Dargaville

Established by Yugoslavian immigrants, initially its prosperity was based on kauri timber and gum. Today the local community is mostly involved with dairy farming and cropping.

Dargaville Museum has maritime displays, Maori artefacts, a kauri gum diggers' exhibition, bushwalks and souvenirs. The Woodturner's Studio is a gallery of kauri carving, turned pieces and a workshop to see how it's all done.

Kaikohe

Kaikohe is a rural service town, providing shopping and other essential services for the local farming community.

Monument Hill offers excellent views and is a beautiful place for a picnic on a fine day. Pioneer Village covers several acres and includes many historic buildings, the most notable being the First Courthouse in New Zealand.

Kaitaia

The last major town before Cape Reinga, Kaitaia was once a melting pot of Yugoslavian and Maori culture. A visit to the local museum reveals a fascinating mix of artefacts related to gum digging and Maori history.

Bus trips to Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach leave daily from Kaitaia.
Te Wero Nui is a marae experience where you can try your hand at weaving, wood and bone carving.

Kerikeri

Roadside stalls offer all kinds of seasonal fruit and produce. You'll also notice signs advertising the studios of potters, painters, textile artists and other artisans.

Discover Kerikeri's collection of historic buildings - the Kerikeri Mission House, Kemp House and the Stone Store. Spend some time at Rewa's Village, a replica Maori settlement or walk to Rainbow Falls to see the spectacular 27-metre waterfall.

Paihia

Paihia is an ideal departure point for cruises, fishing charters and ferries to Russell.

The 'Hole in the Rock' cruise takes you to the tip of Cape Brett and through the islands of the Bay. Hop aboard a dolphin encounter cruise, where you may get the chance to swim with dolphins.
Cruise on a tall ship or blast out to Cape Brett on a speed boat.

Russell

This first capital of New Zealand was once known as 'the hell hole of the Pacific', due to an over-abundance of hotels and brothels!

Russell is a major game fishing port - head out to target marlin, tuna, broad bill and shark. Christ Church on Robertson Street is the oldest church in New Zealand. It still bears the cannonball holes of the Maori wars.

Whangarei

Northland's only city is a great place to gear up for your Northland adventure, especially if you're heading for a beach house or camping ground.

Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand. Climb to the summit of Mount Manaia - the remains of an ancient volcano, or check out the kauri trees in AH Reed Memorial Park.