New Zealand
Northland
Region
Northland stretches from Auckland to Cape Reinga at the northern tip. The east coast is rugged and full of bays, especially the Bay of Islands, while the west coast is wild with long beaches, dunes, and ancient Kauri forests.
by Felix Gillen
Northland stretches from Auckland to Cape Reinga at the northern tip. The east coast is rugged and full of bays, especially the Bay of Islands, while the west coast is wild with long beaches, dunes, and ancient Kauri forests. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840.
The climate is milder than in the rest of the country, hence the nickname Winterless North. The Bay of Islands, with Paihia, Russell, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, is the most visited destination. On the west coast are the Hokianga Harbour and the Waipoua Forest, home to the giant kauri Tāne Mahuta. In the far north, State Highway 1 leads to Cape Reinga, running parallel to Ninety Mile Beach. The only city is Whangārei, about a two-hour drive north of Auckland.
Culture
Northland is considered the cradle of modern New Zealand. In the Bay of Islands, the first mission stations, trading posts, and in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, were established. The Māori population share here is significantly higher than the national average.The Kauri forests are threatened by the disease Kauri Dieback. Shoe cleaning stations are located along many paths; please use them and stay on the paths.
On site and about
InterCity buses run from Auckland to Whangārei, Paihia, and Kerikeri, but further north and to the West Coast, you can practically only get by car. The main route is State Highway 1; the West Coast route is State Highway 12. In the Bay of Islands, a passenger ferry connects Paihia with Russell, and a car ferry travels from Opua to Okiato.
