New Zealand’s northmost region reaches offer a dizzying array of dazzling landscapes to explore. A rich cultural history and a truly unique natural environment combine to make any trip here one to remember. This itinerary heading out of Auckland all the way to the verytopofNewZealand truly has something for everyone.
Puhoi
An hour out on the road from Auckland, you might be ready for a tasty snack, so pull over and check out the Puhoi Valley Café and Cheese Store – despite the name they offer a whole array of handcrafted dairy treats like custards and yoghurts along with a whole range of gourmet delicacies from all over NewZealand. There’s also a small and fascinating Bohemian Museum inPuhoi which has lots of interesting artefacts from the colonial era.
Whangarei
Another hour or so on the road, and your next stop is the City by the Sea, Whangarei – once the home of a large fortified Maori village, you can take a walk up MountParihaka and tour these fascinating structures for yourself. There’s also “NewZealand’s most photogenic waterfall”–Wangarei Falls – have your camera ready to capture this beauty. Back down in town there’s an array of museums, galleries, restaurants and shops to explore.
Paihia
This seaside town is known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands – a group of 144 islands that you could spend weeks exploring,butPaihia itself has plenty to offer. The natural beauty ofWhangeri Falls and theWaipu Caves offer outstanding beauty above and below ground, while the Wharf restaurants offer an array of delights for the taste buds.
Karikari Peninsula
As you head north there are many historical sites to pique your interest along the way. TheKerikeri Mission Station is one of the oldest buildings in NewZealand and well worth a look. Enjoy a meal at theKarikaki Estate Winery, enjoy the stately grounds and the café that enjoys stunning views over the vines to the sea. The cellar door allows you to sample the offerings of NewZealand’s northernmost winery in comfort.
Cape Reinga
The very northernmost tip of NewZealand is something to tick off the bucket list – take a walk to the iconic lighthouse and take in the stunning views where two seas meet. As the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet, there’s an ancient pohutukawa tree on the northernmost point thought to be more than eight hundred years old. Visit the nearby Waitiki Tourist Complex and get stocked up for apicniconTapotupotu Beach. Once you’re satiated, you’ll be ready for a taste of unforgettable adventure that is sure to get your pulse racing - check out the enormousTePaki Sand Dunes – you can hike up and boogie board down to your heart's content.
This entire region is dotted with charming towns, beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery to discover – so why not make a long weekend of it?
