So you’re planning a trip to New Zealand’s North Island and wondering about the best things to do in Northland?
Welcome to beautiful Northland!
The north of New Zealand is one of the most diverse and naturally stunning regions of the country.
There are endless things to do in Northland and many beautiful sights of northern Aotearoa that you don’t want to miss on any New Zealand itinerary. Northland is a region with beaches and coastlines, beautiful bush walks and boat trips and a rich history of New Zealand.
Last summer we spent eight weeks back at ‘home’ in the Far North, so we may be slightly swayed in our sharing…
But we reckon Northland is the best part to explore!
10 Things to do in Northland, New Zealand
Here are our top ten favourites from the North; and the very best things to do in Northland, New Zealand.
- Cape Reinga and the far far North
- Tane Mahuta and the Hokianga
- A day trip to Urapukapuka and the islands
- Visiting Waitangi and the Treaty Grounds
- Paihia and Haruru Falls
- Opua’s best bush walks
- Russell – its not actually an island!
- Te Rawhiti and the back roads
- Kerikeri and Rainbow Falls
- Ngawha Hot Springs
Things to do in Northland – Far North
We spent two full days road tripping in the Far North exploring all the way from Paihia to Cape Reinga.
Cape Reinga and the far, Far North
Cape Reinga is geographically the most northern point of the north island of New Zealand; 100km north of the nearest town of Kaitaia. There aren’t any shops nearby making it the perfect outing for a day trip with a picnic.
We started the journey to Cape Reinga with a morning stop at the small fishing town of Mangonui to stock up for our trip…
Our shopping list was fairly typical of a New Zealand summer picnic and day out. We bought:
- Fish bait
- Sandwich bread
- Crisps (for sandwiches)
And yes of course we are wearing our ‘jandals’ for this road trip in Northland!
From there we drove the rest of the way north to Cape Reinga; the most northern point of New Zealand.
At Cape Reinga you can see the spectacular swirl of ocean currents where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
For Maori, Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand.
According to mythology, the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife and leap off the headland through the roots of the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree. From their they descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaii using Te Ara Wairua; the ‘Spirits’ pathway’.
- Tip: Look closely on the coastline of the Cape Reinga and you will see the sacred pohutukawa tree.
Getting to Cape Reinga
There are two ways to get right up to the Cape:
- by bus with a tour company, or
- with a rental car,
If you have time to explore the different things to do in Northland, we would recommend hiring a car. There are a lot of spots that are worth more than a short stop as you make your way north.
It is a bit of a drive to get to Cape Reinga (from wherever you are in Northland). But we rate Cape Reinga as top of the list of best things to do in Northland.
- Paihia to Cape Reinga: 2 hr 38 min (197.3 km) via State Hwy 10 and SH 1
- Kaitaia to Cape Reinga: 1 hr 22 min (94.4 km) via SH 1
- Kerikeri to Cape Reinga: 2 hr 22 min (176.9 km) via State Hwy 10 and SH 1
Finding new things to do in Northland(!)
We drove ALL over both coasts of Northland. And even as New Zealand’s we found new places to explore!
We both agree that Henderson Bay on the East Coast of Northland topped it off as the most beautiful spot we had never been before!
The boys (all three) headed straight for the water, following the locals out onto the rocky rises just past the shore line, where the waves were breaking gently and the water was so incredibly clear!
And if the timing on the way back works out for fish and chips at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop, then you are in luck. The famous fish and chips in Mangonui is a great childhood memory and one of the best things to do in Northland!
Things to do in Northland – the Hokianga
We still can’t decide which day of exploring Northland was our favourite.
The next on our list of things to do in Northland was a day trip to the nearby Hokianga region.
Tane Mahuta and the Hokianga
Heading west towards the Hokianga and beyond meant paying a visit to New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, Tane Mahuta; Lord of the Forest.
This majestic tree towers over 50m tall, creating an impressive rooftop canopy in the Waipoua Forest, about 30 minutes drive south of Opononi.
In myth, Tane the forest God, broke apart the embrace of Ranginui, the “sky father” and Papatuanuku, the “Earth mother,” allowing the space and light for life to flourish…
Opononi and Omapere
Opononi and Omapere are dual beach settlements overlooking the Hokianga Harbour and impressive sand dunes. Opononi is renowned for the famous ‘friendly dolphin’, Opo, who made the harbour his home in the 1950’s.
We liked the story of Opo, but I have to say that an ice cream on the wharf may have been a more dominant highlight of our Northland road trip for some!
Getting to Opononi and Omapere
- Kerikeri to Opononi: 1 hr 8 min (78.3 km) via State Hwy 12
- Kerikeri to Omapere: 1 hr 17 min (88.4 km) via State Hwy 12
- Paihia to Opononi: 1 hr 13 min (83.0 km) via State Hwy 12
Rawene
Rawene is New Zealand’s third oldest town and an interesting stop for your Northland roadtrip. Historically Rawene was a timber centre of the region, before a mill and shipyards were established in the 1800’s.
Now it is a sunny little town on the south side of the Hokianga Harbour.
Rawene can be reached by road as you head north in a little over an hour from the Bay of Islands.
And how cool is the Hokianga Vehicle Ferry as a foot passenger when you’re a kid?! ? [And, as adults for providing such an adventure for $4 NZD return!].
We enjoyed taking a ride over the harbour on foot. It’s easy to park your car at Rawene. And we timed it perfectly for a beachfront picnic.
- Paihia to Rawene: 1 hr 7 min (75.6 km) via State Hwy 12
- 1 hr 2 min (70.9 km) via State Hwy 12
Things to do in Northland – Bay of Islands
We are (admittedly) biased, because this is home for us(!).
But, if you come to the Bay of Islands then definitely grab the opportunity to get out on the water and visit some of the beautiful islands.
- Did you know? The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands!
This region of Northland is a popular holiday destination for international and domestic visitors. It really is the perfect destination for swimming, boating, fishing, diving, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, exploring – you name it!
There are all kinds of day trips and organised tours you can take to visit different islands in the bay. You can even take a boat trip to see the Hole in the Rock.
But, our favourite island to explore in the Bay of Islands is Urupukapuka.
A day trip to Urupukapuka island is one of the best things to do in Northland. You can take a ferry transfer from Paihia to Otehei Bay with Explore NZ and spend the day on the island.
There are varying levels of walking tracks around the island suitable for the whole family. The bays themselves are marine reserves so even if you don’t get any further out on the water you will see an abundance of fish just off the jetty!
- Tip: Pack a picnic for a great day out in the Bay of Islands!
Things to do in Northland – Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Bay of Islands is regarded as the ‘birthplace of New Zealand’.
- Tip: A visit to Waitangi offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the the history of early European settlement and Maori culture.
The historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840. It is generally considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation, and a symbol of the coming together of two diverse cultures – Maori and Pakeha.
At the Treaty Grounds you can visit the beautifully carved Maori meeting house, Te Whare Runanga, and see the largest of Maori war canoes, Ngatokimatawhaorua.
If you are visiting the Bay of Islands then definitely make time for visiting Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Waitangi is a must-do on any New Zealand itinerary and always top of the list of things to do in Northland.
- Tip: Don’t forget to check the daily schedule for the Maori cultural performance,
Grab a coffee afterwards at Whare Waka Cafe. The boys loved counting the incredible long-fin eels you can see from your table and keep asking to go back!
Things to do in Northland – Paihia and Haruru Falls
Paihia is a beautiful base to explore the entire of the Bay of Islands and right up to the Far North.
And, it’s one place we LOVE to call home!
If you have a few days in Paihia on your Northland road trip, then definitely make the most of the beautiful beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, cafes and ice-cream that are on offer.
It’s easy to hire a kayak for the morning from Dan (the kayak man’) at Bay Beach Hire and explore the nearby bays and beaches. And after that I definitely recommend a coffee at the busy little local favourite, Third Wheel Vending.
Paihia is also beautiful from the water and there are all kinds of water transport options to experience.
You can kayak up the Waitangi River. And there is also a beautiful bush walk from Waitangi to Haruru Falls.
From Paihia, the track is 6km each way and starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- Tip: You can also drive to Haruru and park right by the waterfall. Either way, it’s worth admiring!
Getting to Paihia, Northland
It is possible to get a bus from Auckland to Paihia. Or if you have a rental car, it is convenient to get around Northland and explore Paihia and the surrounding areas.
- Auckland to Paihia: 3 hr 14 min (232.0 km) via SH 1
- Kerikeri to Paihia: 24 min (23.7 km) via State Hwy 11 and State Hwy 10
Things to do in Northland – Opua
Opua is often known as ‘the gateway to the Bay of Islands’.
It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving into the country. And it is famous for the vehicle car ferry that departs from Opua to Okiato for the short drive to Russell.
Hiking in Opua
This area of Northland is surrounded by pristine bush and stunning coastal walkways.
There are walking trails of all levels and lengths to suit, but two of our favourites are in Opua.
- Coastal Walkway from Paihia to Opua (I have been walking this trail since I was a child!)
- Oramahoe Forest Track.
Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway
This can either be done as a one-way track from Paihia to Opua and back. Or as part of a longer loop track starting and ending in Paihia, crossing over to Russell and returning by ferry to the start point.
We found the Paihia to Opua track perfect with the boys as there is so much to look at and explore. The track winds up and down through the native bush and right down into small beaches, coves, and bays.
That is, if you can get them past the first bit of the track in Opua and all the boats and boardwalks!
- Coastal Walkway: Paihia to Opua
- START POINT: Paihia
- LENGTH: 5.5km
- TIME: 2 hours one way
Gavin and I also enjoyed the Coastal Walkway Loop as a day walk, sans kids.
We started in Opua and took the car ferry to Okiato as foot passengers walking the bush tracks to Russell, before getting the ferry back across the channel to Paihia.
- Coastal Walkway Loop: Paihia to Opua to Russell to Paihia
- START POINT: Paihia, Opua or any point in between
- LENGTH: Approximately 14km total
- TIME: 5.5 to 6 hours total
It’s a big day, but a beautiful walk through acres of native bush. It felt well deserving of a boysenberry gelato on arrival in Russell!
Oramahoe Forest Track
This is a lesser known track and a secret favourite of ours. The walk itself is only 1.5km return but boasts native trees and birds that are spectacular.
- Tip: Definitely make time to stop for a moment and just listen to the birdlife and song in the forest.
- Oramahoe Forest Track, Opua
- START POINT: 5km along Oramahoe Road
- LENGTH: 1.5km return
- TIME: 30 minutes one way
Things to do in Northland – Russell
If you haven’t got time for an organised boat trip out into the Bay of Islands then definitely don’t miss out on visiting Russell!
The peninsula of Russell is confusing, as the most accessible way to visit is by boat but contrary to thought it is in fact part of the mainland.
The best thing about it is that it will make you feel like you are getting out in the Bay of Islands when you take the ferry to get there!
Russell was home to the first of New Zealand’s 19th century whaling ports. The smaller port of Okiato only a few kilometres away, was the site of the country’s first capital.
Today it is the perfect small town to wander on foot.
Check out the whaling museum, stroll the waterfront promenade, get fish and chips to eat on the beach or have a beer at the Duke of Marlborough – New Zealand’s first tavern.
And check out Christ Church, built in 1835. This was the first church in the country, originally holding services in both English and Maori.
- Tip: Even now, if you walk around the the outside and look closely you can still see the musket holes from the Battle of Kororareka in 1845!
Te Rawhiti and the back roads to Russell
The Old Russell Road was the only way in via land access before the car ferry was put in at Opua.
The road itself hasn’t changed much since those days, and winds all the way out to the Rawhiti Peninsula about an hours drive from Russell township.
We’d done the passenger and car ferry to Russell before, so made an adventure out of it and spent the day roadtripping.
We completed an entire loop from Opua to Russell and Rawhiti, and right down the coast to Oakura and Whangarei. If you have a car this is another of the unique things to do in Northland.
The old roads are gravel and windy, but make up for it with secluded beach spots and stunning scenic tastes of Northland.
Things to do in Northland – Kerikeri
It’s only a 30 minute drive from Paihia, but Kerikeri is another historic town of Northland and setting of the first Mission Station in the country.
Kerikeri, Kororipo Pa and Rainbow Falls
In Kerikeri you can see the Old Stone Store. Literally the oldest stone building in New Zealand, and Kerikeri Mission House (Kemp House) – the first European style building.
Kororipo Pa is only a short walk from the Stone Store, perfect for kids. It is a great opportunity to see a historic Maori settlement with such significance and history for New Zealand.
Nearby is the Rainbow Falls track which is another great option for walking with children.
The full track takes about 1.5 hours to complete the 3.5km path one way. Otherwise, you can opt for a shorter version at only 20 minutes from the Stone Store basin.
You won’t be disappointed to reach the waterfall and see exactly how it go its name!
Things to do in Northland – Ngawha Hot Springs
Have you ever heard of Ngawha Hot Springs? Don’t worry if you haven’t…
This is one of the best-kept secrets and a favourite for locals of things to do in Northland.
Ngawha is a small geothermal area just east of Kaikohe with natural hot springs.
The hot springs bubble from the ground into different mud pools. They are known in Northland for their healing properties (*and recognisable aroma!).
It’s an awesome experience! Each pool has its own individual spring and so has a different colour, temperature, and name to the next one…
We keep going back to ‘Kotahitanga’ and ‘Favourite’ which sit at about 40-41 °C. Only Gavin has made it into the ‘Doctor’ at 45 °C!.
We travel the world to see sights like these!
How many of these things to do in Northland did you get to see?
Let us know how your trip to New Zealand went and if you got a chance to visit some of these special things to do in Northland, New Zealand.
Read more about travel in New Zealand
- 5 Awesome Things To Do In Russell, Bay Of Islands.
- Visiting Milford Sound in Winter.
- 25 South Island Campsites We Recommend.
- Hiking Roys Peak in Wanaka, New Zealand.
- Best One Week South Island Itinerary.
More about travel planning for New Zealand and beyond…
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