A gold, green and blue world of beaches, bays and subtropical pleasures. The region of Northland and the Bay of Islands stretches north from Auckland, towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand’s first inhabitants.

The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Northland springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline. The people of the North have a passion for water sport - surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of the region’s fascinating Maori and European history.

Much of Northlands' extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation with a range of accommodation available. Whangarei and Opua are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for yachts.

Throughout the Bay of Islands, it's impossible to escape the lure of the sea. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach. Or paddle a sea kayak in and out of island nooks and crannies. Swimming with dolphins is another specialty of the Bay of Islands. Many operators in the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island.