What to do in Northland

Hey there,

I'm driving up to Auckland from Welly in a couple weeks, via Raglan, and then up to Northland for a few days. We'll probably take 6-7 days for the whole trip. I know the Bay of Islands is the thing to see in Northland...any other suggestions? spending only about 3 (maybe 4) full days in northland total so can't see everything...

You could head up one coast and back the other. Plenty to see on West Coast but it doesnt often get a plug.

you've got ot get out in the bay for a dolphin watching trip or for the experience of a lifetime go swimming with them! Kings seem to be the most well known eco tour company up there. as above the the west coast is often over looked but the hokianga is full of history and well worth a look.

churs for the suggestions. yeah i been to 90 mile beach on the west coast about 12 years ago and reckoned it was awesome. what about cape reinga...worth the drive? And btw is this all doable in 3 days?

Whangarei Falls?

Kerikeri is a pretty little place with old buildings and lots of neat little craft shops, there are peaceful beaches in Opononi/ Omapere (and sand dune boarding!) on the west coast, also the Kauri forests on west coast- Tane Mahuta and Yakas kauris are huge and spectacular. I'd suggest driving up the east coast, maybe check out Whangerei (the falls are pleasant, though not worth a huge detour for) or the Waipu caves which are great for glow worms, spend the bulk of your time round BOI, then drive back down the west coast for the kauri forests.

Think getting up to Cape Reinga and back in 3/4 days is pushing it... you could get on a day trip there but you will spend most of your day driving.

There's a sweet 6 day trip called the Far North that you can do. Departs and returns to Auckland. Limited departure dates, but you might get lucky. go all the way to Cape Reinga and into Kauri forests, kayak and sandboard the big dunes. It's run by Active Earth.