Travel Eye on Northland (North Island, New Zealand)

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Overview:

The region north of Auckland has more history, Maori and European, than most of New Zealand. The important Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840. A generally warm, almost sub-tropical climate, sandy beaches and sheltered waters encourage recreational activities, including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and sailing. The ill-fated "Rainbow Warrior" is one of numerous wrecks that draw divers to Northland. Inland are the country's remaining kauri forest areas and a noted hot spring. Whangarei is the main regional centre, about 170 km north of Auckland. Its rejuvenated waterfront area is worth visiting, particularly for the fascinating Clapham's Clock Museum.

The Bay of Islands is the most popular destination in Northland. Other popular attractions include scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands, off the coast from Whangarei, and driving along the 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at the northern most tip of the North Island.

Locality:

This region starts north of Auckland and stretches to the northern tip of the North Island and boasts the country's warmest weather and a wealth of natural attractions including kauri forests, long sandy beaches and isolated coves and islands. The area was one of the first parts of the country to be settled by Europeans and includes the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Waipu

Located about half an hour south of Whangarei, Waipu is a fairly ordinary town that's proud of its Scottish origins. There are some fun water-based activities that you can do from here.

Northland's provincial capital is a fairly ordinary regional centre with a few interesting museums and Town Basin, a riverside marina with adjoining shopping centre. Most budget travellers use Whangarei as a base for New Zealand's premier diving and snorkelling spot - the Poor Knights Islands.

Many divers regard the Poor Knights Islands as one of the world's top 10 dive sites. The Pacific Ocean around the islands is home to New Zealand's most diverse range of marine life, which includes a colourful mix of sub-tropical and tropical fish. Common species include rays, Moray eels and Kingfish (some as big as 40kg).

Whangarei and Tutukaka, 30 minutes drive from Whangarei, are the main places to organise trips out to the islands.

The Bay of Islands is the major tourist region in Northland and features several small towns including Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell and Waitangi, which overlook a beautiful bay dotted with 144 islands.

This area is a popular weekend getaway for New Zealanders who come here to sail between the various coves and islands.

The Bay of Islands also has many other activities that are geared toward backpackers. These include several affordable cruises as well as fishing trips, sea kayaking and excursions where you can swim with dolphins.

There are several different towns in the area, each with its own attractions and it is worth visiting several towns to get a good feel for the area.

Waitangi - Waitangi, immediately to the north of Paihia, is New Zealand's most important historic site. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, which effectively handed New Zealand over to British rule. The Treaty House and adjoining visitor centre is the highlight of a visit to the Bay of Islands and offers a crash course in New Zealand history. Waitangi is also home to a Maori meetinghouse and a huge waka (war canoe).

Russell - A short ferry ride across the bay from Paihia, Russell is a quaint town with a more relaxed feel than party destinations like Paihia. Russell has a colourful history and in the 1830s, Russell had a notorious reputation as a rough and ready town and over the years has seen plenty of conflict between Maori and the British settlers.

Kerikeri - Located slightly inland at the northern end of the bay, Kerikeri is home to several historic buildings. However the town's main draw card for budget travellers is the abundance of casual work picking fruit in the nearby orchards.