Northland: Dunes, Coastal Routes and Culture

Taitokerau Northland is New Zealand’s northernmost and only subtropical region. The destination combines impressive natural scenery with places that reveal New Zealand’s history. To plan your trip, you can first consider whether you would like to focus on landscapes, water activities, cycling and travel routes, or cultural sites.

Experience dunes, coast and nature

The Te Paki Sand Dunes consist of a series of giant dunes that are about 150 metres high. Sandboarding there is risky; check the Department of Conservation’s safety advice before visiting. For a different perspective on the coast, take the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway: the trail offers sweeping ocean views, pōhutukawa trees and a white-sand beach, and is part of the Te Araroa Trail.

The region’s natural highlights also include Tāne Mahuta, the kauri tree known as the “Lord of the Forest.” For underwater experiences, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve features caves, arches, tunnels and steep cliffs. The reserve was established in 1981 and covers 2,410 hectares. It lies about 22 kilometres off Northland’s east coast and can be reached by boat from Northland; the main departure point is Tutukaka Marina.

Routes and experiences on the water

Boat trips, sailing tours, snorkelling experiences and kayaking adventures are available in the Bay of Islands. Another way to experience the region is the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. It is New Zealand’s northernmost and only coast-to-coast Great Ride, running from the Bay of Islands in the east to Hokianga Harbour in the west.

The routes also offer different starting points for planning your trip. Northland Journeys features routes of 50 to 150 kilometres through Taitokerau Northland, leading to attractions, local favourites and other destinations. The Secret Coast Route runs between Russell and Helena Bay through coastal landscapes. The Ancient Kauri Trail connects Maungaturoto, Dargaville and Ōmāpere. These names and routes offer different starting points if you would rather plan your trip around a cycle trail, a series of routes or specific stops.

Cultural sites and history

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds combine historical context with a guided visit. The tours share stories about the people and events that have shaped New Zealand’s past, present and future. Admission includes an informative 50-minute guided tour, a 30-minute Māori cultural experience, and entry to the Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and the Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship. The Treaty Grounds are also where Te Tiriti o Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was first signed in 1840; they were New Zealand’s first national monument.

At the Pompallier Mission and Printery, several guides take visitors through the individual steps of 19th-century printing and bookbinding, from setting type to tanning hides. The site is New Zealand’s only surviving pioneer printery and tannery. It illustrates the influence of Bishop Pompallier and his missionaries in introducing Catholicism through written works in te reo Māori.

The Kororipo Heritage Park and Māngungu Mission offer further historical perspectives. Kororipo Heritage Park marks the first settlement where Māori and Pākehā—people of European descent—lived side by side. Māngungu Mission was the site of the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. There are nine Tohu Whenua sites in Taitokerau Northland in total.

Choose the right base for your trip

When choosing a holiday rental in Northland, it helps to prioritise the experiences you want to shape your itinerary: guided cultural sites, a cycle trail, or nature and water activities all lead to different planning decisions. Northland’s visitor information centres offer booking services and personal recommendations for activities, accommodation, attractions and travel bookings. This lets you connect your accommodation search with the places and experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations in Northland

Discover more destinations: Far North District, Whangarei District, Kaipara District, Waipu, Matakohe, Cable Bay, Kaeo, Whangaruru, Kaikohe, Otaika, Matapouri, Rawhiti, Ruakaka, Lake Ohia, Awanui.

Go to the main travel overview: New Zealand.