Northland Regional Information

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Northland is the cradle of New Zealand's early history; with many important historic sites, a region distinguished by its dramatic past and beautiful landscape. Historical Waitangi lies just outside of Paihia where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and Europeans, in 1840. The Treaty House is now a national museum. Northland is often referred to as the 'Winterless North', providing a warm, year round climate perfect for enjoying its native forests, unspoiled beaches, sheltered bays and off-shore islands. One of the main attractions is the Kauri Coast, where the massive Kauri forests are all but gone now, but the Waipoua Kauri Forest has untouched Kauri stands and is the best place in NZ to see these magnificent trees. The Bay of Islands on the east coast is Northland's most popular tourist attraction and is not to be missed. A maritime park with lovely sheltered bays and 144 islands, the area is an aquatic playground which offers some of the best boating and game fishing to be found anywhere, with marlin, mako and yellowtail being the prize catch. Swimming with the dolphins is another exciting adventure here.

All around the north, fresh local produce, a wide variety of seafood and award-winning local wines are combined in Pacific Rim cuisine which wins approval from the most sophisticated travellers. The region is well known for its food and wine trails, encompassing the country's northern most vineyard at Kaitaia. Other wineries offer coastal views and cafe's which cleverly combine Mediterranean ambience with a distinctive New Zealand flavour. Locally made gourmet food ranges from a local speciality macadamia liqueur, handmade chocolates, avocado and olive oils, award-winning cheeses, fruit wines, jams, chutneys and pickles - not to mention Northland's answer to Tabasco, 'Kaitaia Fire'. A number of celebrated artists and crafts people, some internationally known, work here and visits to their studios and galleries can be woven into the wonderful food and wine trails of the north.