About Northland, New Zealand

In Maori legend, the North Island of New Zealand was an enormous fish, caught by the adventurer Maui. For this reason, Northland is sometimes known as "The tail of the fish", Te Hiku o Te Ika. Northland Maori claim that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga (although others claim this was at Taipa) in Northland.

If the Maori regard the region as the birthplace of the country, there can be no doubt that it was the European starting-point for modern New Zealand. Traders, whalers and sealers were among the first arrivals, and the gum and timber of the mighty kauri trees brought the early colonisers.

Today you can enjoy a leisurely tour choosing your accommodation in Northland from a huge range of hotels, motels, motor inns and luxury boutique accommodation, or experience Kiwi hospitality in homes offering Bed & Breakfast, farmstays and homestays.

Here are some highlights of Northland not to be missed:

• Ninety Mile Beach is just one of the spectacular vast, open beaches of Northland. Have a go at dune surfing.
• Don’t miss the sight of the Tasman Sea clashing with the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga or the giant trees of the Waipoua Kauri Forest where the Kauri trees are 2000 years old!
• Ferry across the Kokianga, catch a snapper in Doubtless Bay or simply enjoy the world famous fish & chips at Mangonui!
• Key towns for Northland accommodation are Whangarei, Kaitaia, Dargaville and Warkworth with many other country accommodation options too.