Nature & Environment

With numerous islands and a myriad of secluded beaches and deep forests, every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell. It has to be seen to be believed.

The East Coast

Along the East Coast, Northland greets its visitors with golden beaches fringed by pohutukawa trees, secluded coves and tranquil harbours. Forest and coastal walks, and sought-after dive spots abound. Just offshore, predator-free islands are home to all kinds of rare species, whilst offering great diving as well! In the Bay of Islands you can find thrilling adventure or perfect peace. For travellers with time to spend, it's the ultimate outdoor playground. The Poor Knights Islands marine reserve along the Tutukaka Coast is a dive mecca, regarded by the late Jacques Cousteau as one of the world's top dive locations. Northland's east coast is where visitors and locals alike enjoy their favourite pastimes of boating, surfing, fishing or just lazing around in the warm northern sunshine. With trails through native forest and outstanding views, it's little wonder it is New Zealand 's subtropical playground.

Top of the North

Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of New Zealand.

In the Top of the North, the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean surround the land with warm, subtropical waters. At the furthest point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga plays host to the historic lighthouse guarding the northwestern approaches. Out at sea the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, sometimes producing waves more then 10 metres high. Along Ninety Mile Beach , surfers take to the waves where giant sand dunes line the shore. It's a place to keep one's eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Aupouri Forest.

The West Coast

Further south a sprawling array of inlets and tributaries form the Hokianga region, leading on to the Kauri Coast. It's a place of wild beaches, spectacular coastline and peaceful forests like Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park.

Tane Mahuta is the largest Kauri in the world.

Giants like Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) watch over the Kauri Coast. An atmospheric drive through Waipoua Forest will acquaint you with New Zealand's largest living Kauri trees. Standing 50 metres tall, the Kauri are one of the world's mightiest trees and their forests give shelter to many other plant types like the taraire, kohekohe, towai and northern rata trees. They are also a useful refuge for threatened wildlife such as the endangered North Island kokako and brown kiwi. They share their habitat with a peculiar but distinctive creature: the large and very handsome kauri snail, a carnivore that feeds mainly on earthworms, slugs and soft-bodied insects.