The area to the north of Auckland offers a number of interesting sights to see and things to do. Sometimes called 'The winterless north' ... though it does not always live up to this nickname!

Some highlights (in no particular order):

A drive through the Waipoua Forest is an extremely pleasant experience. TANE MAHUTA (God of the Forest) is a 1000-year-old kauri tree. Well signposted and just a few minutes gentle stroll from the main road, this tree is STUNNING and takes your breath away.

There is a delightful B&B adjacent to the museum at Matakohe and BETTERPRICE HOTELS has a number of accommodation options in the Dargaville area. Use the map to explore!

The KAURI MUSEUM, MATAKOHE - An excellently presented museum telling the fascinating story of the kauri tree, its exploitation and the effect of the tree upon the area.

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM A fascinating museum at Harding Park, contains an eclectic collection relating to the history of the local area, including the gum digging, and the shipwrecks along the treacherous east coast.

If you have the time and the opportunity, take a 4WD experience along the coast south of Dargaville to the Kaipara Harbour entrance.

It is worth taking a few minutes out of your journey to visit Waimate North, mainly an old church and its churchyard.

In the Bay of Islands there are many accommodation options ... in Opua, Pahia and Kerikeri, check the map above for good prices and a number of options.

Kerikeri offers a number of distractions, including the Makana chocolate factory and a host of craft shops (we recommend you check out the kaleidoscope place just outside the town!). The steam sawmill is a must to visit (open Monday to Friday only) and if steam is your thing, check whether SS ELIZA HOBSON is operating from the wharf adjacent to the Stone Store. The Stone Store and Kemp House next door are NZ's oldest buildings and offer an insight into the early colonial past.

The historic town of Russell with its museum and Pompallier House, makes a delightful day tour. A local sightseeing tour of the town area is offered from the passenger ferry landing. Russell is a short ferry ride from Paihia, and a car ferry operates from Opua. The latter affords the opportunity to visit some excellent vineyards for lunch (check for adverts and directions on the car ferry).

Fullers Northland offer a number of cruises to the Hole in the Rock and the off-lying islands. Fast vessels EXCITOR and MACK ATTACK also offer excursions as do a number of more sedate vessels. Enquire and Book at the waterfront in Paihia.

A day excursion to Cape Reinga (leaving around 7-7.30am from Paihia and returning about 6pm) is an easier way to visit the very northern tip of NZ than driving, as the roads are poor in the very north. The bus trips (operated by a couple of companies) use 90 Mile Beach (actually about 90km in length!) which is categorised as a state highway. CAUTION: most car rental companies include a prohibition on taking their vehicles along the beach, thus the coach tour is the only way to experience the beach road.

The Treaty House at Waitangi (near Paihia) offers a glimpse into New Zealand's colonial beginnings and the National Trust display area has a very good audio-visual introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi which was signed there in 1840.

If passing through Whangarei, a stop at the CLAPHAM CLOCK MUSEUM (by the waterfront, Town wharf) is highly recommended. If driving from Auckland, Whangarei makes a convenient refreshment stop en route to the Bay of Islands (there are a number of good/acceptable cafes close to the clock museum)

Northland Map/Accommodation search