The top of New Zealand
Drive up Ninety Mile Beach on your way to the northernmost point of New Zealand and watch the Tasman Sea collide with the Pacific Ocean.
Walk up to Cape Reinga Lighthouse, which sits on a steep headland 290 metres above the sea. The lighthouse marks the tumultuous meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Cape Reinga is the 'place of leaping'. According to Maori legend, departing souls leap into the ocean from a gnarled pohutukawa tree and journey back to the ancestral land of Hawaiki. Take a tour along the sand of Ninety Mile Beach, a driveable beach that is actually only 60 miles long (96km). Beach perfection in Doubtless Bay
Considered by many to be the ultimate Northland destination, the Doubtless Bay area has beaches of every description.
Explore the quaint fishing village of Mangonui - famous for its fish and chips For excellent fishing, diving and swimming, discover Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi and many others Enjoy a round of golf and a winery visit at Whatuwhiwhi [SUBTITLE: Marine recreation in Whangaroa Harbour
Whangaroa Harbour reveals another treasure trove of beautiful, secluded beaches.
Organise marlin fishing from Whangaroa township Matauri Bay is the final resting place of the Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior - you can dive the wreck Find out about horse trails, heritage trails, jet ski hire, tours to the Cavalli Islands and golf at Kauri Cliffs [SUBTITLE: Soul searching in Hokianga
The Hokianga Harbour is serenely beautiful, with a hint of magic about it. It's a place of historical importance, for both Maori and European.
Rawene is a charming historical township. Visit Clendon House for an insight into early colonial life The attractive beaches of Opononi and Omapere were made famous in the mid 1950s by the tame dolphin 'Opo', who used to swim with people There are huge white sand dunes to explore, across from the wharf at Opononi. You can surf down them on a body board Well maintained tracks in the Waipoua Forest allow you to visit giant kauri trees, including the largest kauri in the world - Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest), which is estimated to be 1400 years old Playtime in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches.
Go swimming with dolphins, sailing, big game fishing and kayaking Choose between a sedate 'Hole in the Rock' cruise or an exciting speed boat ride to the tip of Cape Brett Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 Catch an authentic kapa haka performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Visitors Centre Look around Pompallier, in Russell, a Catholic missionary house made from rammed earth Walk to Haruru Falls. The water falls in a horse shoe shape - very rare and quite spectacular History, art and fruit in Kerikeri
Kerikeri is a friendly, fascinating town with a local community of orchardists and artists.
On the way to Kerikeri, take a break in Kawakawa and visit the famous 'Hundertwasser' toilets View New Zealand's oldest European buildings - the Stone Store and Mission House Follow the art and craft trail and watch the artisans at work Call into wineries, a boutique chocolate factory and a natural cosmetic factory Spend a luxurious day at Kauri Cliffs Golf Club and Lodge See kiwis in their natural environment at Aroha Ecological Centre Tutukaka for surf, diving and big game fishing
Take the road from Whangarei to the sheltered natural harbour of Tutukaka and the beautiful beaches beyond.
Tutukaka is the gateway to great diving, snorkelling and kayaking experiences at the famous Poor Knights Islands - a wildlife marine reserve above the water and a marine reserve below Enjoy a fast boat ride out to Riko Riko - the worlds largest sea cave Big game and line fishing trips depart from Tutukaka wharf Sandy Bay is famous for its world class surfing Walk to beautiful Whale Bay - the track begins just north of Matapouri Enjoy the myriad of beaches and bays on the Mangawhai and Bream Bay Coast
Saddle up your boogie board for the longest string of surf beaches you've ever seen Try horse trekking along the beach at Pakiri Be sure to check out Waipu, the original settlement for five shiploads of Scots people in 1850 Adventure on the Kauri Coast
The Kauri Coast is an outdoor playground with a fascinating history.
Discover the sand lakes at Kai Iwi - safe swimming, boating and a spot of trout fishing From the main centre of Dargaville you can take a tour along Ripiro Beach (New Zealand's beach) or visit the Shipwreck Museum Call into the museum at Matakohe and find out about kauri logging and gum digging
Image Slideshow
See more photos...