Things to do in Northland
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to take you through some of the best things to do in the Northland region of New Zealand – home to the stunning Bay of Islands – a New Zealand tourist hotspot and for lots of good reasons. At RaD, we have a car rental branch based in Whangarei, which marks the gateway to Northland and is situated just a short one-hour drive from Paihia – the heart of the Bay of Islands. We’ll give you some top tips on things to do in the region, where to stay and some great places to eat out.
Northland is a wonderfully diverse region with some amazing beaches, forests, and sites of cultural interest. It’s also home to some wonderful wildlife, both on land and in the water.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Whangarei, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Whangarei branch is conveniently located just off SH1, and we also offer pick up and drop off services from the regional airport in Whangarei as well as from hotels and motels in the city.
Northland Activities
Whilst most of our guides focus on a specific town or city in New Zealand, this guide takes a broader look at the Northland region, so there are lots of things to see and do and lots of recommendations we can make. Our team in Whangarei are your travel guides to Northland – they have explored the entire region and have pulled together some of their favourite activities in Northland, including the Bay of Islands and beyond.
Whilst a dolphin cruise from Paihia or a trip to 90-mile beach is usually at the top of the list of things-to-do in the region, we wanted to give you some tips that are not as well known. The headline activities are definitely something you should get involved with, but maybe add a couple of these lesser-known activities to your list:
Abbey Caves
· Location: Whangarei
· Features: Starting off in our hometown base, a great activity in Whangarei is to explore three unique limestone cave systems—Organ Cave, Middle Cave, and Ivy Cave—located just outside the city. These caves feature glow worms, stalactite formations, and adventurous rock scrambles. It's perfect for those seeking a rugged and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Helena Bay Gallery & Café
· Location: Near Russell
· Features: Whilst Paihia is the base for a lot of travellers exploring the Bay of Islands, Russell is another great location to explore the region. Tucked away on Russell Road, this gallery and café showcases artwork, sculptures, jewellery, and ceramics from over 150 artists. Surrounded by lush nature, it offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy local creativity and delicious food. From here, you can push on to explore Russell itself and maybe enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Koutu Boulders
· Location: Hokianga Harbour
· Features: A lot of travellers to New Zealand have heard of the Moeraki Boulders located near Dunedin. In Northland, however, you can explore something that is just as interesting and intriguing. These massive spherical boulders scattered along the beach are a geological marvel. Accessible only at low tide, they offer a unique photo opportunity and a chance to explore a lesser-known natural wonder.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
· Location: Whangarei
· Features: Returning back to our hometown base, the Whangarei Quarry Gardens are a locals' favourite. The gardens are a community-led subtropical garden built in an old quarry, featuring walking trails, waterfalls, and exotic plants. It's a tranquil spot for nature lovers with an onsite café to relax after exploring. This is another favourite of the team in Whangarei and definitely worth a stop off, even if you are just passing through.
St Paul’s Rock
· Location: Whangaroa Harbour
· Features: A short but steep 20-minute climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of Whangaroa Harbour and its surroundings. It's an accessible alternative to longer hikes in the region and offers some truly spectacular views of the region.
Northland Places to Eat
Recommending places to eat across an entire region is no easy feat. We could list five places to eat out in nearly every town and city in Northland, however, we have five recommendations across the entire region. We have again turned to our staff for their top picks, however, we do appreciate that we have missed out some absolutely wonderful places to eat out in Northland so please make sure you check lots of different sources for places to eat in the Northland town you are staying or passing through.
Here are our top five picks for places to eat out in Northland:
Charlotte’s Kitchen
· Location: Paihia
· Cuisine: Seafood, European
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: Situated at the end of the Paihia Wharf, this restaurant offers stunning waterfront views and a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its signature free-range pork knuckle and handcrafted pizzas, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This is a great spot for food, a drink or even a cocktail. It gets busy, especially during the summer months, so make sure you book ahead if you are staying in Paihia.
Duke of Marlborough
· Location: Russell
· Cuisine: Bar, Seafood, Contemporary New Zealand
· Budget: Mid-range ($$-$$$)
· Features: This is an absolute favourite of the team at Whangarei as well as anyone who seems to visit. Located on the Russell waterfront, this historic restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal dishes like Waikare Inlet oysters and oven-roasted market fish. Its extensive wine list and elegant ambiance make it perfect for a special evening out. If you are based in Paihia, you can catch the quick 25 minute ferry across to Russel and enjoy a meal at “The Duke” before heading back on a late ferry after a delicious feed.
Māha Restaurant
· Location: Kerikeri
· Cuisine: Modern New Zealand
· Budget: Fine dining ($$$)
· Features: Nestled in Kerikeri’s countryside, Māha is known for its refined dishes crafted with local ingredients. The restaurant offers a tranquil setting ideal for celebrating special occasions or indulging in gourmet dining. This is a locals favourite and people do travel from across the wider Northland region to enjoy the delicious food here.
Plough & Feather
· Location: Kerikeri (near the Stone Store)
· Cuisine: English-style Gastropub with a Northland twist
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Overlooking the historic Stone Store Basin, this relaxed gastropub offers hearty meals with local flavours. Its inviting atmosphere and scenic location make it a great spot for casual dining. The Stone Store is one of the big-ticket items to tick off on your visit to Northland, so this is a great opportunity to visit this historic site and indulge in some great food at the same time – win-win!
Waterfront Café & Bar
· Location: Mangonui
· Cuisine: Café-style with seafood specialties
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: If you are going to try fish and chips in New Zealand, this place is as good as any. Famous for its fresh fish and chips, this café provides stunning views of Mangonui Harbour. It’s a laid-back spot to enjoy local seafood while soaking in the coastal charm of Northland. Our team have definitely enjoyed a portion of fish and chips or two in Mangonui, and it’s worth the drive as Mangonui is located in the far north.
Northland Accommodation
Like recommending places to eat out in Northland, picking out our top five places to stay across the wider region is also pretty challenging. Thankfully, our team have travelled across the region so we have some really good tips and we have leaned on our customers for recommendations closer to home in Whangarei. The area has so many great accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and Airbnbs, so you will never be short on choices. We also have a lot of different locations, so you can pick your accommodation based on what you plan to do in Northland.
Here are our top five tips for places to stay in Northland:
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
· Location: Paihia
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: This resort offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the Bay of Islands. It includes a spa, pool, and fine dining restaurant, making it ideal for travellers seeking relaxation and indulgence. Its central location is perfect for exploring Paihia and nearby attractions.
Mangonui Motel
· Location: Mangonui
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Overlooking Mangonui Harbour, this motel provides clean, comfortable rooms with kitchenettes. Guests praise the friendly staff and stunning views. It's a great choice for travellers who want affordable accommodation with easy access to Doubtless Bay. It’s also located close to the Waterfront Café and Bar, so you will have fish and chips on tap!
Waipoua Lodge
· Location: Near Waipoua Forest
· Budget: Mid-range to Luxury ($$$)
· Features: Nestled near the iconic Kauri trees of Waipoua Forest, this boutique lodge offers cosy suites and gourmet dining. It’s perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquillity and proximity to Northland’s ancient forests. The Waipoua Forest is another of those “must-do” places to visit on a trip to Northland to explore the ancient Kauri trees – a truly magnificent sight.
Admiral’s View Lodge & Motel
· Location: Paihia
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Paihia is the place in Northland with the biggest selection and the biggest diversity when it comes to accommodation options. This lodge offers spacious rooms with distant sea views, comfortable beds, and well-equipped amenities. Its quiet location is within walking distance of Paihia’s beach, shops, and restaurants, making it ideal for couples or families.
Magic Cottages at Takou River
· Location: Near Kerikeri
· Budget: Mid-range to Luxury ($$$)
· Features: Set on the Takou River, these eco-friendly cottages offer serene surroundings with private gardens. Guests can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or relaxing in hot tubs under the stars. It’s a unique retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This is a bit different to some of the other recommendations in this list, but if you are looking for something a bit different to the hustle and bustle of Paihia, then this is a great option and is within easy driving distance of all the main activities in the region.
Northland Beaches
This final section in this Northland guide is just as tricky to pull together as Northland is arguably home to some of New Zealand’s most magnificent beaches. Whether you are looking for a tranquil spot that is perfect for family swims or something a bit more rugged where you can find some surf, Northland has something for everyone.
Here are five of the teams’ favourite beaches in Northland:
Tapeka Point Beach
· Location: Russell
· Features: Known for its quiet and protected bay, Tapeka Beach offers great swimming conditions regardless of the tide. It's a bit of a walk from Russell but provides a serene atmosphere and stunning views. If you have a car in Russell, it’s a short drive over to the opposite side of the town to the main harbour and will only take you a couple of minutes by car.
Whale Bay
· Location: Tutukaka Coast
· Features: The Tutukaka Coast is home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular beaches and Whale Bay is perhaps the pick of the crop. This picturesque bay is famous for its turquoise waters and seclusion. It's a romantic spot ideal for swimming and offers a beautiful walk through ancient Puriri trees to reach the beach.
Matauri Bay
· Location: Karikari Peninsula
· Features: A long stretch of white sand with epic views, Matauri Bay is perfect for groups and surfers. It's also home to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial and offers dolphin spotting opportunities. Matauri Bay is also the home of one of New Zealand’s most famous golf courses – Kauri Cliffs, so this is a great spot for a dip if you are lucky enough to play some golf at this fabulous course.
Matapouri Bay
· Location: Tutukaka Coast
· Features: Another of Tutukaka’s stunning beaches and famous for its Mermaid Pools, Matapouri Bay offers a stunning beach with calm waters and a scenic estuary. It's great for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling to see native fish. The Tutukaka Coast is the perfect place to base yourself if you love to snorkel, dive or surf.
Ninety Mile Beach
· Location: Kaitaia
· Features: A unique and iconic beach, Ninety Mile Beach stretches along the west coast of Northland. It's known for its long drives along the beach, sandboarding, and stunning sunsets. 90-Mile Beach is one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches and is a great stop off point on the way up to the country’s most northerly point at Cape Reinga.
Renting a Car in Whangarei
If you’re looking to rent a car in Whangarei, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Whangarei looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the North Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Whangarei branch.