Bay of Islands & Northland

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Arial view of Waewaetorea Island.

Mark Read

Overview

For many New Zealanders, the phrase ‘up north’ conjures up sepia-toned images of family fun in the sun, pohutukawa in bloom and dolphins frolicking in pretty bays. From school playgrounds to work cafeterias, owning a bach (holiday house) here is a passport to popularity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), a giant kauri (Agathis australis) coniferous tree in the Waipoua Forest. 861154632 Large Growth Nature Vertical Outdoors Rural Scene Hiking Natural Phenomenon Plant Public Park Footpath Green Color New Old Tropical Climate North National Landmark Bush Tree Uncultivated Tree Trunk Leaf Landscape - Scenery Island Woodland Forest Tall - High New Zealand North Island New Zealand Northland - New Zealand Māori Giant Males Females Photography Travel Kauri Tree Rainforest Waipoua Forest te matua ngahere

    Te Matua Ngahere

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    From the Kauri Walks car park, a 20-minute walk leads past the Four Sisters, a graceful stand of four tall trees fused together at the base, to Te Matua…

  • Beach at Mangawhai Heads.

    Mangawhai Heads

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Mangawhai's main claim to fame is the surf beach and its large hilltop car park fills up quickly in peak season. To the south a narrow spit of sand…

  • The T?ne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), a giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region. The Tāne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), a giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region. 838457824 Nature Horizontal Famous Place New Zealand North Island New Zealand Northland - New Zealand Color Image Photography Tourism Kauri Tree Hokianga Harbour Waipoua Forest Tāne Mahuta

    Tāne Mahuta

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Near the north end of the park, not far from the road, stands mighty Tāne Mahuta, named for the Māori forest god. At 51.5m, with a 13.8m girth and wood…

  • Kauri Museum

    Kauri Museum

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    The giant cross-sections of trees at this superb museum are astounding in themselves, but the entire industry is animated through life-sized reproductions…

  • Mangawhai Museum

    Mangawhai Museum

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    One of regional NZ's best museums, this spectacular building shaped like a stingray is on the main road linking Mangawhai village to Mangawhai Heads…

  • Arai-Te-Uru Recreation Reserve in Omapere, New Zealand.

    Arai-te-uru Recreation Reserve

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Covering the southern headland of the Hokianga Harbour, this reserve offers magnificent views over the harbour and along the wild west coast. A short walk…

  • Exterior of Clapham's National Clock Musuem.

    Clapham’s National Clock Museum

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    This charming collection of 1600 ticking, gonging and cuckooing timepieces is housed in a building shaped as a sundial. There are all manner of kooky and…

  • Te Kākano

    Te Kākano

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Fans of the late Austrian-born architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser will instantly recognise his influence in this colourful, irregularly shaped, one…

View more attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Bay of Islands & Northland

Filter by interest:

Cape Reinga Lighthouse at sunset.

Wildlife & Nature

Nature, surf & culture: 7 things to do in New Zealand’s Northland

May 24, 2019 • 3 min read

Read more articles

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Bay of Islands & Northland with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.