Beautiful Northland destinations are easy to come by in a stunning region such as this one. It should be a place that is on your bucket-list when visiting New Zealand.
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From the views seen from Mount Manaia to the picturesque Whangarei Falls, there are so many incredible places to explore. So, if you’re a planning a trip up North, this guide will give you insight into my top Northland destinations that you won’t want to miss.
MOUNT MANAIA
Mount Manaia is a stunning landmark that is located in the Whangarei Heads region of Northland. This mountain is one of the most popular walks in the area as it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and countryside. I’ve made the hike here twice now, once and sunrise and the other at sunset, both were stunning.
There are quite a few trials off the main path which can lead you to different lookouts so make sure you have allowed plenty of time to explore.
The climb to the top of Mount Manaia can be challenging if you’re not a fan of stairs, but as it doesn’t take you long to get to the top and the views are well worth the effort.
Getting there: Mount Manaia is about a 30-minute drive from Whangarei as is about an hour round trip to get to the top.
WHANGAREI FALLS
Whangarei Falls is a stunning waterfall located just a few minutes drive from the city centre of Whangarei.
The waterfall is 26 meters high and can be viewed from several different vantage points. My favourite view is at the base of the falls. To get here from the carpark, you just need to follow one of the well-maintained tracks that winds their way through the surrounding bush. It’s also a perfect place for a picnic with plenty of areas to spend a couple hours chilling.
Getting there: Whangarei Falls has plenty of parking and is about a 5-minute drive from the city centre.
CAPE REINGA
Cape Reinga is located at the most northern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s a given that this iconic landmark has one of the best views as it is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. Make sure you visit early as the carpark can get quite full, especially in the summer months. I would suggest to make a walk to the lighthouse and also the hill behind, this will give you a stunning view of Te Werahi Beach and Maria Van Diemen.
In terms of its history, Cape Reinga is also steeped in Maori legend and is considered a sacred site. You can learn about the area’s cultural significance at the Cape Reinga Visitor Centre.
This part of the North Island is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including the famous Ninety Mile Beach.
Getting there: Cape Reinga is about a 6-hour drive from Auckland.
PAIHIA
Paihia is a charming coastal town that is located in the Bay of Islands, a region surrounded by natural beauty. I’ve used Paihia as a base from which to explore the area’s many attractions, including the stunning Haruru Falls (which you read about below) and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
From Paihia you can also get a ferry to Russel, which I would highly recommend. The ferry itself has lovely views of the bay and its an excuse to visit the Duke Of Marlborough, which has a history dating back to 1827.
Paihia is also home to several excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it an ideal spot for a night out. Charlotte’s Kitchen is a must!
Getting there: Paihia is about a 3-hour drive from Auckland.
PATAUA SOUTH
Pataua South is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Whangarei. This picturesque beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and even a bit of diving.
We spent the night camping at Treasure Island grounds and can highly recommend, the facilities are great and its only a short walk to the beach. So if camping under the stars and pretty beaches is your thing, would make sure to visit here.
Getting there: Pataua South is about a 25-minute drive from Whangarei.
MAHURANGI REGIONAL PARK
Mahurangi Regional Park is a stunning coastal park located in the heart of the Mahurangi Peninsula. The park has a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. There are several walking tracks that wind their way through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
The park is also home to several picnic and camping areas so ideal spot for both a day and weekend trip. Relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk through the native bush and enjoy the natural beauty of this Northland destination.
Getting there: Mahurangi Regional Park is about a 1 hour drive from Auckland.
DUKES NOSE LOOKOUT
Dukes Nose is a challenging but amazing hike that offers stunning 360 views of Waitepipi, Te Were, Pekapeka Bays and beyond. The trail is located just a short drive from Whangarei and takes around 5-6 hours to complete.
Most of the trail winds its way through the native bush, climbing steadily till you have roughly half an hour of the hike left. From there it is quite a steep ascent to the summit.
If you are planning on doing this hike, make sure to bring all the essentials – plenty of water, snacks, extra layers, as well as good hiking shoes. Headlamps are also a must if you are climbing for sunset or sunrise.
Want more info on this hike? Click here.
Getting there: Dukes Nose is about a 40 minute drive from Whangarei.
ST PAULS ROCK
One of my most recent Northland destinations included a sunrise walk up St Paul’s Rock. It is a unique natural landmark located in the Tutukaka Coast region of Northland.
The views from the summit offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline and countryside and it only takes roughly 20 minutes to get to the top. Even though Dukes Nose would still be my favourite, if you are looking for views that are similar without such a hike, St Pauls Rock is your best alternative.
If you want to know more about St Paul’s Rock I have a comprehensive blog post here.
Getting there: St Paul’s Rock is about a 30-minute drive from Whangarei.
TAURANGA BAY
Tauranga Bay is one of these beautiful Northland destinations in the far north that includes a stunning secluded beach. The beach is known for its fishing and incredible views.
Swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach are just some of the things you can do whilst you camp here. Request for a site right next to the beach so you fall asleep listening to the waves.
Getting there: Tauranga Bay is about a 4-hour drive from Auckland.
RAINBOW FALLS
Rainbow Falls, known in Māori as Waianiwaniwa (Waters of the Rainbow) can be found near Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands.
Accessible via a short walking track through native bush, Rainbow Falls offers vantage points to admire it. The surrounding area is a haven for flora and fauna, providing a nice stroll at any time of day.
Getting there: Rainbow Falls is approximately a 5-minute drive from Kerikeri town centre.
TE PAKI SAND DUNES
Last but not least, The Te Paki Sand Dunes, located just outside of Cape Reinga, are one of the most unique Northland destinations. The dunes are a series of massive sand hills that stretch along the coast for several kilometers. The dunes are formed by sand that has been blown in from the nearby ocean and have been shaped over time by the wind.
Sandboarding is probably the most popular activity here. It involves sliding down the steep slopes on a board. Not for me but definitely a thrill.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to take in the breathtaking scenery, the Giant Sand Dunes are a must-see Northland destination.
Getting there: Te Paki Dunes are located at the very top of the North Island, about a 6-hour drive from Auckland.
Northland is a truly breathtaking region of New Zealand that is full of incredible destinations. From the picturesque Tauranga Bay to the iconic Cape Reinga, there is something for everyone.
If you’ve only got just a short amount of time for some of these Northland destinations, check out my 3 day guide here for all you need to know.