for calm waters and surf beaches all within a short drive.
7. Mangawhai Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
To get the full benefit from this out and back walk it is ideal to time in a minimum of 3 hours either side of low tide so you can walk the cliff top one way and the coast the other. Our experience was that the initial ~100 vertical metre climb to the cliff top and ridge line was easier from the surf club end. We enjoyed stunning views of the coastline, the outer island including Little and Great Barrier and the bays and rocks below. The bush track is nice with the quality of the forest improving at the far end before the decent using the well maintained steps which made getting to the beach easy, the walk back along the coast exploring rock pools and watching the bird life was great. With a stop for lunch and a swim the complete walk took us 3 hours. Mangawhai Heads is ~105km from Auckland’s CDB. There is plenty of parking at the surf club and public toilets. Highly recommended.
8. Matai Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By BZONCE - Auckland, New Zealand
Sadly we didn’t get to have a swim in Matai as it was getting late but the bay itself is beautiful and we did put our feet in and it felt cool-warm and like a nice calm beach that felt safe. There were two sides and the other looked a little more rough. We sat and had a little picnic and listened to the water and looked at the view on the mountain before heading back to our Bach. There is as a camp ground there for those interested.
9. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,127 reviews
Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of the place where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped. An absolute must-do for all visitors to New Zealand, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a national treasure and tells our nation’s history of two peoples coming together under the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Enjoy an interactive full day experience in the two contemporary museums, powerful Māori cultural performances in the carved Māori Meeting House, insightful guided tours, lush native forest and gardens, art gallery and carving studio, traditional Māori waka (canoe), café and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Hāngi and concert evenings are scheduled during the summer months – an intimate cultural experience not to be missed. The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.
Reviewed By caitylouhall99
I really enjoyed my visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds last weekend, as it gave me so much new insight not only into local Māori culture and history, but also the importance of modern New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, and its ongoing significance today. I chose to do a “full package” at the Treaty Grounds, with a Day Pass to explore the beautiful grounds during opening hours followed by a Hāngī and Cultural Show at dusk. I first went on a guided tour of the grounds, which was a great introduction not only to the space but the historical lead-up to the drafting and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It was good that our guide didn’t shy away from some of the tough political questions asked about the Treaty or the ongoing controversies connected to it. I then visited the museum, which was beautifully presented and very well laid out. This was followed by the hāngī which, while obviously modified for tourists, was still an enjoyable introduction to an important part of Māori culture. The cultural show in the traditional meeting house was very moving and professionally presented by talented performers - it was an excellent, entertaining addition to an already very informative day (and I was particularly fascinated to learn that traditional Māori culture had always had a strong focus, even in song and dance, on the “realm of gardening”!).
10. Whangarei Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,250 reviews
Reviewed By suzeontheroad - Raglan, New Zealand
A short walk is rewarded with a lovely waterfall which can be further enjoyed by continuing to walk over a bridge and around a bit.
