Northland and Auckland

Where the Journey Begins

Where the oceans meet

7 destinations

From the very top of New Zealand all the way down to the Hauraki Gulf. This is the region of long empty beaches, water clear enough to dive in year round, and islands a short ferry ride from the middle of Auckland.

Cape Reinga

Kiwi Kids Bottle

The very tip of New Zealand, where two oceans crash into each other. A lighthouse marks the spot, and on a clear day it feels like the edge of the world. A sacred place in Maori tradition and a bucket list stop for good reason.

Area Far North

Type Landmark

Excitement

9/10

Best For Bucket listers

90 Mile Beach

Kiwi Kids Bottle

A huge stretch of beach where the sand is hard enough to drive on at low tide. Great for fishing, collecting shellfish, and watching the sun go down over the Tasman Sea.

Area Far North

Type Beach

Excitement

7/10

Best For Road trippers

Bay of Islands

Kiwi Kids Bottle

A scattering of 144 islands in warm subtropical water, and one of the best places in the country to get out on a boat. Sail between the islands, swim with dolphins, or take it easy in the seaside towns of Paihia and Russell. This is also where New Zealand's founding treaty was signed, so there is history here as well as good weather.

Area Paihia

Type Bay

Excitement

8/10

Best For Sailors & history buffs

Poor Knights Islands

One of the best diving spots in the world, with warm water and loads of sea life you would not expect to find in New Zealand. Even above the water, the rock arches and cliff faces are worth the trip.

Area Tutukaka

Type Marine Reserve

Excitement

9/10

Best For Divers & snorkellers

Goat Island

New Zealand's very first marine reserve, and it shows the moment you get in the water. Fish swim right up to you in the shallows, and you can snorkel straight off the beach without a boat. Bring a mask or hire one nearby, and on a calm day the visibility is fantastic.

Area Leigh

Type Marine Reserve

Excitement

7/10

Best For Snorkellers

Waiheke Island

Jump on a 35-minute ferry from Auckland and you land somewhere that feels a world away. Vineyards, sunny beaches, good food and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for a day trip or a weekend away.

Area Auckland

Type Island

Excitement

7/10

Best For Wine lovers

Piha Beach

Kiwi Kids Bottle

A wild dark-sand beach on Auckland's west coast with big surf and Lion Rock sitting right in the middle of it. Climb to the top at sunset for one of the best views around Auckland.

Area Auckland

Type Surf Beach

Excitement

8/10

Best For Surfers & hikers

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Shop the Kiwi Kids Bottle 530ml · 30 destinations Shop the Adults Explorer Bottle 1.2L · 60 destinations