Northland and more – yeah, BOI!

Y You have heard this tale before. I have lived in Aotearoa for 10 years, but it took our borders closing for me to venture further north from Auckland. I am not sure what took me so long. On a road trip to the Far North, we drove past sleepy towns and untamed beaches, driving all the way up to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific and Tasman seas meet.

On the way back down, we spent a few days at a bach in O¯ ma¯ pere. It opened onto the beach and somehow we had it all to ourselves. A golden stretch of sand and the bluest water, and not another soul in sight. We lazed around, unwinding, bellies full of ha¯ ngı¯ and hoki.

The next day we drove to Waipo¯ ua Forest, and walked the loop to greet Ta¯ ne Mahuta – the Lord of the Forest – the largest known living kauri tree in Aotearoa. On the way back to Auckland, we stopped in Kerikeri to see spectacular Rainbow Falls/Waianiwaniwa. It was just a three-day trip and I am keen to return to explore further.

This week, our final domestic travel special celebrates Northland and the Bay of Islands.

From the breathtaking coastal panoramas, crystal-clear turquoise waters and untouched native forest, to the rich Ma¯ ori culture running through the region, once you have had a read, check out our immersive guide to our subtropical north at stuff.co.nz/go-to-northland-bay-ofislands/.

Since the pandemic began, we have published 23 of these guides, championing every region in the country.

Travel reporter Brook Sabin visited every single region – twice – to unearth our hidden gems. We have found exceptional places to stay, family-friendly fun, adults-only escapes, and great things to see, eat and do on every budget and for every type of traveller.

So while it is exciting to see our borders open and Kiwis travelling overseas again, let’s not forget the special place we have here, and how much there is still left to see.

Check out our regional guides for inspiration for your next holiday: stuff.co.nz/travel/go-to-guides.