Northland is New Zealand’s little slice of paradise. Known for the beautiful Bay of Islands, this area is packed with stunning beaches, waterfalls, history and incredible views around each corner. If you give Northland enough time, you’ll find many hidden gems that are off most tourist’s radar.
Quick Summary
Top Tip: Get your hiking boots ready as Northland is home to some jaw-dropping views that are only accessible on foot.
When to go: Northland really is a year round destination, with mild winters and hot summers. However, it can really rain in the shoulder seasons (making those waterfalls come to life). We visited during winter, which wasn’t ideal for swimming, but it was ideal for hiking and exploring.
Peak Season: December - April.
Off Season: June - August.
The Best of Northland
Whangarei is a nature lovers paradise whilst still having all the benefits of a city based break. By day you can explore incredible glow worm caves, immense waterfalls, white sand beaches and maybe even climb a mountain, and by night you can relax at one of the city’s many restaurants and hotels. We’re sharing all the best things to do in Whangarei so you don’t miss a thing.
Waterfall lovers are spoilt for choice in Kerikeri. Whether you’re looking for the biggest and most spectacular, the one with the best swimming hole, or one which is tucked away and little visited, Kerikeri has an option for you. We’re sharing everything you need to know about each of the waterfalls in Kerikeri.
Haruru Falls is a stunning waterfall close to the towns of Paihia and Kerikeri. You can visit via one of two walking tracks. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the falls and both trails.
The Mahinepua Walk is one of the best easy coastal walks in Northland. It’s not all flat, but the short climbs are rewarded by jaw-dropping views over golden and black sand beaches, distant islands and rugged headlands. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including track conditions.
The Dukes Nose (Kairara Rock) Track has one of, if not, the best view in all of Northland. It has all the wow factor, with endless spectacular bays and headlands. It does involve a near vertical scramble but you’re assisted with a sturdy metal pole. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail, including track conditions and how hard that scramble really is.
The effort to reward ratio on the St Paul’s Rock Track has to be the best in all of Northland. This short walk in Whangaroa offers absolutely incredible views from the top and somehow remains blissfully uncrowded. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including difficulty and what the chains are like.
The Smugglers Bay Loop Track is one of Whangarei’s best easy walks. It might be leisurely, but it doesn’t compromise on wow factor with stunning views, access to a gorgeous white sand beach and a little WWII history too. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail.
As soon as you set eyes on the craggy peaks of Mount Manaia you are going to want to climb it. The short hike is pretty steep but the effort to reward ratio is excellent, with stunning forest and fabulous views from the top. We’re sharing everything you need to know about climbing Mount Manaia including difficulty and track conditions.
The Tutukaka Lighthouse Walk offers incredible views from the top of the headland, as well as access to several sheltered coves for a dip. It’s a relatively easy walk, although it must be done at mid to low tide if you want to make it all the way to the lighthouse. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including track conditions.
Taheke Falls is Northland’s highest and it’s a very pretty waterfall, but it’s the forest surrounding it that is unforgettable. With both wild and tropical vibes, as well as ancient Kauri trees, all accessed on one short easy loop trail, it’s a walk not to be missed. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail.
If you’re looking for a glow worm filled cave adventure without a guide, then Abbey Caves is the place to head. You won’t find walkways or lighting in these three undeveloped caves and that only adds to the fun. Come prepared to get wet and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible glow worm experience. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the caves including difficulty and conditions.
Waipu Caves are one of the most extraordinary glow worm caves in New Zealand, and can be visited for free without a guide. We’re sharing everything you need to know about accessing the caves, chamber by chamber, and where you’ll find the best glow worm displays.
Kerikeri is the perfect base for an incredible trip to Northland. With easy access to incredible hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes, great beaches, islands, wineries and some of the most important historical sites in the country, there really is something for everyone. We’re sharing all the best things to do in Kerikeri so you don’t miss a thing.