Take a trip north to subtropical Northland on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to experience the iconic Bay of Islands, the Kauri Coast, the Far North, and Whangārei.
Alternative access roads are in place in the Northland region while State Highway 1 road works are underway. The region remains open and ready to welcome visitors. For the latest roading information, visit Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency)(opens in new window), or visit Northland NZ(opens in new window) for inspiration and advice on how to make the most of your Northland journey.
Northland is a story of two coastlines – the west coast is rugged and soulful while the east coast is relatively more sophisticated and urbane.
In the beautiful Bay of Islands you can take a boat cruise, view dolphins, dive, fish or just relax in the sun. Be sure to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites.
View the video here (opens in new window)to explore activities in Northland and Bay of Islands.
On the west coast you’ll encounter magnificent Tāne-Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in existence. Then venture north to Hokianga Harbour and Ninety-Mile Beach, areas with huge white sand dunes and laid back beach communities.
At the northernmost tip of the country, Cape Reinga, you can watch the seas of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide.
Northland's only city, Whangārei, has plenty of accommodation and is an excellent place to enjoy the Northland lifestyle. Sit at a quayside café and watch the yachts or visit the farmers’ market on a Saturday morning and stock up on the freshest local food.
The full beauty and diversity of Northland is yours to experience when you drive the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. This comprehensive touring route along the Tasman and Pacific coasts mingles stretches of coast, vistas of rolling farming country and lush mystical Kauri rainforest.
