Far North New Zealand was a super fun and fascinating 8-day road trip with my photography Kiwis group. We had an absolute blast exploring the beauty of this fantastic part of the country together.
The northernmost tip of New Zealand is a treasure trove of stunning attractions. We checked out the famous 90 Mile Beach, the legendary Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and even a giant swamp of Kauri trees that are thousands of years old.
The region also boasts the most beautiful, unspoiled white sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, collecting some shellfish, and even bodyboarding down the sand dunes. It was an absolute thrill.
Also, for all hiking enthusiasts, you’ll be happy to know that numerous walks are available in the area, ranging from short to multi-day hikes. There are even opportunities to stay at Department of Conservation campsites.
Where is The Far North?
The Far North is a stunning district in New Zealand on the North Island. It is well-known for its natural beauty, including the Aupouri Peninsula and the famous Ninety Mile Beach on its west coast.
The region is home to Cape Reinga at the northern end and the town of Kaitaia at the southern base. You can find picturesque harbors, including Parengarenga Harbor, Whangaroa Harbor, and Bay of Islands on the east coast and the rugged Hokianga on the west coast.
Must-To-Do in the Far North
Doubtless Bay
When we arrived in Auckland, we “anchored” in Doubtless Bay and rented a house. It was amazing! Each day, we planned our adventures based on the weather, which can be a bit unpredictable in beautiful New Zealand.
Doubtless Bay has several stunning beaches with luxurious caramel and white sand, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing. And the town is simply charming! There are so many places to eat, shop, and relax. You’ll never run out of things to do!
Kawakawa Public Toilets by Hundertwasser And The Steam Train
I had an amazing drive through Kawakawa; The town is bursting with life and color, beautiful sculptures and mosaics everywhere. The public toilets are covered in colorful tiles and even have golden orbs on the roof! And that’s not all – the vintage railway track that runs through the town is unique and worth a visit.
Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is a famous stretch of sand that spans from Ahipara to Scott Point, located five kilometers south of Cape Maria van Diemen. Despite its name, it is actually 54 Miles long.
Upon seeing it, I immediately reacted, “Wow, that’s a really long beach!” It looked like a busy highway, with cars, trucks, and motorcycles constantly moving”. In fact, it was chaotic and dangerous with so many vehicles around. Nevertheless, it was an awe-inspiring sight to behold!
Gum Diggers Park And Ancient Buried Kauri Forests
Visiting this park is like stepping back in time and experiencing a unique live museum. This authentic 100-year-old gum field offers insight into the endurance of the Dalmatians who immigrated to New Zealand and lived through incredibly challenging circumstances. Additionally, you can see the ancient forest underneath, making it an absolutely amazing destination to visit.
The park owners did a great job in maintaining and organizing the park. It’s amazing to see how these people survived. This is a great opportunity to learn about unknown history. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the past.
Houhora Head Park
During our trip to Cape Reinga, we made stops at various bays and dunes along the way. Despite being small on the map, the Far North has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing. Houhora Bay was particularly beautiful and serene, making it an ideal place for camping. The calm waters and rugged cliffs provided a picturesque view that we absolutely loved.
Opononi Sand Dunes
Visiting the massive sand dunes is one of the most popular things to do in Hokianga, Northland. One of the many dunes in the region is the Opononi Sand Dunes.
. To explore the dunes, we opted for a boat ride with Hokianga Express Charters, a company that takes tourists to the dunes. They even provided us with boards to slide on the dunes, which made the experience a lot more enjoyable!
The Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua.
The Cape Reinga lighthouse is an important landmark in the area, located on a rocky cape that drops steeply into the Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east. From there, you can witness the magical sight of the two oceans meeting each other in a swirling display of currents.
This place is very special because it is where Māori spirits begin their final journey. It’s an exceptional spot for the local Māori people, who consider it to be the most spiritually significant place in all of New Zealand.
The Stone Store & Kemp House – Kerikeri Mission Station
Today, the weather was rainy, but we decided to make the most of it and visit a historical site with delightful cafes and pastries. The Kemp House and the Stone Store are the oldest buildings in New Zealand, serving as a reminder of the strong relationships between the Māori and Pakeha communities in the early 19th century.
This site is significant as it marks the birthplace of both communities and is a serene and enchanting place that encourages us to appreciate the cultural diversity and rich heritage of New Zealand. It is definitely a must-visit location.
The Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes
Te Paki is a stunning coastal strip that stretches 10km long and 1km wide. It is a huge sand dune that reaches a height of 150m, which is quite impressive. On our way to the Cape Reinga, we took a short drive off the main road to stop there. It was a slight detour, but it was definitely worth it for the stonnish views.
Russell
Russell is an absolutely charming town full of character and rich history. You’ll find the atmosphere here lively and energetic, with plenty of fun things to do for everyone. Although it wasn’t always this way – during the 19th century, Russell was known as ‘The hellhole of the Pacific’ due to its popularity as a shore leave destination for sailors, whalers, and traders. But today, it’s a famous holiday town perfect for anyone. You’ll discover many friendly shops, restaurants, and hotels that will make you feel at home.
The Treaty Of Waitangi
Every country has a unique story to tell, and New Zealand’s is quite fascinating. When the British decided to include Aeteoroa (New Zealand in Māori) as a British colony, they negotiated with the Māori, and together they signed a treaty. The treaty was drawn up in English and later translated into Māori. You can find the original document of this treaty in the Wellington National Library of New Zealand!
On February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by forty-three Northland Chiefs. The treaty was then taken around the country for eight months, and over 500 Māori Chiefs signed it.
Flagstaff Hill
Flagstaff Hill, also known as Maiki Hill, is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand that provides a stunning panoramic view of the Bay of Islands.
It played a significant role in shaping the relationship between the Ngāpuhi tribe and the British settlers during the early days of colonization.
Chief Hōne Heke’s rebellion against the British, known as the ‘Flagstaff War,’ took place here after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
Merita Beach in Waikato Bay
With countless beautiful beaches in Northland, it’s no surprise that visitors can feel overwhelmed. But let me tell you about one beach worth visiting – Matai Bay! Locals describe it as one of the best and most famous beaches in New Zealand, and it’s not hard to see why.
I recently visited Matai Bay to see what all the hype was about, and its beauty blew me away. This pristine crescent-shaped beach boasts white sand and calm waters, making it the perfect spot for relaxation. And the best part? Despite its popularity, the beach was quiet and peaceful during my visit in November.
If you’re in the area, check out nearby Waikato Bay and the Karikari Peninsula. The whole area is worth exploring, and you won’t be disappointed!
Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls is an awesome place to visit! Not only is the waterfall itself stunning, but the bay surrounding it is absolutely picturesque. You can also take a leisurely walk along the 6km track, which takes about 2.5 hours one way.
The waterfall is amazing! It’s a block-type waterfall that drops 5 meters (16 feet) with a wide drop area. In the early days, the tidal basin below the falls was a popular trading place for the Maori. Canoes and trading boats would enter on the incoming tide since the falls are 3 km (1.8 miles) from the ocean.
My Impression
My recent road trip to Northland was an absolute blast. The trip was fun and memorable, and I’m already thinking about going back to explore more of the region. Trust me, Northland is a pretty cool place to visit, with its subtropical climate earning it the nickname ‘the winterless North.’
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Northland is a popular tourist destination, and as a result, prices are typically higher than in other parts of the country. But don’t worry, it’s worth every penny, and you’ll be supporting the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
When you visit Northland, you’ll be amazed by its stunning white sandy beaches and scenic locations like the Bay of Islands.
If you’re looking for a landmark to check out, definitely visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and remember to stop by the museum and war memorial dedicated to the Maori Battal. Trust me, they’re super engaging, and you won’t regret it!
