Home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, the best weather year round, and dreamy accommodation, here’s our pick of the best Northland hidden treasures.
This beautiful region is a kiwi classic, but far enough off the beaten track that it doesn’t attract hoards of international tourists.
Having heard such great things about it, we decided to go on a Northland 2 week roady to explore the region.
3 hours drive from Auckland and the sand is softer, the sun is hotter and the water is bluer than I ever could have imagined.
Make sure you don’t miss Northland’s hidden gems!
- 1. Get off the grid by Glamping at Wild Forest Lotus Belle Eco Retreat
- 2. Swim in the turquoise waters at Kai Iwi Lakes
- 3. Stay the night at a Luxury Treehouse
- 4. Dip your feet in the Coca-Cola Lake
- 5. Pose for a picture at New Zealand’s most northerly point
- 6. Jump in the secret watering hole at Charlie’s Rock
- 7. Sail the Bay of Islands
- 8. Go Sandboarding
- 9. Explore a cave hidden by a waterfall
- 10. Sunbathe on a white sand beach
1. Get off the grid by Glamping at Wild Forest Lotus Belle Eco Retreat
Destination: Donnellys Crossing
Unplug. Recharge. Reconnect
Joanna, airbnb owner
Find this couples heaven on Airbnb for around $150 per night.
Leave the hustle and bustle of Auckland behind and enjoy immersing yourself in nature, fully off grid amongst the forest. Relax in the outdoor bath, cook up a feast on the kitchen BBQ and stargaze out on the bean bags with a bottle of wine.
This glamping experience is full of luxury, without paying the price for it!
2. Swim in the turquoise waters at Kai Iwi Lakes
Destination: Omamari
This is one place you probably won’t even find kiwi holidaymakers. Despite it being so beautiful, barely anyone has heard of it!
Head 2 hours 45 minutes north of Auckland and you might be mistaken for thinking you had been transported to the shores of a Caribbean island, however this is Kai Iwi Lakes, New Zealand! Stop by for a swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters and a walk on the soft white sand, or even better book to stay the night.
Kai Iwi Lakes Campground offers 3 sites you can camp at for around $15 per night just steps away from one of our favourite views in New Zealand.
3. Stay the night at a Luxury Treehouse
Destination: Opito Bay
Owned by the lovely Jacqui and David this hidden treasure can be found nestled in the trees of Opito Bay, just outside of Kerikeri, with panoramic views over the bay as the sun slowly fades away.
During our stay, we enjoyed a home cooked BBQ against this idyllic backdrop and after the lights went out we were even lucky enough to see a wild kiwi rustling around in the leaves below the treehouse!
Continental breakfast included in the cost of around $220 per night. Another destination perfect for couples.
4. Dip your feet in the Coca-Cola Lake
Destination: Doubtless Bay
This quirky little lake is a great stop to add to your roadtrip as you pass through Doubtless Bay.
Traditionally named, Lake Rotopokaka, be sure to stop and enjoy your lunch at this little known destination. You can pop in for a swim, but the colour of the water wasn’t so appealing to actually get into for us! Interesting nonetheless.
5. Pose for a picture at New Zealand’s most northerly point
Destination: Cape Reinga
Ok this one isn’t really a hidden treasure, but it is certainly one of the best things to do in Northland.
There are many beautiful walks you can take to explore the rugged coastline, varying in difficulty and length.
The lighthouse marks the most northerly point in New Zealand and boasts stunning views where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. However Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) is also the most spiritually sacred place in the whole of New Zealand, according to Maori legend. Be sure to take the time to learn all about where spirits descend into the underworld, amongst other cultural history!
6. Jump in the secret watering hole at Charlie’s Rock
Destination: Kerikeri
The waterfall doesn’t receive the attention it deserves due to a very popular neighbour – Rainbow Falls
waterfalls.co.nz
This is great fun if you’re a little bit adventurous, and really is a hidden treasure only known by the locals.
Charlie’s Rock can be reached by foot from Stone Store Basin, which is also well worth a visit alongside all the more typical tourist spots of Kerikeri.
A relatively easy and short walk, the entrance is not well signposted but it runs alongside the Cherry Tree croquet court between 150 and 158 Landing Road.
You could spend hours diving into the locals favourite waterfall, from a higher rocky platform each time, if you dare!
7. Sail the Bay of Islands
Destination: Paihia
Bask in the sun on top of one of Barefoot Sailing’s beautiful catamarans.
Enjoy exploring the Bay of Islands on this small group cruise with a maximum of 16 people on board.
The day trip includes a 2 hour island stop over, where the team at Barefoot provide you with gear for snorkelling and paddle boarding. They also provide lunch and a cheeky alcoholic beverage at the end of the trip too – bliss.
8. Go Sandboarding
Destination: Te Paki Sand Dunes
Bring your own body board, or hire one from the van that resides in the car park and race down the sand dunes near Cape Reinga.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, socks are essential as the sand is burning hot! Climb as high as you’re willing to slide down – you will pick up some serious pace!
It’s surprisingly quite a workout and so much fun. Definitely one of the best things to do in Northland.
9. Explore a cave hidden by a waterfall
Destination: Kerikeri
Rainbow Falls is quite well known, yes. But what most people don’t dare to do, is climb around the rocks edge, under the waterfall, and find themselves in a beautiful cave.
It’s not too dangerous (we did it with a camera in tow) however the algae-covered rocks make for a slippery journey, so watch your footing!
It gets you away from the crowds so you can admire one of Northlands most beautiful waterfalls from a different perspective.
10. Sunbathe on a white sand beach
Destination: Taupo Bay
There are so many stunning beaches to choose from in Northland, you’re actually spoilt for choice.
Our personal favourite though was Taupo Bay, huge and incredibly quiet, calm crystal clear waters and soft white sand. With an entire beach to yourself, this really feels like a true hidden treasure!
What more could you ask for on your summer holiday?
Looking for more great things to do around the North Island? Read everything you need to know about the 5 best walks in Auckland here. Planning to head further afield, be sure to check out how to spend a perfect weekend in the Hawke’s Bay!