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Northland is jam packed with stunning attractions. People come from all over the world to see the Bay of Islands, Spirits Bay, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach and the Waipoua Forrest. Northland's landscape is mainly rolling hill country, farmland mixed with patches of native forest. There are numerous secluded pohutakawa tree lined beaches, on both coasts and three of New Zealand's finest deepwater harbours. The Kaipra Harbour is shared with the Auckland Region, and the Hokianga Harbour are both situated on the west side of the peninsula. The Whangarei Harbour is located on the eastern coast, 160 km north of Auckland City, this is the regions main industrial deep-water port. NZ's only oil refinery is sited at Marsden Point, near Ruakaka, just a couple of km south of Whangarei.
There are numerous predator free islands off both coasts which now are now home to many threatened native bird species, including the KIwi and Kokako. The Bay of Islands, Hen and Chicken Islands, the Cavalli Islands, and the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve are all world acclaimed dive spots.
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is a 800 km touring route encircling Northland, it takes in all of the best that the north has on offer. Travelling this route in a campervan or motorhome, is a great way to see this stunning region.
Whangarei is New Zealand's northernmost city and also the main centre for the Northland Region.
The Whangarei Falls near town, are often called the country's most photogenic waterfall. A drive to Heads and the Bream Head Scenic Reserve will offer some beautiful beaches with outstanding walking tracks which offer undisturbed panoramic harbour and coastal views.
Waipoua Forest, on the west between Dargaville and the Hokianga Harbour, is home to the magnificent Kauri trees. Here you can take a short walk to see some of the biggest trees in the world. Tane Mahuta, means the “King of the Forest” is more then 1250 years old and still going strong.
In the Far North, Cape Reinga is home to the historic lighthouse guarding New Zealand’s northern approaches. Directly off the North Cape, the Tasman Sea and the Mighty Pacific Ocean meet, leaving a visible line out to sea. Spirits Bay is also in The Far North, this is one of NZ’s finest beaches. Ninety Mile Beach is where you can drive on the beach at low tide, its regarded as a public highway. There are wild horses in the Aupouri Forest, behind Ninety Mile Beach beach. |