'''Northland''' is the northernmost region in New Zealand. It is governed by the [http://www.nrc.govt.nz Northland Regional Council] and has four districts. Whangarei is the only city in the area; the next biggest towns have a few thousand people. The Northland Region covers the area between Te Hana, just north of Wellsford, and Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the North Island.
See a [http://www.northlandnz.com/imagery/northlandmap.pdf Travel Map] of Northland. The east coast of Northland has long been a well-known holiday place, but recently the west coast has also become known due to its spectacular natural phenomenons: Tane Mahuta (huge, ancient kauri tree), untouched forests in Waipoua, Warawara, Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary and Puketi, biggest concretions in the world (the Koutu Boulders and the world unique Wairere Boulders), the sand dunes of the North Hokianga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Regions
Far North
*Far Far North
*Hokianga, pristine, unspoilt, untouched, untamed
*Whangaroa
*Bay of Islands
Poor Knights Islands
Whangarei
Kaipara
Other destinations
Understand
Northland might be among New Zealand's best kept secrets (and there are many). If you're looking for wonderful empty beaches in a tropical-like setting, this is surely the best area in the North Island.
Talk
Get in
'''By Air'''
Auckland is the main international gateway for travel to Northland. Air New Zealand operates domestic flights into 3 Northland airports: Whangarei, Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) and Kaitaia. Charter operators offer transport into the region tailored to your requirements.
'''By Road'''
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland's scenic touring route starting and finishing in Auckland. Taking you to both coasts, this route showcases the diversity of the region. Getting here by coach, self drive, or on a guided tour is a wonderful journey into subtropical Northland.
'''By Sea'''
Arrival to Northland by sea is unbelievably spectacular - your coastal journey is bound to impress. Stunning headlands, bush covered hillsides, long stretches of beach greet as you head for terra firma. If you are arriving by boat from overseas there are two official Ports of Entry into Northland.
Get around
By bus
[http://www.newmanscoach.co.nz/ Newmans Coach Lines] operates a premium sightseeing tour to the Bay of Islands with daily departures from Auckland. Tours can be completed in one day, including a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and "Kings Dolphin Cruise" to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock", or one way.
[http://www.intercity.co.nz/ InterCity Coachlines] is New Zealand's national coach company and operates a number of daily departures to the Bay of Islands and other Northland destinations.
See
'''Koutu Boulders''' — biggest concretions in the world in Koutu, Hokianga
'''Mangungu Mission House''' (historic site) — site of the biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in Horeke, Hokianga
'''Wairere Boulders''' (nature park) — an enormous basalt flow just south of Horeke, Hokianga
'''Sand dunes''' (top sculptures) — windblown sculptures on top of sand dunes across the harbour from Opononi, Hokianga
'''Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary''' (ecologically undisturbed forest) — see 5 of the 12 biggest kauri trees in Hokianga
Do
Kings Dolphin Cruises & Eco Tours, [http://www.dolphincruises.co.nz] operate a wide range of marine and land based activities. Officially licensed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, all Kings cruises are permitted to actively seek dolphin and whales in and around the Bay of Islands.
Eat
Drink
Get out