Wildlife Reserve
Goat Island Marine ReserveOnly 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has…
North Auckland
The Auckland supercity sprawls 90km north of the CBD to just past the point where SH16 and SH1 converge at Wellsford. The semirural area north of Auckland's suburban sprawl encompasses beautiful beaches, regional parks, tramping trails, quaint villages and wineries. Plus there are excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Consider visiting on a day trip from Auckland or as a way to break up your trip on the journey north.
Explore North Auckland
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Auckland.
Beach
Tawharanui Regional ParkA partly unsealed road leads to this 588-hectare reserve at the end of a peninsula. This special place is an open sanctuary for native birds, protected by…
Park
Mahurangi Regional ParkStraddling the head of Mahurangi Harbour, Mahurangi Regional Park is a boater's paradise incorporating areas of coastal forest, pā sites and a historic…
Park
Wenderholm Regional ParkSqueezed between the Waiwera and Puhoi Rivers, the exquisite 134-hectare Wenderholm Regional Park has a diverse ecology, abundant bird life, beaches and…
Gardens
Brick Bay Sculpture TrailAfter taking an hour-long artistic ramble through the beautiful grounds and native bush of Brick Bay Wines, recuperate with a wine tasting at the…
Park
Scandrett Regional ParkOn the ocean side of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park has a sandy beach, walking tracks, patches of regenerating forest, a historic…
Aquarium
Goat Island Marine Discovery CentreStaffed by marine experts and graduate students from the University of Auckland, this centre is packed with interesting exhibitions on the ecosystem of…
Cultural Centre
Te Hana Te Ao MaramaYou'll see the terraces of a lot of historic pā (fortified village) sites etched into hillsides all around NZ, but if you want to get an idea of how these…
Beach
Omaha BeachThe nearest swimming beach to Matakana, Omaha has a long stretch of white sand, good surf and ritzy holiday homes. It's the kind of place where you might…
Beach
Orewa BeachOrewa's 3km-long stretch of sand is its main drawcard. Being in the Hauraki Gulf, it's sheltered from the surf but still patrolled by lifeguards in peak…
Forest
Dome ForestTwo kilometres north of Warkworth, a track leads through this regenerating forest to the Dome summit (336m). On a fine day you can see the Sky Tower from…
Museum
Warkworth District's MuseumPioneer-era detritus is displayed at this small local museum. Of more interest is the surrounding Parry Kauri Park, which harbours a couple of giant kauri…
Farm
SheepworldThis agricultural attraction offers farm experiences for little city slickers (pony rides, lamb feeding) and the ubiquitous sheep and dog show, including…
Church
Church of Sts Peter & PaulThe village’s pretty Catholic church dates from 1881 and has an interesting tabernacle painting (a copy of one in Bohemia), stained glass and statues.
Historic Building
Couldrey HomesteadThe Couldrey family were the original colonial settlers of the Wenderholm area, and their farmhouse dating from the 1860s is now a museum.
Forest
Alice Eaves Scenic ReserveTen hectares of native bush with labelled trees, a pā site, a lookout and easy short walks.
Museum
Puhoi Heritage MuseumTells the story of the hardship and perseverance of the original Bohemian pioneers.