Bay of Islands has its own historical significance, with Paihia being the location of the first British settlements, and the village of Waitangi hosting the signing of the eponymous treaty in 1840, which settled land disputes between the Maori and the British Crown, and which still influences law making in New Zealand today. Aptly named, the area comprises of one hundred and forty four islands, accessed from Paihia, Russell and Keri Keri, and providing a hub for watersports and fishing. Rivaling Whangarei for Northland’s most popular destination is the Bay of Islands area, a further hour up Highway 1. Even if you just fancy a couple of days walking, the Tutukaka coastline, rated by National Geographic as one of the best in the world with its spectacular cliffs and secluded bays, will keep even the most seasoned hikers entertained. It is also the place to head for if you fancy diving and snorkelling around the famous Poor Knight’s Island, with its varied and protected marine life and crystal clear waters. Further north lies the Tutukaka coastline where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. Often referred to as “City of 100 Beaches”, the coastline remains unspoilt, and the long arc of beach at Bream Bay is a constant draw for those looking to relax in the sun.

With its favourable climate and coastal proximity, Whangarei’s other key attraction is tourism. Happily, transport and shipping ensured a bouyant local economy, the harbour being a crucial route for many exports. European settlers were originally driven out during the Flagstaff War in the mid-1840s, and their return witnessed a gradual depletion of natural resources. Whangarei is steeped in Maori history, as evidenced by the nomenclature of the districts and suburbs, and the area has a chequered past. Flanked by the Pukenui and Glenbervie forests, the city was developed along the Hatea River, and was one of the first landings of James Cook’s Endeavour. WhangareiĪ two hour drive from Auckland, the harbour city of Whangarei serves as Northland’s capital, and a great place to immerse yourself in the history and geography of the region. The tip of Northland, from Cape Regina to Ahipara, is famous for its erroneously named Ninety Mile Beach (actually only 55 miles), accessed at various points with small roads leading off Highway 1F. Northland is a popular destination for holidaying Aucklanders, drawn either to the fishing, sailing and watersports in the east at Whangarei and Bay of Islands, or the beaches and forest walks of the west coast. Fittingly, you will find New Zealand’s tallest tree, Tane Mauta, in the Waipoua Forest. Although deforestation took place during the early settlement, protected status has halted the demise. Much of the land in Northland is protected, especially the forestry, where the Kauri tree is sacred to the Maori. There are many unspoiled fishing villages, especially along the Waihou and Wairoa rivers, with the Maori residents still practicing traditional methods. Given the history of Northland, then, traditional Maori names are prevalent throughout the region, dominating towns and infrastructure, as well as infusing the local culture.

The Treaty laid down the foundations of economic and social co-existence between European settler and the native Maori, and it remains an important document today, with Maori heritage and traditions being influential in forming New Zealand law and policy. A peace of sorts was eventually reached with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, named after the village near the Bay of Islands where the document was signed. The terrain and temperate climate made it ideal for the development of agriculture, but European settlers soon came into conflict with the native Maori tribes, to whom much of the land sequestered by the British and Dutch was sacred. Dominated by lush forest, rolling hills and dramatic coastline, the Northland region was host to the first European settlements in what was then a colony of New South Wales, before it was annexed and became the New Zealand we know today.

Cultures northland city