-	All photographs of The Far North

The Far North District, is as the name states in the Far north of the North Island of New Zealand. The district consists of 7323 km² of the northern most part of the Northland Region. Kaitia is the main town of this district. 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga, North Cape, Spirits Bay, The Three Kings Islands, Doubtless Bay and Monganui Harbour are just a few of the superb places to visit in The Far North.

The Far North is a place of its own, like no where else in the world. The district offers many stunning white silica sandy beaches, crystal clear, warm waters, great fishing, pumping surf breaks and is the perfect place to relax, take time out, away from motorways, traffic lights and the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Northland's Twin Coast Discovery Highway encompasses The Far North. A prefect way to visit this amazing region is with a campervan or motorhome.

Kaitaia, the most northern town in New Zealand, it is situated 117 km south of Cape Reinga and 155 km north-west of Whangarei. Kaitia is a service town to a thriving agricultural community. It has an extensive shopping centre, a variety of lively cafés and friendly restaurants. Kaitia’s Maori and European history go back as far as the first settlements in NZ. The local museum has several displays exhibiting the long, rich history of this area. There are many local artists in and around Kaitia, all with their own distinct flavour. Kaitia also has an indoor sports centre, bowling facilities, a golf course, tennis and squash courts and a shooting range.

Doubtless Bay, east of Kaitia has over 70 km of pristine coastline. Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach and Whatuwhiwhi are all safe swimming beaches protected from the Pacific’s surf by the stunning Karikari Peninsula. There are panoramic views of Doubtless Bay from Rangikapiti Pa, and the Mangonui Heritage Trail is a nice walk.

Aupouri Peninsula, Also known as “Top of the North”, is where you will find 90 Mile Beach, on which you can drive or take a bus trip at low tide. 90 mile Beach is recognised as a public road. Cape Reinga is situated at the North Cape, where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet. Its iconic lighthouse guards the northern most reaches of NZ. Spirits Bay, with its sparkling white silica sand, is well worth checking out, this horse-shoe bay is by far one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is truly a spiritual place. Three Kings Islands, offshore is a spectacular diving destination, and the three magnificent harbours; Parengarenga Harbour, Houhora Harbour and Rangaunu Harbour are all likely places to start your big game fishing adventure.

Ahipara is at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach, 14 kms west of Kaitaia. Renowned for its brilliant sunsets, it is also the gateway to Shipwrecks Bay, one of the best left hand surf breaks in the world. There was a lucrative kauri gum industry around Ahipara in the late 1800’s, up to two thousand people were living here, they would load the gum onto the ships in the bay, causing many to sink here. Today you can still see some wreckage in the bay at low tide. Ahipara is home to one of Northland's award winning wineries.

You can swim, dive, surf, hire a kayak, sail, water ski, snorkel, surf-cast from rock or beach, fish from a hired boat, dig for shellfish, wind surfing, land yachting, walking, collect shells, go horse riding, dune riding, body boarding, kite flying and hang gliding. There's also an 18 hole links golf course at the Ahipara end of 90 Mile Beach. or relax and do nothing at all.

The Far North has a modest range of accommodation, from an international standard resort hotel and conference centre at Taipa,to historic inns, comfortable hotels and motels, luxurious lodges, holiday homes with sea views, apartments, bed and breakfasts, homestays, farmstays, back packer hostels, holiday parks and camping grounds. The Far North accommodation can get very busy in the high season. It pays to pre book your Northland accommodation. Enjoy your stay in this subtropical paradise.