10 TOP Things to Do in Northland (2026 Activity Guide)

A harbor filled with sailboats surrounded by lush green hills.

A lantern on a wooden shelf with compartments below.

A close-up of green leaves with visible veins.

A forested hillside with scattered young trees and fallen logs.

A wooden fence, a large rock formation, and a green hill with trees in the background.

Things to do

Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in Bay of Islands

P5,497

per adult

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

P6,738

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

P5,993

per adult

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

P5,497

per adult

Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

P6,915

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock & Bay of Islands Cruise

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

P5,142

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Guided Puketi Kauri Forest Tour in Bay of Islands

P5,320

per adult

Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

P6,206

per adult

Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

P6,029

per adult

See all activities in Northland

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.

Learn more

A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, dense green foliage, and rolling hills in the background.

2. Paihia Beach

Enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and many other outdoor activities at Paihia Town Beach. The main beach is lined with several cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Book a sea kayaking adventure or a big game fishing charter and set out into the sea.

Learn more

A calm beach with pebbles, a small island, and a boat in the distance.

3. Karikari Peninsula

Swim or snorkel in the pristine waters, fish for snapper and other big game or be the first to leave footprints in a perfect stretch of white sand at the Karikari Peninsula. Visit the vineyards and sample the superb local wines or enjoy a round of golf in the peninsula’s stunning interior.

Learn more

A sunset over a beach with waves and distant mountains.

4. Kai Iwi Lakes

Formed approximately 1.8 million years ago, the three pristine lakes that make up Kai Iwi Lakes are an attractive natural wonderland today, ideal for watersports, swimming and hiking. The adjoining campgrounds also make a great base for exploring the nearby beaches or forests of the remote Northland region.

Learn more

A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered in greenery.

5. Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf is the departure point for some of the best fishing charters and boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise up Waitangi River or go on a dolphin-watching tour. A passenger ferry to Russell, one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, also leaves from the wharf.

Learn more

A waterfront pier with buildings and a boat docked.

6. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Stand at the top of the cliffs by Cape Reinga Lighthouse and watch the swirling currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sweeping views across the beaches and visit the 800-year-old tree that is one of the most sacred Maori sites in New Zealand. Extend your stay and camp a night or two at one of the excellent campsites nearby.

Learn more

A lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

7. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.

Learn more

A pier extending into calm waters at sunset.

8. Mangawhai Heads Beach

Swim or surf in the cool waters of Mangawhai Heads Beach and laze on the white sands during a long weekend or summer escape from Auckland. Straddling the South Pacific coast, this idyllic beach is a good introduction to the subtropical north of New Zealand.

Learn more

A beach with rocky foreground, sandy shore, and a forested hillside.

What to do in Northland

Stay near popular Northland attractions

Bay of Islands

9.6/10 (254 reviews)

Swim with dolphins, learn to sail or discover New Zealand’s fascinating history in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

See properties

Where to stay in Northland

Find the best Northland areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, sandy beach, and lush greenery.

Mangawhai Heads

You'll enjoy the beaches and coffeehouses in Mangawhai Heads. You might want to make time for a stop at Mangawhai Heads Beach or Mangawhai Golf Club.

See properties

Ninety Mile Beach on the Pacific Ocean shore with a blue sky in the background, New Zealand

Ahipara

Travelers like the beaches in Ahipara, and Ninety Mile Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Beautiful view of Mount Manaia in Whangarei Heads, New Zealand with a blue sky in the background

One Tree Point

While One Tree Point might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Manaia and Mcleod Bay.

Te Wahapu

While Te Wahapu might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach.