The New Zealand destination you haven't heard of yet, but need to

Australians are no strangers to the stunning shores of New Zealand, yet many have never heard of Northland/Te Tai Tokerau – a region that deserves a spot at the top of everyone’s must-visit list.

Its picturesque coastlines, ancient forests and peaceful islands all have a natural pull of their own, but the pulse of Northland runs much deeper than its surface beauty.

As an epicentre of Māori culture and history, Northland is a place of many firsts for New Zealand. The northernmost region of North Island was the first place Polynesian explorers landed and where Māori and British settlers came together to sign a treaty in 1840. It even lays claim to the first licensed pub.

It’s also a place of lasts, being home to Cape Rēinga, where the Māori believe wairua (spirits) depart this world for the next.

To get to the beating heart of Northland, travellers need more than a day. Here’s your guide to all there is to experience in this corner of Aotearoa.

From sunrise to sunset, there’s a lot of firsts to explore in Northland New Zealand.

Getting there

Stretching from Auckland up to the very top of New Zealand, the subtropical Northland region is easy to get to. After flying into Auckland from Sydney or Melbourne, a drive to the tip is six hours, with a multitude of worthy stops along the way. Air New Zealand also operates domestic flights into Whangārei or Bay of Islands for an even shorter journey North.

Alternatively, skip the flight and cruise right into the popular Bay of Islands, a short 10-minute walk from Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Things to do in Northland

It would be wrong to visit Northland without delving into Māori culture and Polynesian history. Start where it all began on the 75-minute multisensory Footprints of Kupe Experience; on this guided storytelling tour you’ll hear about the local area and arrival of Polynesian explorer Kupe in Hokianga Harbour. Another must is a visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you’ll find two museums complete with cultural tours and performances.

Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

For more cultural connection, immerse yourself (while getting up close and personal with the famous Tane Mahuta ‘Lord of the Forest’ tree in Waipoua Forest) on a tour with Footprints Waipoua. Discover the role of this land in the lives of local Māori, and vice versa.

Discover the natural and cultural significance of Waipoua Forest.

For something completely different, visit Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery, a unique space designed by Austrian artist and architect and environmentalist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Melding architecture with nature, it houses 80 of his original artworks, while the Wairau Māori Art Gallery downstairs features contemporary Māori artwork.

Unleash your creative side at Hundertwasser Art Centre.

If you prefer a bit of adventure, jump on a traditional tall ship sailing tour with R Tucker Thompson, spot dolphins from the deck with Carino Wildlife Cruises or go island hopping on one of the many Bay of Islands cruises. For a closer and more personal experience with marine wildlife, go diving around the Poor Knights marine reserve and shipwrecks with Dive! Tutukaka.

You can also get a bird’s-eye view over the Bay of Islands and Northland aboard a scenic flight with Salt Air, or maybe even take a leap of faith with Skydive Bay of Islands.

Get a birds-eye view over the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Where to eat in Northland

A trip to Northland isn’t complete without a stop at the place that earned New Zealand’s first liquor licence. Opened in 1827 on the waterfront of Russell in the Bay of Islands, today the Duke of Marlborough Hotel is known for its outstanding restaurant, where your tastebuds will discover a modern, elevated iteration of pub classics – from fish and chips to roasts to contemporary Māori cuisine – using locally sourced, seasonal produce.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is known for its outstanding restaurant (and incredible vistas).

Speaking of locally sourced, Schnappa Rock in Tutukaka leads the way in paddock-to-plate dining. The restaurant sources seafood, free-range chicken and eggs, ethically farmed bacon and roasted coffee from the local area, even growing its own spray-free produce. The result is innovative and creative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that are almost impossibly fresh.

Enjoy paddock-to-plate dining at Schnappa Rocks.

For fine-dining options with unbeatable views, Sage Restaurant, nestled in Paroa Bay Winery, can’t be missed. Awarded one hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards, it also focuses on sourcing locally and uses onsite gardens to grow much of its produce. The menu has plenty of variety, from mouth-watering seafood dishes to wild elk and even a few vegan options – all matched with wines from Sage Restaurant’s own cellar door, of course.

Where to stay in Northland

Generally speaking, Whangarei provides a range of accommodation options as the region’s only city.

Head 90 minutes further north to book into Arcadia Lodge, a boutique, historic bed and breakfast. Set on the breathtaking shores of Russel in the Bay of Islands, this was one of the very first sites of Polynesian settlement in New Zealand. Arcadia Lodge was built in 1902 using materials salvaged from shipwrecks and demolition timbers; the floors themselves are strengthened by the backbones of literal whales. Today it stands beautifully restored while retaining its original character, and serves up some of the best homemade breakfasts in the country.

Stay at historic B&B, Arcadia Lodge.

Those looking for the ultimate luxury experience will find it at The Landing, where you can enjoy private views of New Zealand’s unique clifftop, beachfront, vineyard or countryside scenery. There are just four residences, all built using natural materials and positioned around the waterfront property with peace and privacy in mind.

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands provides a friendly resort-style alternative, just a stroll away from the local wharf, while Copthorne Hotel And Resort Bay Of Islands enjoys a waterfront location in 60 acres of subtropical gardens.

Enjoy beachfront scenery in The Landing’s Boathouse lodge.

For a stay on the quirkier side, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel also offers lovingly restored accommodation that tells a tale through its decor. Choose from rooms ranging from waterfront suites with views to Waitangi Treaty Grounds to more modest options with shared balconies looking over Russell Village.

Stay in the lovingly restored Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Plan your trip to Northland by visiting northlandnz.com.