Ready to explore the best things to do in Northland? It’s time to get excited! You’re about to discover some of the region’s best kept secrets and natural wonders that keep us coming back for more. For real, we were there last week!
There’s a whole lot to explore north of Auckland. In fact, you could easily set aside at least a week to cover some of the highlights and hidden gems Northland has to offer. It’s all about lush sub-tropical forests and endless coastlines, converging at the northern tip of New Zealand.
This region is actually home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest harbour, the Kaipara. It’s also only an hour to drive from one coast to the other, and even less north of Kaitaia. But don’t be fooled by the region’s narrow size, there’s a whole heap packed into this wonderland.
We’re in love with Northland, and we’re going to share some of the best spots with you. Down to business—let’s get this party started!
1. The Kauri Coast (longest driveable beach in NZ)
The first stop on our journey is the Kauri Coast, one of the most scenic and underrated areas in Northland. This place really is a hidden treasure. It’s actually home to the longest driveable beach in the country, Ripiro (spoiler: it’s longer than Ninety Mile Beach). This stretch of New Zealand is all about ancient forests, peaceful freshwater lakes, and rugged coastline.
If you’re looking for real-deal wilderness, it doesn’t get much better than this. Some of our travelmates reckon it’s one of the best experiences they’ve had in New Zealand. The Kauri Coast is off-grid magic at its finest. Here are some of the highlights that should definitely be on your list!
🛒 Heads up: Get your groceries at the Woolworths in Dargaville—it’s the only supermarket on this stretch of coast.
Kai Iwi Lakes (off-grid camping at its best)
The Kai Iwi Lakes are like stumbling across an oasis in the desert. One minute you’re driving through rolling hills, then boom—a trio of crystal-clear freshwater dune lakes appears before your eyes. One of the most satisfying things to do in Northland is swim, hike, and camp beside the Kai Iwi Lakes.
The lakes are shallow near the shore, and mild in temperature during the summer. They’re easily one of our favourite spots to swim in New Zealand. You’ll find several walking tracks around all three lakes, you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours on these. You’ll get the steps in, and they’re pleasant and mostly flat. Suitable for all fitness levels. You can also hit them with your bike.
You’ll find two campsites to choose from, Pine Beach and Promenade Point. Both are basic, but powered sites and hot showers are available at Pine Beach. Our personal favourite is the Promenade Point campsite, it’s much quieter than Pine Beach. During summer and holiday weekends the campsites can fill up in advance—so book online as soon as you can.
Trounson Kauri Park (kiwi spotting)
Apart from being a beautiful little campsite surrounded by an ancient forest, there’s one main reason people visit Trounson Kauri Park. Kiwi. This is one of the best places to spot wild kiwi in New Zealand. Your chances of seeing one here are actually pretty good.
We’ve stayed here a few times and spotted kiwi almost every time. We highly recommend bringing a torch equipped with a red light, as they don’t like bright light. Walk quietly, you might hear their distinctive calls or even see one foraging near the track.
Trounson Kauri Park offers an easy loop walk through some of the last remaining stands of ancient kauri forest. Keep an eye out for glowworm-filled groves. The atmosphere in here is pretty damn special—it’s an experience in itself. You’ll feel the forest very much alive.
The campsite has powered sites, a basic kitchen, and one of the best showers we’ve had while camping.
Maunganui Bluff and Ripiro Beach (epic views)
Capping off our highlights on the Kauri Coast is Maunganui Bluff, a remote headland with panoramic views over the Tasman Sea. Located at the northern end of Ripiro beach.
The hike here is steep but seriously rewarding. The trail weaves through native bush and palm forest up dramatic ridgelines. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Ripiro beach and the Kai Iwi Lakes. These are some of the best in Northland—trust us, we’ve been to all the highest points! Allow up to 2.5-3 hours return.
2. Hokianga Harbour (Māori legends and stunning scenery)
Next up on the west coast is the Hokianga. This peaceful harbour is steeped in Māori legend and history. Framed by the striking windswept sand dunes at the heads, sleepy villages, and native forests. Being here is a bit like stepping back in time—the vibe is relaxed and still off-grid. It also happens to be home to our fave hostel in New Zealand.
Waipoua Forest and Tāne Mahuta (a walk among giants)
Step into another world and be truly immersed in a natural wonderland. The Waipoua Forest is a sanctuary for some of Aotearoa’s largest and oldest kauri trees. These ancient giants offer a glimpse into a world that existed long before human arrival. This vast wilderness is like stepping back to a time when dinosaurs roamed—it’s a truly humbling experience.
No list of things to do in Northland would be complete without a visit to Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree. Known as the “Lord of the Forest” (you’ll see why), this majestic giant is estimated to be over 2,000 years old and stands an impressive 51 metres tall. You will feel small.
Visit on your own via a short forest trail, or take a guided twilight walk with Footprints Waipoua—a tour deeply rooted in Māori culture and storytelling. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can have in New Zealand.
🌲 Heads up: Access to Tāne Mahuta is from 9am to 3pm daily. Use the provided disinfectant at the entrance to the forest to protect the trees from kauri dieback disease.
Opononi and Ōmāpere (harbour views and Māori storytelling)
The twin towns of Opononi and Ōmāpere sit right at the entrance to the harbour and offer stunning views of the Hokianga sand dunes. One of the most epic things you’ll see in the North Island. This area is famous for the story of Opo the friendly dolphin—and it’s still got that small-town charm today.
We highly recommend you visit Manea Footprints of Kupe, an interactive cultural centre that tells the story of Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator who first discovered Aotearoa. This immersive tour blends performance, art, and digital interaction to tell the story of their ancestor. It’s one of the best places to learn about the Māori culture.
Kohukohu (art, history, and our fave NZ hostel)
Up the harbour’s northern side lies Kohukohu, a tiny village with a big creative soul. Once a booming kauri logging town, it’s now an artsy enclave with galleries, old villas, and a sleepy vibe.
It’s also home to one of the most beloved backpacker spots in the north—The Tree House, a rustic eco-lodge tucked into native bush. You’ll find this hidden gem less than 5 minutes drive from the Hokianga’s northern ferry terminal (the Narrows).
3. Waipū (caves, pancake rocks, and free camping!)
Waipū’s one of those places you could easily drive past while soaking in the stunning Bream Bay coastline. But this area’s got the goods if you know where to look—it’s one of Northland’s best-kept secrets.
Just 30 minutes south of Whangārei, you’ll find the tiny township of Waipū. A short drive off the highway leads you to some of the most unique natural wonders in the region. These include limestone caves and Northland’s own pancake rocks.
Waipū Caves Scenic Reserve (glowworms and free camping!)
Exploring the Waipū Caves is one of the best free experiences you can have backpacking Northland. And we do mean free—freedom camping is permitted here. This is one of the only free glowworm caves in New Zealand, and it delivers big time. The glowworms here are epic!
Bring a headlamp, wear old shoes, and prepare to get just a little bit wet (ok, maybe more than a little). Inside, you’ll find a labyrinth of limestone tunnels, caverns, and stalactites—and once your eyes adjust, thousands of tiny glowworms light up the ceiling.
We recommend navigating your way through the shallow underground stream that starts at the entrance. This is one of the best spots to find the glowworms. There’s also a beautiful bushwalk that extends beyond the caves through native forest up to the hilltop.
⚠️ Heads up: A short section of road leading to the scenic reserve is gravel—drive slowly and use caution around corners. The caves are located a short drive off State Highway 1.
Waipū Coastal Walkway (pancake rocks and seals)
The adventure continues along the Waipū Coastal Walkway where you’ll discover Northland’s own (and much less famous) pancake rocks. These definitely rival Punakaiki!
The trail itself takes you along limestone cliffs, beaches, rocky outcrops, and through native coastal bush. The views out to the Pacific Ocean and outlying islands are jaw-dropping (we don’t use that term lightly!).
It’ll take you about 3 hours return to walk the length from Waipū Cove to Langs Beach and it’s totally worth doing. The track begins on the other side of a tidal stream at the cove end—so at higher tides be prepared to get your feet wet.
If you’re up for an overnight stay, Camp Waipū Cove is only a short stroll from the track overlooking stunning Bream Bay.
🦭 Heads up: Keep an eye out for seals lounging around on the rocks during May-September.
Waipū Township (tartan meets togs)
The township of Waipū is small but full of charm, with cute cafés, a tartan museum (yes, actually), and a relaxed energy. It’s the best place in the area to grab a bite and some groceries. You can visit the Waipū Museum to learn about the Scottish settler history (they landed here in the 1850s), or catch live music at a local pub.
Our final pick? Uretiti Beach Campsite. Only 15 minutes up the road, it’s the best spot to camp beside the dunes and soak up those epic Bream Bay views.
4. Tūtūkākā Coast (blow-your-mind beaches)
This secret spot is often overlooked by backpackers heading straight to the Bay of Islands. The Tūtūkākā Coast is considered by some to be the best beach destination in Northland. The beaches here are seriously mind-blowing.
Just 30 minutes northeast of Whangārei, this stretch of coast is pure magic—think white sand, green headlands, and bays so perfect they look photoshopped. It’s also your launchpad to the Poor Knights Islands (a world-famous marine reserve for diving), but trust us, there’s plenty to keep you busy on land too.
Whale Bay (one of our fave NZ beaches)
This crescent-shaped beach is the definition of paradise. Whale Bay is only accessible by foot, via a short 10 minute track through native bush—and that’s part of the charm. It’s discovering it after this little walk that makes it so special.
If you ever manage to leave this gorgeous beach we recommend you keep walking the full track around the Whale Bay Headland for views that don’t stop.
Matapōuri Bay (freedom camping!)
Just a few minutes down the road, Matapōuri Bay is one of the most popular beaches along the coast—and for damn good reason. This sweeping white-sand beach is sheltered and ideal for parking up the camper, swimming, and sunbathing.
You can freedom camp right beside the beach—making this one of the best places to wake up in Northland!
✌🏼 Heads up: The nearby Mermaid Pools used to be a hotspot, but they’re now off-limits to protect the environment—so respect the rāhui (restriction) and enjoy the beach instead.
Tūtūkākā Head Tracks (wild headlands and island views)
The Tūtūkākā Head Tracks are a short walk with a huge payoff. You’ll start near the Tūtūkākā Marina, and climb steadily through regenerating bush before reaching viewpoints that look out across the Pacific Ocean and the Poor Knights Islands.
The full length to the lighthouse takes about 1 hour and includes clifftop lookouts, forest paths, and seabird nesting sites. It’s one of the most photogenic hikes in the whole region.
5. Cape Reinga and The Far North (spiritual vibes and endless coastline)
Maybe you’re wondering why the cape is sitting at fifth position? After all it’s one of the highlights for almost every backpacker visiting New Zealand. Well there’s your answer—for this guide, we’ve given precedence to hidden gems. But let’s be clear—a visit to the cape is a must-do.
Cape Reinga lies at the very tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean in a wild, swirling clash of currents and rugged cliffs. But it’s not just a scenic destination—it’s one of the most sacred sites in Māori culture.
According to legend, Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the dead begin their journey to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
The drive to get here is long but worth every kilometre, especially if you take your time and explore the stunning Far North along the way. If you don’t have your own ride, book a tour with Fullers Bay of Islands—they run epic tours to the cape and you’ll get to drive on Ninety Mile Beach!
⛯ Heads up: Visit the cape early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best light for photos.
Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga Lighthouse)
The walk to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse is one of the most iconic things to do in Northland. It’s pretty short and offers dramatic views of the two oceans coming together. Several other hiking tracks offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, where you’ll get a better feel for the rugged northern coastline.
If you’re down for a full or multi day hike we highly recommend the Te Paki Coastal Track which runs between Te Paki Stream and Spirits Bay. This remote trail takes you along some of the most epic clifftop scenery in New Zealand. The cape is also where the 3,000 kilometre Te Araroa Trail begins.
⚠️ Heads up: Te Paki Coastal Track is currently closed between Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay.
Te Paki Sand Dunes (sandboarding)
About a 5 minute drive south of Cape Reinga you’ll find the Te Paki Sand Dunes, a sprawling desert-like landscape. Ready for some serious fun? You can climb to the top of these golden giants and sandboard your way down at epic speeds! It’s highly addictive!
Even if you don’t sandboard, it’s worth visiting just to hike the dunes and take in the scale of this surreal environment. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with great views of Ninety Mile Beach.
The dunes are free to access, and you can rent boards at the carpark (during summer) or bring your own. It’s one of our fave free things to do in Northland.
Be warned: the sand gets HOT, so wear shoes. And bring sunscreen. In case it wasn’t already obvious—there’s no shade here!
Ninety Mile Beach and Ahipara (spoiler: it’s not 90)
This legendary stretch of beach runs down the west coast from Te Paki to Ahipara—and while it’s called Ninety Mile Beach, it’s actually 55 miles long (it’s a long story).
The easiest way to see it is by driving to Ahipara (15 minutes from Kaitaia). This beachside spot is world-famous for its surf break at Shipwreck Bay. Surfers will recognise the iconic break from the cult classic The Endless Summer.
Shipwreck Bay is considered one of the best left-hand point breaks in the world.
There’s a ton of things to do here, including surf lessons, horse riding, and quad biking—all on Ninety Mile Beach.
You can drive on the sand at low tide if your vehicle is 4WD. But be aware—rental cars are often not insured for this. For a safer option, park beside the beach and walk it (well maybe not all of it).
Lastly, we highly, highly (highly!) recommend staying at the Ahipara Holiday Park, it’s one of the best campgrounds in New Zealand. Let me tell you—it’s not easy to leave. We’re already planning our next trip back.
🔥 Job tip: Ahipara Holiday Park frequently hires backpackers in work for accommodation positions. Have a chat to them.
Northland is full of surprises
When people think of the best places to visit in New Zealand, Northland sometimes gets overlooked—but that’s exactly why it’s such a gem. It’s full of treasures waiting to be discovered.
You’ll find natural wonders like caves, dunes, ancient forests, geological formations, and so much more. There’s a good mix of iconic highlights and hidden gems. Many of them are free and have freedom camping options nearby.
Northland is also one of the best places in Aotearoa to experience the Māori culture—through tours that blend storytelling and native traditions. You’ll find them in the Hokianga and the Bay of Islands.
It’s a handy place to explore if you’ve just arrived in Auckland, or you’ve got at least a few days there before leaving New Zealand. Whether you’re backpacking solo or with travelmates, this part of Aotearoa delivers unforgettable moments—and often without a single tour group in sight. Not to mention it’s home to some of the most stunning beaches and coastline in New Zealand!
This region offers unique experiences that go beyond the typical backpacker routes. You’re invited to slow down, take the scenic road, and connect with the land and its people in a deeper way. Northland is one part of the country where taking your time really pays off. It should be high on your list. Get it on there, and get into it! ✌🏼
⭐ For more epic recs in the North Island check out our guide: 25 best things to do in New Zealand: North Island highlights.
⭐ Or if you’re heading back to Auckland: 8 best things to do in Auckland for free.
