A Local’s Guide to the Top of New Zealand

Northland is where I spent most of my teenage years. All throughout high school, we’d spend hours driving around, trying to find the perfect spots to hang out. After those years, and now sitting on a couch on the other side of the world – I thought it best to record some of those places. Here’s my local’s guide to Northland, NZ.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is one of Kerikeri’s best places to visit. It’s warm enough to swim in summer (or winter if you’re brave), and has a huge chasm behind that you are able to access from the left hand side. There’s a nice walk in the forest either side as well, which connect up to a network around the Kerikeri/Waipapa area.

Stone Store & The Honey House Cafe

Built in 1832, this little slice of history is one of the original buildings in Northland. There is a beautiful little tea house just around the corner and is only a minute from the town centre. If you’re really feeling up to it, you can walk from the Stone Store all the way up to Rainbow Falls.

Charlie’s Rock – Local’s Secret Spot

Charlie’s Rock is a hidden waterfall with a bit of a trek to get to. It’s an awesome spot for swimming with different levels of height to jump off. It’s a locally known spot – and not as popular as Rainbow Falls.

Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay (pronounced Mah-tow-ree) is the local’s go-to beach for swimming, surfing, fishing and diving. The Rainbow Warrior boat is located not far off the point, and there is a memorial at the top of the hill. There is an awesome beachfront campground here with good facilities, however there is no cell coverage. 

Cooper’s Beach & Tokerau Beach

Cooper’s beach is on the way North, and is worth the stop to stretch your legs. There is an awesome little spot for ice cream as well! Tokerau can be accessed via ramp road after the turn to the Karikari Peninsula. This beach is a lot larger, and is open for vehicles.

90 Mile Beach

90 Mile Beach is a cool place to stop, or to see some wild horses. You can take vehicles down onto the beach, so if you have some fishing gear for some long lining, go hard! The Aupouri Wild Horses live here, and are often found behind the dunes about a kilometre to the right of the entrance at Hukatere.

There is a cute camping ground there too – called Hukatere Lodge. They have cheap rates and are almost always surrounded by at least one herd of wild horses. It’s right on the beachfront and is worth the stay. 

Te Paki Sand Dunes

Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes are no hidden secret. Hire a board at the dunes or bring your own and have some fun. The bigger dunes are a bit of a walk over the hill but they are well worth hiking to for some good speed on the board!

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the northern most tip of New Zealand. It is also where the Tasman and Pacific sea meet – creating a spectacular line shooting out of the northern rocks. There is plenty of history on the storyboards along the walk to get down there. Pack a jacket, it is often windy up there. 

Opito Bay

Opito Bay is situated in Kerikeri Inlet, and is a nice spot for a picnic or to watch the boats. You can rock hop around the edge of the bay or bask in the sun under the Pohutukawa trees. 

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Situated in Paihia, seaside tourist town of Northland, Waitangi Treaty Grounds is worth the visit. There is a museum there and lots of history about the settlement of New Zealand. It is the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed – which brought peace between the Maori and Pakeha (white) people. 

Plough & Feather Beer Garden

This little spot next to the Stone Store is the BEST spot in town for a good pizza and some local craft beer. On the edge of the Kerikeri Inlet and light by fairy lights under the trees, this place is the best to unwind after a day of travelling.

Kerikeri Inlet Lookout – Local’s Secret Spot

This is another secret spot! A drive through the farmland of Northland will take you to this cute little place that is great for fishing with a handline or sitting to watch the sunset. It was our go to place for a while to hang out!

Follow Kerikeri Inlet road all the way to the end – where the tarmac turns to gravel road. Follow this down to a dirt turn around area. Park and walk a short walk to the end of the point. 

Finishing up…

Most of my adventures around Northland happened around these spots, and I hope you get to experience them yourselves one day! Or maybe my future self needs a refresher on where to go and what to do!

Until next time!

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