Northland — Aotearoa's Ocean Playground
Come for the freediving. Stay for everything else. Northland — Te Tai Tokerau — is one of the most beautiful, wild, and welcoming corners of New Zealand. Here's how to make the most of your time in our backyard.
The Water
Bay of Islands
Over 140 islands, crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and world-class dive sites. Take a day boat, hire a kayak, or swim off a deserted beach. Dolphins are a regular fixture.
Kai Iwi Lakes
Freshwater freediving at its finest. These ancient dune lakes have extraordinary visibility and a serene, otherworldly quality. Perfect for technique sessions and meditative dives. No wetsuits required in summer.
Cavalli Islands
Remote, rugged, and teeming with life — the Cavallis are a protected marine reserve and a highlight of any Northland ocean adventure. Some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country.
Poor Knights Islands
Ranked among the top dive sites in the world, the Poor Knights lie off the east coast of Northland. Dramatic underwater arches, massive schools of fish, and water so clear you'll forget to breathe.
On Land
Ancient kauri forests, golden surf beaches, thermal pools, and some of New Zealand's finest food and wine. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, drive the Karikari Peninsula, and stop at a roadside kaimoana stand for the freshest seafood of your life.
Where to Stay
From boutique lodges in the Bay of Islands to campgrounds steps from the water, Northland has accommodation for every budget and style. [Our favourite local spots coming soon]
Itinerary Ideas
Weekend warrior: Saturday freedive course → Sunday Bay of Islands boat trip. Full, brilliant, recommended.
Five-day escape: Arrive Monday, complete a full course, explore the Bay of Islands and Kai Iwi Lakes, day trip to the Cavallis, depart Friday with a whole new relationship with the ocean.
The full Northland lap: Two weeks, no fixed plan, a wetsuit, and a sense of adventure. Start in Whangārei, work your way north, dive the Poor Knights, paddle the Bay, walk Ninety Mile Beach.