Discover the Best of Northland
Northland is the northernmost region out of New Zealand’s 16 local government regions. With its sub-tropical climate and mild winters, the Northland region is a very popular place to live for those who like outdoor lifestyle. The population of Northland is estimated to be at around 180,000 people. Also being famous for its beautiful beaches, spectacular landscapes and incredible hospitality, Northland remains one of the most popular destinations among tourists all year round.
Northland Region starts just 15 km north of Wellsford and extends north to the tip of the Northland Peninsula. To the west, it is bounded by untamed and wild Tasman Sea and to the east, it is washed by calm and deep Pacific Ocean. This gives you an opportunity to enjoy the completely different scenery within 15-minute drive.
Northland Region consists of three districts and each of them has their own charm and beauty:
Far North
Kaipara
Whangārei
History of Northland
Māori legends say that the North Island of New Zealand was a giant fish, caught by Māui – Māori demigod. That is why, Northland has sometimes named “The tail of the fish”, Te Hiku o Te Ika.
Hokianga Harbor is believed to be a place where Kupe – the legendary figure in Māori mythology, has landed and the first time in human history New Zealand was discovered.
Therefore, you can find the most ancient traces of Māori iwi in Northland and encounter Māori living today.
Must See and Do
While visiting Northland, there are some places you cannot afford to miss.
Make sure you stop at Waipoua Forest and see New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta. According to Maori mythology, Tāne is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tāne’s children.
Also, it is a must to visit the stunning Poor Knights Islands. Due to the abundance of marine life, it is rated as one of the top 10 diving spots in the world by legendary adventurer Jacques Cousteau.
If you want to make the most of your trip, make a stop in the Bay of Islands where you can see one of the most stunning sceneries in Northland. Also, you must visit Waitangi Grounds and learn about signing the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840. This event was an official establishment of New Zealand.
The almost never-ending paradise, the Ninety Mile beach is one of the most beautiful places not only in Northland but the whole world. With the actual length of 88 kilometres offers stunning sunsets, giant sand dunes and untamed Tasman sea. Your trip to Ninety Mile Beach will become one of the best memories in your life.
Last but not least is the iconic Cape Reinga. Offering a stunning view of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. Sitting by the Cape Reinga lighthouse you can enjoy one of the most beautiful and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets in the world. According to Māori mythology the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife to leap off the headland.
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Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach or Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē (official name) is almost unending paradise on the far north-west coast of New Zealand. Rough waves of Tasman Sea with the combination of giant sand dunes and desert-like landscapes formed a unique beach, like nowhere else in the world.
Tāne Mahuta
Tāne Mahuta, also known as Lord of the Forest, is the biggest known Kauri Tree in Northland and New Zealand. It is around 50 meters high and measured at 14 meters around the trunk at breast height. Its age is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years. Tāne is Māori god of birds and forests. Therefore, Tāne Mahuta is a sacred tree for all Māori people. According to mythology, all living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tāne’s children.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is famous for being a spot where you can see how the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. Standing by the beautiful lighthouse, you can enjoy how the power of sea and ocean create a tidal race – waves, rapids, and whirlpools. Unforgettable place, not to miss when you are in New Zealand!