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Hot Summer Deals

Discover Northland in summer: golden beaches fringed by pohutukawa trees, authentic Maori culture, giant kauris and lush native bush. Feast on plump seafood, fresh summer fruits and Northland’s fine wines, enjoy a round of golf or just relax in the warm sunshine.

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By Road

Getting here by coach, self drive, or on a guided tour is a wonderful relaxing journey into subtropical Northland.

There are so many interesting little townships and spectacular coastal vistas to while away the journey – so if you’re driving remember to allow plenty of time.

Bus and Coach

InterCity CoachLines offers quality point to point bus transport on modern coaches at economic fares nationwide. To book tickets to get to or from Northland, use the fare finder on this page to search for available seats.

You’ll find details for some more companies further down the page.

Self-drive

More [?] In total Northland has 6500kms of roads and yes, we drive on the left. State Highway 1 is the main artery through the region but for those of you with more time the slower paced Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland's scenic touring route. At about 800km long the touring route starts and finishes in Auckland and gives you access to all the region has to offer by way of a scenic, relaxing drive. Additional tourist drives join the Highway to extend the scenic journey through Northland. One initiative for travellers to the Northland region is 'On the road recycling'

We’ve put together some approximate driving times and distances along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to help you plan your trip. Don’t forget there’s plenty to see and experience along the way so allow extra time to stop and take it all in.  It pays to allow some time for peak traffic periods getting in and out of Auckland during the busy holiday season and on the weekends. The Northern Gateway Toll Road can cut 15 minutes from your journey to the Northland region but you’ll need to organise payment of the toll – you have 3 days after your trip or you can pay in advance. And if you feel you need a break from driving call in at one of the 11 road side stops for a free coffee hosted by the Northland Road Safety Association and Coffee Brake.

Ferries

There are 3 short ferry trips available in Northland

A passenger service between Paihia and Russell which operators frequently from about 7am each day.  Tickets are purchased on board – cash only.  Phone  (09) 402 7421 for timetable.

A vehicle ferry service between between Opua and Okiato en route to Russell, Bay of Islands. Okiato is about 10 minutes drive from Russell, and Opua is about 15 minutes from Paihia. The ferry operates as a shuttle service with daily crossings approximately every 10 minutes from about 6.40am between the hours listed. The ferry is suitable for all vehicles including trucks, buses and campervans. Tickets are purchased on board – cash only. 
Phone (09) 402 7421 for timetable.

A vehicle ferry across the picturesque Hokianga Harbour between Rawene and Kohukohu. The ferry operates as a shuttle service with daily crossings and the passage is about 15 minutes. The ferry is suitable for all vehicles including trucks, buses and campervans. Bookings are not required. Pay on board the vessel using cash, credit cards or Eftpos. Phone Hokianga i-SITE Visitor Information (09) 405 8869 for Timetable and Prices

Driving Times

Twin Coast Discovery Highway Time Distance in kilometres and miles (courtesy Google maps)
Auckland to Wellsford via SH1 1 hour 77km/48miles
Wellsford to Waipu via Mangawhai 1 hour 53km/33miles
Wellsford to Matakohe 45 min 54km/34miles
Matakohe to Dargaville 40 min 44km/27miles
Dargaville to Waipoua Forest 45 min 57km/35miles
Tane Mahuta to Omapere 25 min 24km/15miles
Omapere to Rawene 25 min 24km/15miles
Rawene to Kohukohu (by Hokianga vehicle ferry) 15 min ferry timetable
Kohukohu to Kaitaia via Mangamuka Bridge and SH1 1 hour 62km/38miles
Kaitaia to Mangonui 35 min 37km/24miles
Mangonui to Kerikeri 50 min 60km/38miles
Kerikeri to Paihia 25 min 25km/15miles
Paihia to Whangarei direct 1 hour 70km/44miles
Paihia to Whangarei via Hikurangi and Tutukaka Coastal route 2 hours 118km/73miles
Whangarei to Wellsford (via Waipu and Mangawhai) 1 hour 49 mins 94km/58miles
Alternative Tourist Drives
(alternative routes)		    
Whangarei to Dargaville via SH14 1 hour 58km/36miles
Russell to Whangarei via Oakura coastal route 1 hour 30 min 84km/52miles
Paihia to Omapere via Kaikohe 1 hour 20 min 94km/58miles
Kohukohu to Kaitaia (via Ahipara) 1 hour 15 mins 71km/44miles
Kaikohe to Dargaville via Mangakahia Rd 1 hour 15 mins 81km/50miles
Matauri Bay and Whangaroa coastal loop road 1 hour 37km/23miles
Kaitaia to Cape Reinga ONE WAY 1 hour 45min 111km/70miles

More coach operators

The following companies provide regular services to and from the Northland region:

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