Auckland & Northland
The top of the North Island pairs a great harbour city with the subtropical far north. Auckland, the "City of Sails", spreads across sparkling harbours and volcanic cones, gateway to Waiheke's vineyards and the Hauraki Gulf. Beyond it, Northland runs to the Bay of Islands, giant kauri forests and Cape Reinga — warm, green and steeped in the earliest history of the nation. Here's how to explore both.
Auckland & the Hauraki Gulf
Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and main international gateway — a harbour city of the Sky Tower and waterfront, volcanic viewpoints, beaches and food, with the islands of the Hauraki Gulf on its doorstep. Hop the ferry to Waiheke for vineyards and coves, or west to the black-sand surf beaches of Piha and Muriwai's gannet colony. See our in-depth Auckland guide.
The Bay of Islands & Northland
North of the city lies the subtropical Northland. Its centrepiece is the Bay of Islands — 144 islands, turquoise water, sailing and dolphins, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, birthplace of the nation. Beyond stretch golden beaches, the giant kauri of Waipoua Forest (home of Tāne Mahuta), and the road to Cape Reinga. See our Bay of Islands guide.
Kauri forests & the coast
Northland's ancient kauri forests are a wonder — but the trees are under threat from kauri dieback disease, so please stay on the boardwalks and use the cleaning stations, and check current track access, as some may be closed to protect them. Along the coasts, warm swimming beaches and quiet coves reward a subtropical road trip. See our things to do guide.
Auckland & Northland: your questions
Auckland — the "City of Sails" on the Waitematā Harbour — offers the Sky Tower, a buzzing waterfront, volcanic cones with grand views, and a short ferry to Waiheke Island's vineyards and beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. It's New Zealand's biggest city and main gateway. See our in-depth Auckland guide.
Northland is the subtropical "winterless north", and its jewel is the Bay of Islands — 144 islands, turquoise water and sailing, plus the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation. Further north lie giant kauri forests and Cape Reinga, where two oceans meet. See our Bay of Islands guide and Northland day trip.
Yes — in Northland's Waipoua Forest stands Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri, a colossal ancient tree. Please help protect these giants from kauri dieback disease by staying on the boardwalks and using the cleaning stations — some tracks may be closed to safeguard the trees, so check current access. See our things to do guide.
Very — Waiheke Island, about 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, is famous for its vineyards, olive groves and beaches, with excellent cellar-door dining and art. It makes a superb day trip or overnight from the city. See our Auckland guide.
The Bay of Islands is about a 3-hour drive north of Auckland, with Paihia the main base — an easy and scenic run, or a short flight into Kerikeri. Many visitors pair a few days in Auckland with a trip up north. See our getting around guide.