What to do in Northland

Activities, attractions and tours
Russell showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole

Top places to visit

1. 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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Cape Reinga Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse, views and general coastal views

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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Paihia Beach showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach

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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Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

4. Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is steeped in Māori history and famous for its striking waterfall. Find great views of the falls and embark on a nature walk that leads through the nearby mangrove forest. Alternatively, approach the falls by kayak.
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Haruru Falls featuring a river or creek and a waterfall

5. 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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Karikari Peninsula which includes a house and a park

Popular places to visit in Northland

Image for Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Visit this stunning lighthouse at New Zealand’s northern tip and watch the churning currents where two oceans merge.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Image for Paihia Beach

Paihia Beach

Go on fishing charters, swim in the sea and browse shops and restaurants near Paihia’s main beach, the site of an annual swimming event that attracts competitors from around the country.

Paihia Beach
Image for Kai Iwi Lakes

Kai Iwi Lakes

Hike through the forest, go kayaking, set up camp on the lakeshore or dip into the clear waters for a swim in this scenic triple-lake nature reserve.

Kai Iwi Lakes
Image for Karikari Peninsula

Karikari Peninsula

Discover your own white-sand paradise when you explore this magical peninsula, a scenic vacation destination that offers gorgeous coastlines and wineries.

Karikari Peninsula
Image for Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls

Walk along the banks of the scenic Waitangi River and admire this beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall. Continue on the trail to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Haruru Falls
Image for Te Paki Sand Dunes

Te Paki Sand Dunes

Ride across or down massive dunes on a sandboard or just enjoy the scenery and the coastal views at this outstanding natural attraction.

Te Paki Sand Dunes

Day trip destinations from Northland

Kaitaia

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Kerikeri

Paihia showing a bay or harbour, tranquil scenes and a sunset

Paihia

Russell showing a coastal town and a bay or harbour

Russell

Haruru Falls showing a cascade, a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

Waitangi

Kai Iwi Lakes featuring tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Opononi

Omapere which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Omapere

Photo by Mattyboy876

Matauri Bay