8 to 10 days: Northland Region
Take time out to really explore what Northland has to offer. Encounter stunning scenery, fascinating history, adventure and relaxation for the whole family.
Day one - Auckland to Whangarei (approximate driving time 2 hours 30 minutes)
In the morning depart Auckland for Whangarei on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway via the beautiful beaches of Mangawhai, Langs Beach and Waipu. (Optional overnight stay.)
Allow time for:
-
Waipu Cove Beach
Swimming, surfing - Fishing, golf
- Explore historic Waipu
- Visit cafes and galleries in the area
In the afternoon arrive in Whangarei.
Allow time for:
- Diving, fishing
- Wine tasting
- Bush walking, visiting Whangarei Falls
- Personalised kayaking tour, horse riding
- Visit Quayside at the Town Basin in the heart of Whangarei for specialty shops, cafes, restaurants, famous Claphams Clocks Museum, and art studios that line the waterfront
- Be awed by the rare white tigers at Zion Wildlife Gardens
Accommodation: Whangarei district
Day two - Whangarei to Tutukaka (approximate driving time 30 minutes)
Tutakaka coastline.
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In the morning depart Whangarei for Tutukaka
- For diving enthusiasts enjoy a day diving the world-renowned Poor Knights Marine Reserve or if you prefer, dive the twin wrecks of 'Tui’ and ‘Waikato’
- Fishing enthusiasts can take a charter trip out for a day of big game or line fishing
- Take a snorkelling trip at the Poor Knights Islands
- Excellent kayaking and river cruises available
- Native and subtropical nurseries
- If you wish to stay on terra firma, this area boasts some of Northland’s most beautiful beaches, and picturesque walking tracks
Accommodation: Tutukaka
Day three - Tutukaka for the Bay of Islands (approximate driving time 1 hour 15 mins)
In the morning depart Tutukaka for the Bay of Islands via Whakapara and the scenic drive past Oakura Bay.
Bay of Islands suggestions:
- Take a cruise or a fast ride out on ‘The Bay’ to the ‘Hole in the Rock’
- Pamper yourself at a day spa
- Take some time to explore Romantic Russell, NZ’s first Capital
- Spend a day visiting Kerikeri wineries, gourmet chocolate kitchen and art & craft galleries
- Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Take a tour and view the magnificent Maori war canoe, Maori meeting house and the Treaty House
- Take a dusk fishing trip, or play twilight golf
- Go sailing, kayaking amongst the mangroves, diving, parasailing
- Experience an evening cultural performance - Northland style
- See the Bay of Islands and the Far North by air – simply stunning
Day four - Bay of Islands
Hole in Rock Cruise.
Activity suggestions:
- Cape Brett ‘Hole in the Rock Cruise’
- Aquatic encounter with dolphins
- Bush walk
- Fishing, sailing, kayaking, diving, golf, parasailing, horse riding or 4WD adventures
- Drive to Puketi Forest to a stunning boardwalk to view the giant kauri trees
Day five - Bay of Islands to Doubtless Bay (approximate driving time 1 hour 30 mins)
In the morning depart the Bay of Islands for Mangonui via Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay and Whangaroa. (optional stay overnight)
Activity suggestions:
- Dive the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior
- Spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay, Taupo Bay, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay or on Karikari Peninsula
- Fishing, sailing, kayaking, golf
Accommodation: Doubtless Bay
Day six - Doubtless Bay to Kaitaia (approximate driving time 30 minutes)
Doubtless Bay.
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In the morning depart Doubtless Bay for the Far North
Activity suggestions:
- Guided tour to Cape Reinga along 90 Mile Beach
- Explore the Far North – spend time at Houhora, Ahipara and 90 Mile Beach.
- Fishing, surfing, walking, land yachting, golf, kayaking
- Guided quad tours on 90 Mile Beach
- Sample the wines of New Zealand’s most northern vineyards
Accommodation: Far North
To really experience the Far North, allow an extra night to stay at Houhora or further north
Day seven - Kaitaia to Hokianga. (approximate driving time 2 hours)
In the morning depart the Far North for the Hokianga.
Activity suggestions:
- Explore the townships of Kohukohu and Rawene connected by vehicle ferry across the upper Hokianga Harbour
- Go tobogganing down the giant sand dunes
- Visit Waipoua Forest and spend time exploring the various forest walks to view giant Kauri trees
- Try your hand at Kauri Gum polishing or visit and amazing maze
- Fishing, cruising, horse riding, pig hunting
- See a natural phenomenon – Wairere Boulders in Horeke
Accommodation: Hokianga
Day eight - Hokianga to Auckland (approximate driving time 4 hours)
Waipoua Forest
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In the morning depart the Hokianga for Trounson Kauri Park, Kai Iwi Lakes or Baylys Beach. Stop at Waipoua Forest and the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ on the way south, enjoying the various walks and forests.
Arrive at the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes, a stunning recreational reserve that provides a playground for swimming, boating, windsurfing, water skiing and trout fishing.
Or:
Arrive at Baylys Beach. After a coffee at the Funky Fish café, explore the beach and view towering sand dunes by horseback or quad bike.
In the afternoon depart Kai Iwi Lakes or Baylys Beach for Dargaville. Enjoy lunch at one of Dargaville’s trendy cafes.
To experience a 4WD trip along Ripiro Beach, visit the Kaipara Lighthouse and the valley of the Shipwrecks - allow an extra night in Dargaville.
Depart Dargaville for Matakohe
Arrive at Matakohe and visit the Kauri Museum – you will discover the story of the magnificent kauri tree, its timber, gum, and the early pioneers to the district.
Depart Matakohe for Auckland
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