Northland is New Zealand's northernmost region, offering a spectacular blend of natural wonders, rich Māori culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the spiritual Cape Reinga to world-class diving at the Poor Knights Islands, here are the top 10 must-do experiences when visiting Northland. Stay at Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri — your perfect base for exploring all of these incredible attractions.
Visit Te Rerenga Wairua — Cape Reinga
Where Māori believe the spirits of the departed leave the mainland. Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is the spiritual tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular collision of waves. This sacred site holds deep significance in Māori culture as the leaping place of spirits beginning their journey to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
What to Experience
Stand at the iconic lighthouse and witness the meeting of two oceans, walk the coastal track for breathtaking views, and learn about the ancient pohutukawa tree that guides spirits on their final journey. The drive to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach is an adventure in itself — consider a guided tour from Kerikeri for the full experience.
Feel Like You Are in Another World at Te Paki Sand Dunes
Experience the thrill of sandboarding down massive golden dunes. The Te Paki Sand Dunes are a surreal landscape of towering sand mountains that seem transported from the Sahara Desert. These massive dunes, some reaching heights of over 100 metres, offer an otherworldly experience unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.
What to Experience
Rent a boogie board and race down the steep dunes, hike to the summit for panoramic views of the coastline, and capture stunning photographs of this unique landscape. The dunes are constantly shifting with the wind, creating ever-changing patterns and formations. Most tours from Kerikeri combine Cape Reinga with Te Paki Sand Dunes for an unforgettable day trip.
Stand Beneath the Kauri Giants — Especially Tāne Mahuta
Meet Tāne Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest — New Zealand's largest living kauri tree. The ancient kauri forests of Northland are home to some of the world's most magnificent trees. Tāne Mahuta stands 51.5 metres tall with a trunk girth of 13.8 metres, estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old.
What to Experience
Walk the short boardwalk trail to Tāne Mahuta and feel dwarfed by this ancient giant. Visit the Four Sisters, Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), and other magnificent kauri trees in Waipoua Forest. Learn about kauri dieback disease and conservation efforts to protect these treasures. The forest is easily accessible as a day trip from your Kerikeri accommodation.
Explore the Aquatic Playground of the Bay of Islands
Discover 144 islands scattered across pristine turquoise waters. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's premier tourist destinations, offering world-class sailing, fishing, diving, and dolphin watching. This subtropical paradise features secluded beaches, historic sites, and abundant marine life.
What to Experience
Take a dolphin-watching cruise and swim with wild bottlenose dolphins, explore the famous Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island, kayak to secluded beaches and hidden coves, visit historic Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or try game fishing for marlin and kingfish. Kerigold Chalets is perfectly positioned just minutes from the Bay of Islands, making it easy to enjoy multiple activities during your stay.
Be Immersed in Legendary Māori Experiences
Experience authentic Māori culture at places like Manea Footprints of Kupe and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. The region offers profound opportunities to connect with Māori history, culture, and traditions.
What to Experience
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to understand New Zealand's founding document, experience a traditional pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), watch cultural performances featuring haka and waiata, explore Manea Footprints of Kupe in Opononi, and visit the historic Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri — New Zealand's oldest buildings. Many cultural experiences are within easy reach of your Kerikeri base.
Check Out the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Rated one of the top 10 dive sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau. The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a diver's paradise, featuring dramatic underwater cliffs, caves, arches, and an incredible diversity of marine life. The islands are protected with no fishing or anchoring allowed, creating a pristine underwater ecosystem.
What to Experience
Scuba dive or snorkel among subtropical fish species, explore underwater caves and archways including Rikoriko Cave (one of the world's largest sea caves), encounter stingrays, moray eels, and schools of colourful fish, or take a scenic boat cruise around the islands if you don't dive. Tours depart from Tutukaka, approximately 1.5 hours from Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri.
Discover Vibrant Art at the Hundertwasser Art Centre
Experience the whimsical architecture and art of Friedensreich Hundertwasser in Whangarei. This stunning building showcases the work of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, featuring his distinctive colourful, organic architectural style with no straight lines. The centre also celebrates local art and the character of Northland's smaller towns.
What to Experience
Explore the unique Hundertwasser-designed public toilets in Kawakawa (a must-see quirky attraction), visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangarei, discover local artists and craftspeople in the Hokianga, and browse galleries featuring traditional and contemporary Māori art. Whangarei makes an excellent day trip from your Kerikeri accommodation.
Experience Waterfalls, Glowworm Caves, and Pristine Beaches
Discover stunning beaches, magical glowworm caves, and spectacular waterfalls. Northland is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions — from the crystal-clear waters of pristine beaches to mystical caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms, and powerful waterfalls cascading through native forest.
What to Experience
Visit Rainbow Falls and Wharepuke Falls in Kerikeri (just minutes from Kerigold Chalets), explore the Kawiti Glowworm Caves near Kawakawa, swim at pristine beaches like Matauri Bay, Coopers Beach, and Cable Bay, and discover hidden gems like Haruru Falls and the crystal-clear dune lakes of the Karikari Peninsula. Many of these natural wonders are easily accessible from Kerikeri.
Ride Coast to Coast on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Cycle 87km from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea through stunning Northland landscapes. The Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand's Great Rides, offering a gentle, mostly flat journey through native forest, farmland, and alongside rivers, with rich historical and cultural significance.
What to Experience
Ride through the historic Puketi and Omahuta Kauri Forests, cross the impressive Horeke Bridge, stop at charming cafes and historic sites along the way, and enjoy spectacular views of both coasts. The trail passes near Kerikeri, making Kerigold Chalets an ideal place to stay before or after your cycling adventure. Bike rentals and shuttle services are available.
Uncover the Stories of Aotearoa at the 9 Tohu Whenua Sites
Explore the 9 Tohu Whenua heritage sites that tell the story of New Zealand's founding. These significant sites across Northland mark important moments in New Zealand's history, from early Māori settlement to European arrival and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
What to Experience
Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's founding document was signed, explore Kerikeri Mission Station with the Stone Store and Kemp House (New Zealand's oldest buildings), discover Ruapekapeka Pā — the most sophisticated fortification of the New Zealand Wars — and understand the complex history that shaped modern New Zealand. Many of these sites are within easy driving distance of Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri.
Enjoy Alfresco Dining on a Long Summer Evening
Savour fresh local cuisine overlooking the ocean or a vineyard. Northland's long summer evenings are perfect for outdoor dining, with restaurants and cafes offering stunning views and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From waterfront seafood to vineyard dining, the region's culinary scene celebrates the best of land and sea.
What to Experience
Dine at waterfront restaurants in Paihia, Russell, and Mangonui, enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards, sample fresh seafood including oysters, crayfish, and snapper, visit farmers markets for local produce, and experience the relaxed Northland lifestyle. Kerikeri offers excellent dining options including the famous Packhouse Market and various cafes and restaurants — many within easy reach of Kerigold Chalets.