Location: Northland Region
Top Things to do in Northland Region
Things to do in Northland Region, North Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
Ngāi Takoto, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Wai, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa Te Roroa
Restaurants in Northland Region
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Tapotupotu Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By AlisonDenton - Hamilton, New Zealand
I hadn't been to Tapotupotu for 31 years and it's as beautiful as I remember. A very special place. The beach has white sand with a well presented DOC camping area. I can't wait to go again
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
A family-friendly mountain bike park located in Waitangi. Currently up to 50km of professionally built trails with many more planned for development. Trail grades range from Grade 2 (Beginners) to Grade 5 (Advanced) so something for all. Riders are encouraged to Register to Ride for either $10 a day, $40 (adults annual donation), $25 (kids annual donation). This registration donation goes straight back into trail building and track maintenance to keep the tracks awesome for you all. Many businesses in the Bay of Islands have volunteered incentives to encourage bike riders to donate in this way. Onsite, Paihia Mountain Bikes run the hire out high-quality Mountain Bikes (kids bikes, front suspension, full suspension and E-bikes) that are perfect for exploring the tracks, along with Uplift Shuttles within the park (shuttles run weekends and school holidays). There is also the Waitangi MTB Café that runs during the weekends serving smoothies, snacks and coffees.
Reviewed By tmrnz
Super helpful and relaxed staff. Amazing value. Extensive, enjoyable well maintained tracks for kids and novices. Beautiful location. Loved the coffee at the cafe, super friendly, and sure will see wider range and some healthy options on offer as this amazing community built park grows in popularity. Highly recommend. We’ll be back.
8. Bay of Islands Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
We specialize in Cape Brett walking track transfers, personalized tours throughout the Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock. Our Skipper is an owner in this world reknown attraction so are able to give you a very intimate historical and cultural experience in the Cathedral and through the Hole itself. Learn the spiritual significance of the area like no other tour operator can offer
9. Ninety Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By RustyHTims59 - Tamworth, Australia
It was a great route to head up to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach, thoroughly happy booking a Tour to take us right along the beach & the highlight of the trip was Sand Surfing the Dunes, so I would definitely recommend this trip
10. Ocean Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
On the pacific coastal side the Whangarei Heads you will find the magnificent 5km long Ocean Beach. The Beach is surf patrolled through out the summer months and is a well known beach for boogie boarding and surfing. The water is crystal clear during the summer months and there a fantastic views from the sand dunes at either end of the beach. There are some great rock pool exploring to be had at low tide at either end of the beach. This has to be one of the most spectacular beaches in NZ. It will take you approx 35 minutes to drive out to this beach from Whangarei and aprox 15 mins from Parua Bay. Highly recommended!!
Reviewed By Vickskix - Wellington, New Zealand
First time I’ve swum in the sea in April. Beautifully warm, great surf for my boogie board, good facilities nearby.
