What to do and see in Northland Region, North Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

June 12, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

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

395 Ody Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand +64 9-434 0571 [email protected] http://coastwalks.co.nz/
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 277 reviews

Bream Head Coast Walks

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. Mount Manaia Track

2129 Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 217 reviews

Mount Manaia Track

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

3. Matapouri Bay

Tutukaka New Zealand http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/matapouri-bay/
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 116 reviews

Matapouri Bay

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.

4. Mangawhai Walkway

Wintle Street Waipu Area, Mangawhai New Zealand +64 9-470 3300 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/1fd94b89550440b08b6f19f6e0dffd28.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Mangawhai Walkway

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.

5. Bay of Islands Water Taxi

Excellent
95%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

Bay of Islands Water Taxi

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

6. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga 0484 New Zealand [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/te-paki-recreation-reserve/cape-reinga-te-rerenga-wairua
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 988 reviews

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Reviewed By BryanCll - Tewantin, Australia

We were stopping at Ahipara Bay and drove about an hour and a half to the cape. From the car park, we walked along a good track to the top of a hill with breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the convergence of the Tasman and the Pacific. Interesting turbulence where the two meet. Then walked down to the lighthouse for more scenic views. Spent about an hour enjoying the scenery and photographing. Good toilets at the carpark.

7. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia New Zealand +64 9-402 7437 [email protected] http://www.waitangi.org.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,127 reviews

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

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”!).

8. Whangarei Falls

Whangarei New Zealand http://waterfalls.co.nz/waterfalls-by-region/85-new-zealand-waterfalls/north-island/northland/96-whangarei-falls
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,250 reviews

Whangarei Falls

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.

9. Paihia Harbour

Paihia New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,218 reviews

Paihia Harbour

Reviewed By johncherylh2016 - Hawera, New Zealand

Easy to walk around and take in all that happens around this little harbour. Rather busy, but still a relaxed place with lots of boats coming and going.Sometimes you can see the cruise ship's anchored of shore.

10. Ninety Mile Beach

Kaitaia New Zealand
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 567 reviews

Ninety Mile Beach

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

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