Northland

Dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands Wairere Boulders, a world unique natural phenomenon in Northland. Have a play with big balls, the Koutu Boulders in Hokianga! Sand dune forming the northern part of the Hokianga Heads. Northland is the northernmost region in New Zealand. It is governed by the Northland Regional Council and has four districts. Whangarei is the only city in the area; the next biggest towns have a few thousand people. The Northland Region covers the area between Te Hana, just north of Wellsford to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the North Island. The east coast of Northland has long been a well-known holiday place, but recently the west coast has also become known due to its spectacular natural phenomena: Tane Mahuta (huge, ancient kauri tree), untouched forests in Waipoua, Warawara, Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary and Puketi, biggest concretions in the world (the Koutu Boulders and the world unique Wairere Boulders), the sand dunes of the North Hokianga and Ninety Mile Beach. Regions Far North Far Far North Hokianga, pristine, unspoilt, untouched, untamed Whangaroa Bay of Islands Kaipara Cities Whangarei Paihia Kaitaia Other destinations Poor Knights Islands Understand Northland might be among New Zealand's best kept secrets (and there are many). If you're looking for wonderful empty beaches in a tropical-like setting, this is surely the best area in the North Island. Talk Get in By Air Auckland is the main international gateway for travel to Northland. Air New Zealand operates domestic flights into 3 Northland airports: Whangarei, Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) and Kaitaia. Charter operators offer transport into the region tailored to your requirements. By Road The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland's scenic touring route starting and finishing in Auckland. Taking you to both coasts, this route showcases the diversity of the region. Getting here by coach, self drive, or on a guided tour is a wonderful journey into subtropical Northland. By Sea Arrival to Northland by sea is unbelievably spectacular - your coastal journey is bound to impress. Stunning headlands, bush covered hillsides, long stretches of beach greet as you head for terra firma. If you are arriving by boat from overseas there are two official Ports of Entry into Northland. Get around By bus Newmans Coach Lines operates a premium sightseeing tour to the Bay of Islands with daily departures from Auckland. Tours can be completed in one day, including a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and "Kings Dolphin Cruise" to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock", or one way. InterCity Coachlines is New Zealand's national coach company and operates a number of daily departures to the Bay of Islands and other Northland destinations. See Koutu Boulders — biggest concretions in the world in Koutu, Hokianga Mangungu Mission House (historic site) — site of the biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in Horeke, Hokianga Wairere Boulders (nature park) — an enormous basalt flow just south of Horeke, Hokianga Sand dunes (top sculptures) — windblown sculptures on top of sand dunes across the harbour from Opononi, Hokianga Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary (ecologically undisturbed forest) — see 5 of the 12 biggest kauri trees in Hokianga Do Kings Dolphin Cruises & Eco Tours, [1] operate a wide range of marine and land based activities. Officially licensed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, all Kings cruises are permitted to actively seek dolphin and whales in and around the Bay of Islands. Eat Drink Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!