The Northland Region (Maori: Te Tai Tokerau, also Te Hiku-o-te-Ika, "the Tail of the Fish" (of Maui)) often referred to by New Zealanders as the Far North, or, because of its mild climate, the Winterless North occupies the northern 80% (265 kilometres) of the 330 kilometre-long Northland Peninsula, the southernmost part of which is in the Auckland Region. The main population centre is the city of Whangarei, and the largest town is Kerikeri.

Stretching from a line where the peninsula narrows to a width of just 15 kilometres a little north of the town of Wellsford, the Northland Region extends north to the tip of the Northland Peninsula, covering an area of 13,940 km2, a little over five per cent of the country's total area. It is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The land is predominantly rolling hill country. Farming and forestry occupy over half of the land and are two of the region's primary industries.

Although many of the region's kauri forests were felled during the 19th century, some areas still exist where this rare giant grows tall. New Zealand's largest tree, Tane Mahuta, stands in the Waipoua Forest south of the Hokianga Harbour.

The western coast is dominated by several long straight beaches, the most famous of which is the inaccurately named 88-kilometre-long stretch of Ninety Mile Beach in the region's far north. The slightly longer Ripiro Beach lies further south. Two large inlets are also located on this coast: the massive Kaipara Harbour in the south, which Northland shares with the Auckland Region, and the convoluted inlets of the Hokianga Harbour.

The east coast is more rugged and is dotted with bays and peninsulas. Several large natural harbours are found on this coast, from Parengarenga, close to the region's northern tip, past the famous Bay of Islands down to Whangarei Harbour, on the shores of the largest population centre. Numerous islands dot this coast, notably the Cavalli Islands, the Hen and Chickens Islands, Aorangaia Island and the Poor Knights Islands. The northernmost points of the North Island mainland lie at the top of Northland. These include several often confused in the public mind as being the country's northernmost points: Cape Maria van Diemen, Spirits Bay, Cape Reinga, and North Cape.

Northland is New Zealand's least urbanised region, with Whangarei as the largest urban area. The region's population is concentrated mainly along the east coast. During the five years up to 2006, Northland recorded a population growth of 6.0 per cent, slightly below the national average. Northland includes one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, Mangawhai, which is expanding rapidly due to residential and subsequent commercial development.

The Northland Region (Maori: Te Tai Tokerau, also Te Hiku-o-te-Ika, "the Tail of the Fish" (of Maui)) often referred to by New Zealanders as the Far North, or, because of its mild climate, the Winterless North occupies the northern 80% (265 kilometres) of the 330 kilometre-long Northland Peninsula, the southernmost part of which is in the Auckland Region. The main population centre is the city of Whangarei, and the largest town is Kerikeri.

Stretching from a line where the peninsula narrows to a width of just 15 kilometres a little north of the town of Wellsford, the Northland Region extends north to the tip of the Northland Peninsula, covering an area of 13,940 km2, a little over five per cent of the country's total area. It is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The land is predominantly rolling hill country. Farming and forestry occupy over half of the land and are two of the region's primary industries.

Although many of the region's kauri forests were felled during the 19th century, some areas still exist where this rare giant grows tall. New Zealand's largest tree, Tane Mahuta, stands in the Waipoua Forest south of the Hokianga Harbour.

The western coast is dominated by several long straight beaches, the most famous of which is the inaccurately named 88-kilometre-long stretch of Ninety Mile Beach in the region's far north. The slightly longer Ripiro Beach lies further south. Two large inlets are also located on this coast: the massive Kaipara Harbour in the south, which Northland shares with the Auckland Region, and the convoluted inlets of the Hokianga Harbour.

The east coast is more rugged and is dotted with bays and peninsulas. Several large natural harbours are found on this coast, from Parengarenga, close to the region's northern tip, past the famous Bay of Islands down to Whangarei Harbour, on the shores of the largest population centre. Numerous islands dot this coast, notably the Cavalli Islands, the Hen and Chickens Islands, Aorangaia Island and the Poor Knights Islands. The northernmost points of the North Island mainland lie at the top of Northland. These include several often confused in the public mind as being the country's northernmost points: Cape Maria van Diemen, Spirits Bay, Cape Reinga, and North Cape.

Northland is New Zealand's least urbanised region, with Whangarei as the largest urban area. The region's population is concentrated mainly along the east coast. During the five years up to 2006, Northland recorded a population growth of 6.0 per cent, slightly below the national average. Northland includes one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, Mangawhai, which is expanding rapidly due to residential and subsequent commercial development.

Northland, New Zealand, is a beautiful region with stunning coastlines, scenic forests, and rich Maori history. It's the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you're planning a trip to Northland, here are some areas to consider.

Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters, and abundant marine life. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. The Bay of Islands also has many historical sites, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840.

Whangarei: Whangarei is the largest city in Northland and offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. It's an excellent base for exploring the Whangarei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast. Whangarei is also home to several museums, art galleries, and shopping districts.

Paihia: Paihia is a small town in the Bay of Islands and a popular tourist destination. Paihia offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Paihia is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and various outdoor activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

Kaitaia: Kaitaia is the northernmost town in New Zealand and offers a unique cultural experience. It's a great place to stay if you want to learn more about Maori culture and history. Kaitaia also provides easy access to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand, and 90 Mile Beach, a popular spot for surfing and fishing.

Russell - Russell is a charming historic town in the Bay of Islands. It's known for its picturesque streets, colonial architecture, and rich history. Russell is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and want to explore the local history and culture.

Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or a relaxing vacation, Northland has something for everyone. Consider staying in one of these areas to make the most of your trip and experience all the beauty this region offers.

Northland, New Zealand, is a beautiful region with stunning coastlines, scenic forests, and rich Maori history. It's the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you're planning a trip to Northland, here are some areas to consider.

Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, pristine waters, and abundant marine life. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. The Bay of Islands also has many historical sites, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840.

Whangarei: Whangarei is the largest city in Northland and offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. It's an excellent base for exploring the Whangarei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast. Whangarei is also home to several museums, art galleries, and shopping districts.

Paihia: Paihia is a small town in the Bay of Islands and a popular tourist destination. Paihia offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Paihia is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and various outdoor activities such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

Kaitaia: Kaitaia is the northernmost town in New Zealand and offers a unique cultural experience. It's a great place to stay if you want to learn more about Maori culture and history. Kaitaia also provides easy access to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand, and 90 Mile Beach, a popular spot for surfing and fishing.

Russell - Russell is a charming historic town in the Bay of Islands. It's known for its picturesque streets, colonial architecture, and rich history. Russell is a great place to stay if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and want to explore the local history and culture.

Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or a relaxing vacation, Northland has something for everyone. Consider staying in one of these areas to make the most of your trip and experience all the beauty this region offers.