Things to do in Northland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A harbor filled with sailboats surrounded by lush green hills.
A lantern on a wooden shelf with compartments below.
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A forested hillside with scattered young trees and fallen logs.
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Northland Attractions

Explore the sights of Northland with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of { fun activities in Northland fun activities in Northland}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning your dream vacation.

Things to do

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock & Bay of Islands Cruise

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

$84
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

$101
per adult
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

$110
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

$89
per adult
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

$98
per adult
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
Picture 1 for Activity Bay of Islands: Parasail, Paihia and Russell

Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight

$89
per adult
Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight
Bay of Islands, Spirit & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch

Bay of Islands, Wine & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch

$102
per adult
Bay of Islands, Wine & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

$113
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

$84
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover
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Northland must see attractions

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.
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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, dense green foliage, and rolling hills in the background.

2. Paihia Beach

Enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and many other outdoor activities at Paihia Town Beach. The main beach is lined with several cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Book a sea kayaking adventure or a big game fishing charter and set out into the sea.
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A calm beach with pebbles, a small island, and a boat in the distance.

3. Kai Iwi Lakes

Formed approximately 1.8 million years ago, the three pristine lakes that make up Kai Iwi Lakes are an attractive natural wonderland today, ideal for watersports, swimming and hiking. The adjoining campgrounds also make a great base for exploring the nearby beaches or forests of the remote Northland region.
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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered in greenery.

4. Karikari Peninsula

Swim or snorkel in the pristine waters, fish for snapper and other big game or be the first to leave footprints in a perfect stretch of white sand at the Karikari Peninsula. Visit the vineyards and sample the superb local wines or enjoy a round of golf in the peninsula’s stunning interior.
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A sunset over a beach with waves and distant mountains.

5. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Stand at the top of the cliffs by Cape Reinga Lighthouse and watch the swirling currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sweeping views across the beaches and visit the 800-year-old tree that is one of the most sacred Maori sites in New Zealand. Extend your stay and camp a night or two at one of the excellent campsites nearby.
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A lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

6. Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf is the departure point for some of the best fishing charters and boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise up Waitangi River or go on a dolphin-watching tour. A passenger ferry to Russell, one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, also leaves from the wharf.
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A waterfront pier with buildings and a boat docked.

7. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.
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A pier extending into calm waters at sunset.

8. Mangawhai Heads Beach

Swim or surf in the cool waters of Mangawhai Heads Beach and laze on the white sands during a long weekend or summer escape from Auckland. Straddling the South Pacific coast, this idyllic beach is a good introduction to the subtropical north of New Zealand.
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A beach with rocky foreground, sandy shore, and a forested hillside.

9. Town Basin Marina

If you love the water and art browsing, make a beeline for the Town Basin Marina when you arrive in Whangarei. Browse the shops, restaurants, cafés and docks of the Whangarei Marina, watch boats come and go, then follow the Town Basin Art Trail along the waterfront to be immersed in creativity and culture.
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A marina with several sailboats docked, a small bridge, and a restaurant named "Nevo's Restaurant & Bar" with a red roof.

What to do in Northland

Things to Do in Northland with Kids

If you're taking a break with the youngsters, you'll find loads of fun activities to do in Northland. These family friendly experiences will put big smiles on faces young and old:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Northland? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Northland attractions

A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, dense green foliage, and rolling hills in the background.

Bay of Islands

9.6/10 (254 reviews)
Swim with dolphins, learn to sail or discover New Zealand’s fascinating history in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
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Where to stay in Northland

Find the best Northland areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Northland
Learn more about Northland
A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, sandy beach, and lush greenery.

Mangawhai Heads

You'll enjoy the beaches and coffeehouses in Mangawhai Heads. You might want to make time for a stop at Mangawhai Heads Beach or Mangawhai Cliff Walk.

Ninety Mile Beach on the Pacific Ocean shore with a blue sky in the background, New Zealand

Ahipara

Travelers like the beaches in Ahipara, and Ninety Mile Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Beautiful view of Mount Manaia in Whangarei Heads, New Zealand with a blue sky in the background

One Tree Point

While One Tree Point might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Manaia and Mcleod Bay.

Te Wahapu

While Te Wahapu might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach.

A waterfront with boats docked, a pier with a red-roofed building, and greenery along the shore.

Whangarei Central

If you're spending some time in Whangarei Central, Town Basin Marina and Whangarei Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Northland

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, turquoise waters, and green hills.

Kaitaia

A street lined with palm trees and various shops, including a health spa and a surf shop.

Kerikeri

A detailed wooden sculpture with intricate carvings and a prominent face.

Kaikohe

A coastal landscape with boats on calm waters, hills in the background, and a hazy sky.

Paihia

A pier with a small information kiosk, boats docked, and a clear blue sky.

Russell

A river with a waterfall, kayakers, and a rocky riverbank.

Waitangi

A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered in greenery.

Opononi

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a calm sea, and a backdrop of hills and scattered houses.

Omapere

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Northland on a sunny day?
These popular activities are the ideal excuse to get out and make the best of the glorious weather:


What can you do in Northland for free?
Your break in Northland needn't cost a bundle with free attractions like these to enjoy:

  • Kai Iwi Lakes
  • Ninety Mile Beach
  • Matai Bay Beach
  • Paihia Beach

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