Northland
The Birthplace of New Zealand
Experience Northland
- Swim with the dolphins and enjoy the array of wildlife in this Maritime Park
- Travel by coach or by air and 4WD to Cape Reinga, at the very top of New Zealand, to see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Oceans meet
- Cruise out to the Hole in the Rock and view the array of wildlife
- Discover the islands of the Bay on the Tall Ship “R. Tucker Thompson”
- Drive through the Waipoua Kauri Forest where you can see the two largest living kauri trees and visit the Kauri Museum at Matakohe
- Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House and gardens to see where the treaty between the Māori Chiefs and the British Crown was signed
- Stop at Hokianga to see the Manea Footprints of Kupe Experience which celebrates the arrival of Kupe, master explorer and discoverer of Aotearoa New Zealand
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Northland area but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&B’s, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, including Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands.
The par 72 championship golf course offers four sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The golf complex also has a World-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well-stocked golf shop – with Callaway clubs for hire – and locker rooms.
Guest Cottages-Standard Suite
on the edge of native bush looking east from private verandas across the golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Each has its own private porch, two comfortable guest suites – with Super King beds (each convertible to two super-singles) and walk-in wardrobes, the main bedroom featuring an open gas fireplace and sitting area. The main areas have a superior mini-bar, TV, DVD/CD player, armchairs, writing desk and Ottomans.
Guest Cottages-Deluxe Suite
on the edge of native bush looking east from private verandas across the golf course and the Pacific Ocean. Each has its own private porch, two comfortable guest suites – with Super King beds (each convertible to two super-singles) and walk-in wardrobes, the main bedroom featuring an open gas fireplace and sitting area. The main areas have a superior mini-bar, TV, DVD/CD player, armchairs, writing desk and Ottomans.
Owner’s Cottage
a large (4,200 square foot) two-suite house is positioned with the main lounge and two bedrooms overlooking the ocean and golf course towards the Bay of Islands. The house has a private infinity swimming pool and hot tub and easy access to all lodge amenities. There is an outdoor barbecue and cooking facilities for the chef if private in-house dining is preferred. There are two bathrooms, a powder room and open fireplaces in the bedrooms and the main lounge.
Chalet Romantica, Paihia
This luxury Paihia accommodation is located centrally, close to the beach and restaurants. It has spectacular, unsurpassed views over the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands and the lush garden attracts a variety of birds.
Romantica Suite
is located right under the apex. This beautiful top floor 50m2 open-plan, mini-suite has a Super King bed, a comfortable lounge sofa, a small kitchen, TV and DVD player. The spacious and luxurious en-suite features hairdryer/straightener, large fluffy towels, soft bathrobes and New Zealand natural toiletries. Many windows and a private balcony with beautiful outdoor furniture offer spectacular ocean and bush views all around.
Bellevue Suite
is a beautifully designed two-bedroom space with one bathroom. The master bedroom has a Super King bed (convertible to two super-singles), and the second bedroom has a queen bed. The open-plan lounge has a kitchen with hotplates, microwave (no oven), stylish glass and dinnerware plus all necessary cooking utensils. Adjacent to the dining area is the lounge with comfortable sofa, CD-stereo system, Plasma TV, DVD player. A sunny balcony offers fantastic views over the Bay of Islands.
Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
This historic Bay of Islands hotel offers charming accommodation and hearty breakfasts in a truly amazing waterfront location with spectacular views of the Bay of Islands. ‘The Duke’, as it’s affectionately known, holds New Zealand’s oldest pub license. A haven of hospitality for over 150 years, The Duke today is one of the country’s most gracious establishments.
Classic rooms
are refreshing and bright and feature a luxurious Queen or King bed, en-suite bathroom with a shower, flat-screen TV with sky, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Twin configuration available
Superior Rooms
have been superbly decorated in keeping with the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel and feature a luxurious Super King bed, Smart TV with Sky, en-suite bathroom with shower, a reading chair, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Rooms open to a balcony which are a mix of internal and street-facing. Twin configuration available.
Superior Rooms with Balcony
offer more room for the leisure traveller including the use of a shared deck. Recently renovated, these rooms feature a luxurious Queen bed and Single bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, flat-screen Sky TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Waterview rooms
offer stunning views to Paihia and Waitangi, and overlook the magnificent Bay of Islands. Opening onto a private balcony, this room features a luxurious Super King bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, sofa, flat screen Sky TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands, Opua
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands offers elegance, style and luxury in a private, native bush reserve a few minutes’ drive from Paihia. The two level, cedar-clad lodge overlooks the Veronica Channel and the regular ferry route between Paihia and the charming, historic town of Russell. Your luxury accommodation for two in the Sea View or Bush View Suite includes full breakfast each morning and a complimentary wine and beer minibar.
Sea and Bush View Suites
look out over the native flora and fauna toward Russell and the Bay of Islands. Each room has under-floor heating, a walk-in wardrobe, TV, DVD/CD player and Wi-Fi. In-room comforts include bathrobes, slippers and quality bathroom amenities. Each suite sleeps two guests in a Super King bed and there is an en-suite bathroom with shower. Full breakfast is included and there is a complimentary open bar for guests throughout their stay.
Taipa Beach Resort, Doubtless Bay
Enjoy a beachside escape like no other at Taipa Beach Resort, located on the shores of Doubtless Bay. A holiday paradise, perfect for everything from a romantic getaway to a family-friendly escape, with excellent facilities, including an on-site cafe, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, barbecue and tennis court.
All kinds of sports are on offer, from sailing, golfing, fishing, snorkelling, diving, paddle-boarding, arts and crafts, sightseeing and visiting historical sites. There are also many famous golf courses within one hour’s drive, such as Kauri Cliffs, Carrington, Ahipara, Whangaroa, Bay of Islands and Waitangi.
Deluxe Studios or One-Bedroom Superior Apartments Beachfront
All accommodation is tastefully furnished, with modern colours and designs, Smart TVs with built-in Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player, Italian furniture, and comfortable sofa-bed, suitable for one adult or small child. The kitchenettes feature bench-high fridges, microwaves, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities (One Bedroom Superior Apartments also have two-burner electric hobs). All beds are King Size, coil-sprung and triple-sheeted for maximum comfort and hygiene. Each has its own private terrace on the beachfront.
Some of the experiences available in Northland are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Cape Reinga Fly/Drive, Paihia
This all-inclusive tour is the best way to experience Cape Reinga.
Depart Kerikeri airport in a fixed wing aircraft, with window seats for each passenger. Local history and points of interest are pointed out during the flight up the West Coast, with low level views of the world famous 90-mile beach before landing at a private airfield near the Cape. Here a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle will take you on a 2.5 hour guided ground tour, exploring the top of New Zealand including Te Paki Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy some Sand Tobogganing fun and Cape Reinga lighthouse, where the two oceans meet. From here, you’ll return to the plane and fly down Northland’s spectacular East Coast via the Bay of Islands. Much of this stunning eastern coastline is untouched and not accessible by road.
Duration: 4.5 hours (includes morning or afternoon tea)
Discover the Bay Cruise, Bay of Islands
Experience the ultimate Bay of Islands cruise
Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings as you cruise among the 144 islands that make up this area. Dolphins can be seen on most trips, along with birdlife, whales and seals – knowledgeable Nature Guides on board will be available to answer all your questions. You’ll explore the iconic Hole in the Rock and stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island, where you will have time to explore, swim at the sandy bay or enjoy refreshments in the sun from the fully-licensed café.
Duration: 5 hours
Dune Rider, Bay of Islands
This full-day tour will take you to Cape Reinga Lighthouse at the top of the North Island where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea in a purpose-built, spacious, off-road vehicle with air-conditioning, and reclining seats. After an early morning pick-up, there will be a beach stop on 90-Mile Beach, and time for some boogie-boarding down the huge sand dunes at Te Paki stream, as well as some time at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom, with an informative commentary on historic and cultural points of interest. Finally, a stop at Mangonui before arriving back at your accommodation.
Duration: 11 hours
Footprints Waipoua. Hokianga
This 4-hour signature night tour experience visits the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world: Te Matua Ngahere (The Father of the forest) and Tane Mahuta (The Lord of the forest). Let your senses awaken to the spectacular night noises and foreign environment, while local Māori guides entertain you with cultural stories and songs.
Duration: 4 hours
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waitangi
New Zealand’s most important historic site where much of its history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence, He Whakaputanga in 1835, and the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. Often called the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’, Waitangi weaves together the strands and stories of many people, events and places to reveal the rich cultural history of Aotearoa New Zealand, offering an inspiring and meaningful experience for every visitor. The Waitangi Experience Pass includes a guided tour (50 minutes), a Māori cultural performance (30 minutes), entry to Te Kongahu Museum, Te Rau Aroha Museum, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, the carving studio, and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. The Waitangi Experience Pass is valid for 2 days.
The Footprint of Kupe Experience, Hokianga
Manea ‘Footprints of Kupe’ welcomes you on a journey of discovery through the eyes of New Zealand’s first discoverer, Kupe to Hokianga and New Zealand. It is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling through art, taonga (cultural treasures), 4D film performance, digital interaction and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surrounds. This is New Zealand’s first story, a story of national significance and one that has been in the making for over 1000 years. Enjoy an authentic and interactive experience hosted and delivered by his descendants, connecting you to Kupe’s epic arrival in Aotearoa, his journeys across the land, his departure and the stories of re-population. The landscape directly surrounding the Heritage Centre have hardly changed since and provides the backdrop for an experience of a lifetime. Be prepared for a tour with a difference!
The Kauri Museum, Matakohe
This award-winning museum tells a fascinating story of the pioneering days using the example of kauri timber and gum. Settlers first came to Matakohe and nearby Paparoa and Maungaturoto in 1862.This museum was established to pay tribute to those early pioneers and celebrate their centennial. Experience the kauri story of the past, understand its present and be part of the kauri tree’s future.
Perfect Day Ocean Cruise, Snorkel and Sightseeing Trip, Tutukaka
The Poor Knights Islands in Northland are rated among the world’s top dive locations. Beneath the waves, an ocean of diving has been compressed into a relatively small area. The Poor Knights are home to the Rikoriko Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world. Perfect Day offers the ultimate non-diving Poor Knights experience, with a sightseeing tour, including a visit right inside the Rikoriko Cave, kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, sea mammal-spotting, snippets of fascinating history and island facts plus great food.
Duration: 5.5 hours (includes snorkelling equipment and a buffet lunch).
Twin Coast Discovery Self Drive – 6 Days
Auckland – Hokianga – Doubtless Bay – Bay of Islands – Auckland
An 800km circular touring route which starts and ends in Auckland.
Day 1: Auckland – Hokianga – 4 Hours/205 Miles
- Collect rental vehicle in central Auckland and self-drive to Hokianga.
- Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes into the journey, you will pass the Kaipara Harbour and arrive at Matakohe where you can visit the Kauri Museum.
- Continuing north past the town of Dargaville, you will venture into the Waipoua Forest – home to Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest’), which at 51 metres (almost 170 feet) tall, is the largest kauri tree in the world. You can take a guided walk through the forest to learn about Māori legend and history in the area.
Drive two hours north to arrive at historic Hokianga Harbour.
Day 2: Hokianga – Doubtless Bay – 2 Hours/65 Miles
Spend the morning in Hokianga. After lunch head to Rawene, New Zealand’s third oldest European settlement, where you will take the vehicle ferry to Kohukohu. From Kohukohu continue driving for one hour to Ahipara, the gateway to 90-Mile Beach. Keen surfers may wish to hire a board and tackle one of New Zealand’s best left-hand surf breaks.
After exploring Ahipara, continue driving north-east to Doubtless Bay, a journey of approximately 40 minutes, via Kaitaia. If you prefer, you can take a 4-hour detour from Ahipara to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean – a place deeply significant to Māori, then continue to Doubtless Bay.
Additional Recommended Activities
- Play a round of gold at Carringon Golf Course, a championship 18 hole course
- Enjoy wine tasting at Karikari Estate Winery
Day 3: Doubtless Bay – Bay of Islands – 1.5 Hours/68 Miles
Spend a lazy morning around Doubtless Bay, and at your leisure drive to the beautiful Bay of Islands. You may like to stop en route at Kauri Cliffs, one of New Zealand’s premier golf resorts.
There is a good range of accommodation in the Bay of Islands. Paihia and Russell are good options to base yourself for two nights.
Recommended Activities
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 between Maori Chiefs and the British Crown
- Enjoy a Hole in the Rock boat cruise
- Explore the beautiful coastal water with a dolphin viewing cruise or enjoy an incredible dolphin swimming experience
Day 4: Bay of Islands
Spend another day exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands
Day 5: Bay of Islands – Whangarei/Tutukaka – 1.5 Hours/61 Miles
In the morning, drive from Bay of Islands to Whangarei or Tutukaka.
Whangarei is a modern city set in a sub-tropical landscape, offering a good range of accommodation options. Thirty minutes’ drive north-east of Whangarei is Tutukaka, a bustling, nautical town with beautiful coastal views. The town is also the gateway to Poor Knights Island, home to spectacular diving, snorkelling and fishing experiences.
Day 6: Whangarei/Tutukaka – Auckland – 2.5 Hours/216 Miles
In the morning drive from Whangarei or Tutukaka to Auckland.
You may like to stop en route at the Matakana Coast and visit one of the region’s excellent wineries.
Recommended Activities:
- Visit the Matakana Coast
Twin Coast Cycle Trail – 2 Days/54 Miles
A spectacular cross-country journey from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail serves up an irresistible mix of relaxing riding with some significant heritage sites and stories.
A glittering coast, a tranquil harbour, wetlands, native forest and rolling farmland can all be enjoyed on this ride across the Far North, which passes through towns rich in history and manaakitanga (hospitality).
Following a smooth rail trail, cycle paths, wetland boardwalk, suspension bridges and country roads, the trail can be ridden in either direction, or broken into smaller day trips. It is both relaxing and highly rewarding, with opportunities to visit various cultural sites and attractions while enjoying the sub-tropical climate for which the ‘winterless’ north is famous.
We're here to help
From assisting with your travel insurance and foreign currency to airport transfers, parking, marvellous accommodation and lounges. All Ways Tailormade are here to give you the experience of a lifetime and as stress-free as possible.
Stay in touch
Sign up to our newsletter for specials, news and updates
