-	All photographs of Northland

The Northland Region, or “The Winterless North” as the locals call it, is situated on the northern 80% of the North Auckland Peninsula, which is the Northern most part of the North Island of New Zealand. Covering an area of 13,944 km² Northland’s southern boarder with the Auckland Region runs through Mangawhai. On the eastern coast, to Port Albert, in the Kaipra Harbour, on the western coast. It is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea, and to the east by the Pacific Ocean as far north as Cape Reinga, which is New Zealand’s northern most point. Whangarei is Northland’s main centre, and the seat of The Northland Regional Council.

The Nga Puhi are the largest Maori tribe or iwi in New Zealand, they occupy most the Northland Peninsula, which they call Tai Tokerau. The Nga Puhi claim that the legendary Kupe's waka (out-rigger canoe) "Matawhourua", which brought the first Maori to New Zealand almost 1000 years ago, first landed on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour, on the western coast of Northland. In 1840, The Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed near Paihia in the Bay of Islands. You will find more information on Northland’s unique history on our history link.

Northland is New Zealand’s warmest region, with an average of 2000 annual sunshine hours, it has a predominantly sub-tropical climate. The summers can be humid and warm, with 30°C as a maximum high. The mild winters can be quite pleasant with an average day time temperature of 15°C, it hardly ever freezes up here. The native sub-tropical vegetation is abundant everywhere, including Pongas and Nikau Palms. Introduced plant species such as avocadoes, citrus and banana trees also find this a perfect climate and do well up here.

The landscape of Northland is mainly rolling hill country, farmland interspersed with patches of native forest. There are many secluded pohutakawa tree lined beaches on both coasts and three deepwater harbours. The Kaipra Harbour, which is shared with The Auckland Region, and the Hokianga Harbour are situated on the western side of the peninsula. The Whangarei Harbour on the eastern coast, 160 km north of Auckland, is the regions main deep-water port. The country’s only oil refinery is located at Marsden Point, near Ruakaka, just south of Whangarei.

There are many predator free islands off both coasts which now are home to threatened native bird species, including the KIwi and the Kokako. The Bay Of Islands, Cavalli Islands, Hen and Chickens Islands and the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve are all world renowned dive spots.

The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is an 800 km touring route around Northland, taking in all of the best that the north has to offer. Traveling this route in a campervan is a great way to see this remarkable region.

Whangarei is New Zealand's northernmost city and is also the main centre of Northland. Whangarei Falls near town, is often called New Zealand's most photogenic waterfall. A drive out to Whangarei Heads and the Bream Head Scenic Reserve offers some stunning beaches with outstanding walks with panoramic harbour and coastal views.

Waipoua Forest, between Dargaville, the heart of the Kauri Coast, and the Hokianga Harbour is the home of the magnificent Kauri trees. Here you can make several short walks to see some of the largest trees in the world. Tane Mahuta, is the “King of the Forest” is 1250 years old and still growing.

Cape Reinga in the Far North is home to the historic lighthouse guarding New Zealand’s north-western approaches. Off the North Cape the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, leaving a visible line of surf breaking out to sea. Also in The Far North is Spirits Bay, one of New Zealand’s finest beaches, without a house in sight. At Ninety Mile Beach you can drive on the sand at low tide, there are wild horses in the Aupouri Forest, behind the beach

There is a wide range of activities in Northland, most involve the sea. Northlands surf is awesome, with endless surf options. Fishing and diving are also very popular, the crystal clear, warm waters and abundant marine wildlife make this a sub tropical playground. Mountain biking, kayaking, beach combing, kauri gum digging, caving, rock climbing, relaxing on a beach all to yourself plus much more. This is Northland, come and see it for yourself.