North Land is the cradle of both Maori and Pakeha culture: it was here
that the Pakeha first made contact with the Maori, and where the first whaling
settlements were established. Often
referred to as the 'winterless north' because of its mild year-round
temperatures, North Land has a number of interesting museums, glorious blonde beaches
and diving spots, historic towns, game fishing and flora and fauna reserves.
This region starts north of Auckland and stretches to the northern tip of the
North Island and boasts the country's warmest weather and a wealth of natural
attractions including kauri forests, long sandy beaches and isolated coves and
islands.
The Bay of Islands is the most popular destination in North Land. Other
popular attractions include scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands, off the
coast from Whangarei, and driving along the 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at the
northern most tip of the North Island.
The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of North Land springs from its subtropical
climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the
coastline. The people of the North have a passion for water sport - surfing,
boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of
the region’s fascinating Maori and European history.
Much of North Lands' extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic
playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei and Opua
are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for yachts. You’ll
find that Maori culture is still very much alive in this region and you’ll also enjoy the shopping, dining and
entertainment possibilities that stem from the distinctive local culture - which
embraces art, creativity, organic farming and alternative thinking.
North Land is perfect for aquatic lovers, with its hundreds of miles of
unspoilt twin coast that is waiting to be explored. With 144 islands, the Bay of
Islands is renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Inland,
hiking trails and short walks in the native forests lead to some of the largest
and oldest trees in the world.
North Land is a magical land of long silvery beaches, sparkling
island-studded bays, rugged countryside and lush sub-tropical rainforests. The
rainforests feature some of the largest Kauris in the world.