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Bay of Islands & Northland

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Arial view of Waewaetorea Island.

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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.
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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.
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    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…

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