Northland New Zealand

Northland New Zealand region covers the entire far north of the North Island, from Kaipara Harbour upwards, including the many islands around the coasts.

This large region can be seen as split into several different areas; Kaitaia, Bay of Islands, Kauri Coast, and Whangarei.

Bay of Islands
Northland Bay of Islands Coast View

Each area in the north has different attractions and activities on offer.

Forests where the biggest ancient Kauri trees still exist, lakes, bays, harbours, beautiful beaches, and hundreds of islands.

Beaches, Coasts, Forests, Reserves

The Pacific Ocean is on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other so there are some stunning coastal areas and inland forests to explore.

From the well-known Bay of Islands to the marine wonder of Goat Island, 90 Mile Beach to scenic reserves along the ‘Kauri Coast’, Hokianga Harbour and Kaipara Harbour, right up to the Te Paki Recreation Reserve and Spirits Bay in the far North where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.

West Coast Harbour Beach - Opononi
Northland Hokianga Harbour Beach at Opononi

If you are looking for quieter beaches and places to visit, the west coast has fewer tourists than the east coast.

This is partly due to the east coast being more popular and easy to get to for New Zealanders from Auckland for short or weekend breaks.

Culture and History in Northland

Learn about some of New Zealand’s history and culture with visits to historic places in Northland.

View Across Bay to Paihia
View Across Bay to Paihia Bay of Islands Northland

Of historical significance there are many places to visit where relationships between Maori and Europeans developed, including trading and wars.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by Maori and Europeans in 1840 and takes a few hours to really explore.

Northland Weather and Climate

The further north you go in NZ the warmer the climate generally is. This is a sub-tropical climate but you do get variations in weather from one coast to the other.

The June to August winter is mild, no snow or ice here, September to November spring months arrive earliest, summer starting in December is hottest during January and February, and autumn is from March to May.

Average Temperatures

  • Summer 24°C to 14°C
  • Autumn 21°C to 11°C
  • Winter 16°C to 7°C
  • Spring 19°C to 10°C

Northland Location