Northland is what countryside is really like, great for short visits. It offers varied sights and activities without being overly commercialized. Here, you can get close to Mother Nature through her primeval forests, drop your guards down and let that little child in you come out to play or swim in her beautiful lakes and seashores, go deep into the sea and dive to your heart's content, or laze along her warm sands on many of her safe beaches, walk all along her coastline, enjoy the sights of her waterfalls, peek into her caves and come face to face with thousands of glow worms or indulge your senses with local produce from lovingly hand crafted chocolate in Keri-keri to world class olive oil and wine from her vineyards and farms. If you are more inclined to have something healthier, you'll get the best citrus produce from this region too! All these and many more awaits you complimented by a warmer climate all yea r round in comparison to the rest of the country!
It's very unlikely I will be going back there again soon but below are a few of the places I have been to up North and that I can recommend.
Russel is the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand and the first capital of the country as well. It is a popular holiday destination within the Bay of Islands. It gives you that quaint little old town feeling. Years gone by but walking through the streets of Russel will make you realize it still holds that old charm.
Whangarei is Northland's capital and also it's business capital. I have never done much or seen much of Whangarei apart from an overnight stay on our way to Tutukaka several years ago. The only places I have been and seen is the Whangarei Falls, Quarry Garden and had a few meals at the charming Quayside Town Basin.
Doubtless Bay offers you beach after beach of safe and beautiful white sands and clear blue waters. Rustic but charming it's an ideal place for water-babies who are into kite surfing, diving, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, swimming with dolphins and anything else you can think of on water. After you've had your fun during the day, head down to the main town of Mangonui this part of Northland and treat yourself with the best "fish and chips" in the country! I've enjoyed many a meals at their world famous "fish and chips shop" propped up above the sea water!
Baylys Beach is about 14 kolometres west of Dargaville. The museum at Dargaville is worth a stop for a quick look! Perched above a hill, it offers a sweeping view of the kaipara flats. Baylys Beach is called in Maori "Ripiro" and is charactrized by long stretches of golden sand and sand dunes. One thing that stayed in memory was the fishy smell on the beach though. Be very careful about swimming in these waters characterized by strong currents. Talk to locals first if you are intending to do just that. At night you might want to indulge on some stargazing at the Skydome Observatory which is a few stones throw away from the Funky Fish Restaurant.
Hokianga Harbour is just after the Waipoa Forest. Please make sure your tank is full before heading down this way. There are very few service stations in this area. Good base to explore the forest. Try the "Tane Mahuta Experience by Night" your sojourn into the Waipoua forest with a miner's torch attached to your head. You'll feel history, you'll feel Mother Nature, you'll feel humbled! The little suburbs of Omapere and Opononi offers a range of accommodation. If you are looking for a better accommodation, Copthorne Hotel is just across the golden sand dunes about 180m high where adventure seekers can give sand tobogganing a go! Water taxis are available to take you across the harbour. From here you can cross the harbour at Rawene to continue up to Kaitaia and up to the Cape.
Aupouri Peninsula is home to the world known "ninety mile beach" and the Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga is where Tasman Sea and the Pacific meets. This stretch of beach named "90 mile beach" is actually only 88 kilometres long and it stretches down as far as Ahipara. If you didn't feel like crossing the harbour while in Hokianga, here's your best chance to give sand tobogganing a go! Not for the faint-hearted I must say. It does look fun and it is heaps of fun! It also looks easy but don't be fooled by it!
Tutukaka Coast is what is described as rural. Your base to see the world class Marine and Nature Reserve called "Poor Knights Islands", Tutukaka is home to amazing views, peaceful and quiet seaside towns and quaint villages, beautiful stretches of deserted beaches . You can drive a long way and never see another car. Just as well because you can't help your eyes wander having the beautiful beach on one side and rolling hills of verdant greens on the other.
Poor Knights Islands will give you what is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Eleven million years ago, these islands were formed from a volcanic eruption of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is now home to a world class Marine and Nature Reserve. Photo courtesy of FRuebe.
