Escape north from Auckland into New Zealand's subtropical paradise — pristine beaches, ancient kauri forests, the birthplace of a nation at Waitangi, and a pace of life that's wonderfully unhurried.
Northland — Te Tai Tokerau — is where New Zealand began. It's where the first Polynesian voyagers made landfall, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, and where some of the country's oldest and most sacred kauri trees still stand after two thousand years.
But Northland is also pure escapism: turquoise bays fringed with golden sand, working farms that stretch to the sea, pohutukawa trees blazing red along the coast, and a languid subtropical warmth that earns it the name "the Winterless North." It's a world away from the city, yet just a scenic drive from Auckland.
Our day tours explore the most rewarding highlights of the region — flexible enough for families, couples, and travellers of all ages, with private tour upgrades available for complete customisation.
From ancient forests and pristine coastline to the birthplace of a nation — Northland packs extraordinary diversity into a single day.
Northland's coastline is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful and uncrowded beaches — white sand, turquoise water, and barely a footprint in sight. Our route passes beaches you'll want to return to, with time for swimming on warm days.
Walk among living giants — ancient kauri trees that have stood for over a thousand years, with trunks reaching 5 metres in diameter. These forests are sacred to Māori and awe-inspiring for visitors. Short, accessible boardwalks protect their root systems.
The journey north from Auckland is itself a highlight — through the Hibiscus Coast, past the Brynderwyn Hills, and along winding roads with sudden ocean views. Your guide shares history and stories at every turn, with stops at scenic lookouts along the way.
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — the single most important historic site in New Zealand. This is where the founding document was signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs in 1840. The museum, carved meeting house, and war canoe are extraordinary.
Northland's small coastal towns offer some of the freshest seafood in the country — fish and chips on the wharf, oysters from the Kaipara, smoked fish from roadside stalls. Your guide knows the best local spots that tourists rarely find.
A short bush walk leads to one of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls — a 26-metre cascade surrounded by native bush. The loop track takes only 20 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels, making it an ideal midway stop.
Our day tour covers highlights in the closer Northland region. Multi-day options extend to the Bay of Islands and beyond.
~2.5 hours from Auckland
Northland's largest town, set on a beautiful harbour. Visit Whangarei Falls, the Town Basin art precinct, and stop for fresh local food. A natural midway point with genuine small-town Northland character.
~3.5 hours from Auckland
144 subtropical islands scattered across a sheltered bay — one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world. Home to Paihia, historic Russell, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Best explored over 2+ days.
West coast route
The western Northland coast is home to the last surviving stands of giant kauri — including Tāne Mahuta, Lord of the Forest, estimated at over 2,000 years old. The Kauri Museum in Matakohe tells the remarkable story of this ancient timber industry.
Northland is the cradle of New Zealand's history — Māori, colonial, and everything that came after. Every beach, headland, and harbour in this region carries stories that shaped a nation.
Signed on 6 February 1840 between the British Crown and over 500 Māori chiefs, the Treaty is New Zealand's founding document. The Treaty Grounds at Waitangi are the country's most significant historic site.
Northland is where the first Polynesian waka (canoes) made landfall centuries ago. The region remains deeply connected to Ngāpuhi, New Zealand's largest iwi, whose stories and presence are woven throughout the landscape.
Once known as "the Hell-Hole of the Pacific" for its lawless whaling-era reputation, Russell (Kororāreka) became New Zealand's first capital. Today it's a charming waterfront village reached by a short ferry from Paihia.
The giant kauri logging industry shaped Northland's colonial economy for decades. The Kauri Museum in Matakohe tells this complex story — of extraordinary trees, the gum-diggers who harvested their resin, and the conservation movement that now protects what remains.
A relaxed, unhurried day with flexible pacing — perfect for families, couples, and anyone who prefers to savour rather than rush.
We collect you from your Auckland accommodation and head north across the Harbour Bridge, through the Hibiscus Coast, and into the Northland countryside. Coffee stop along the way.
Pickup + scenic drivePause at a coastal or hilltop viewpoint as the landscape opens up — rolling farmland meets ocean. Your guide shares stories of the region's Māori history and European settlement as you stretch your legs.
~30 minAn easy 20-minute loop walk through native bush to one of New Zealand's most photogenic waterfalls — 26 metres of cascading water surrounded by lush vegetation. Accessible for all fitness levels.
~45 minExplore the charming harbour-side precinct with its art galleries, sculptured heritage trail, and local shops. A genuine Northland community with none of the tourist rush.
~45 minEnjoy lunch at a local coastal café or wharf-side eatery (own expense). Your guide knows the best spots for fresh fish, local pies, and the seafood Northland is famous for.
~1 hourVisit one of Northland's stunning beaches — time to walk the sand, swim on warm days, or simply take in the views. Your guide selects the best beach based on tide, weather, and group preferences.
~1 hourBegin the scenic return south, with optional stops at local farms, a kauri grove, or a Northland craft brewery. Your guide tailors the return route to the group's interests and energy.
~2 hoursArrive back in Auckland relaxed and enriched, with plenty of evening ahead. Your guide is happy to recommend dinner spots or evening activities in the city.
Maximum 16 guests or upgrade to a fully private tour for complete flexibility and customisation.
Short optional walks, flexible pacing, regular comfort stops, and family-friendly lunch options. Suitable for all ages.
Guides who know every back road, hidden beach, and local lunch spot in Northland — stories and knowledge you won't find online.
Itineraries adapt to weather, tides, and group interests. No rigid schedules — just the best version of the day, every day.
Everything you need before heading north. Can't find your answer? We're always happy to help with planning.
The Northland region begins about 1.5 hours north of Auckland. Whangarei is approximately 2.5 hours' drive, while the Bay of Islands (Paihia) is around 3.5 hours. Our day tours cover highlights in the closer Northland area, while multi-day options reach the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island.
Absolutely. The tour features short optional walks (all under 30 minutes), regular comfort breaks, flexible pacing, and family-friendly lunch options. Car seats are available on request. Private tour upgrades offer complete customisation for families with toddlers or multi-generational groups.
Northland is New Zealand's warmest and sunniest region — enjoyable year-round. Summer (December–February) offers the best beach weather at around 25°C, with stunning pohutukawa blooms along the coast in December. Autumn (March–May) is drier with warm days and fewer visitors. Winter is mild (12–16°C) with occasional rain but still beautiful.
The Bay of Islands is 3.5 hours from Auckland, making it a very long day trip. We recommend our 2–3 day Northland itineraries for a proper Bay of Islands experience including Waitangi, Russell, and optional dolphin watching or Cape Reinga. Our single-day tour focuses on the closer, equally beautiful highlights of the region.
Yes. Private tours are available for families, couples, or small groups wanting complete flexibility. Choose your own pace, stops, and interests. Private Northland tours can also be customised to include specific destinations like Tāne Mahuta, the Kauri Museum, or particular beaches. Just ask when booking.
All tours include Auckland hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable small-group or private transport, an expert Northland guide, and all scenic stops. Lunch is at your own expense from local cafés and eateries — your guide handles recommendations. Entry fees for any cultural attractions are included where applicable.
"The perfect escape from Auckland. We had no idea Northland was so beautiful — the beaches were deserted, the waterfall was spectacular, and our guide found us the best fish and chips we've had anywhere. Our kids (4 and 7) loved it."
Sydney, Australia
"We upgraded to a private tour and it was worth every cent. Our guide tailored the whole day to us — lingering at beaches, stopping at a roadside smokehouse, and telling us stories about the region's history. Felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend."
Vancouver, Canada
"We were only in Auckland for two days and this tour was the highlight of our whole NZ trip. The Northland coastline is genuinely stunning and so uncrowded compared to other tourist areas. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to see the real New Zealand."
Tokyo, Japan
Pristine beaches, ancient forests, and the birthplace of a nation — all just a scenic drive from Auckland. Small groups, local guides, and a pace that lets you truly unwind.