25/06/2026
Northland is precious, and everyone who lives in or travels through it has a responsibility to help protect it. If you're looking for inspiration, here are some of Northland's experiences and accommodation that will help you explore Northland with intention, respect, and care for the people and places you encounter along the way.
EXPERIENCE
📍Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangārei’s Town Basin. Celebrating the legacy of Austrian-born artist and environmentalist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The centre showcases his vision of living in harmony with nature, sustainable design, and the greening of cities.
📍Discover the spectacular Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Renowned as one of the world's top dive sites, this protected marine paradise is home to abundant sea life, dramatic underwater scenery, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sea cave.
📍Take to the skies with Salt Air for a unique heli and cultural experience over the Bay of Islands, including an exclusive landing on Motu Kōkako (Hole in the Rock). Salt Air is also committed to protecting Northland's environment through conservation initiatives and its role in regional emergency response.
📍Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most significant historic site. A guided tour, cultural performance, museums, and heritage buildings offer a powerful insight into the stories, people, and events that shaped the nation, while ongoing conservation efforts ensure this important taonga is preserved for future generations.
📍Explore the Bay of Islands by sail with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, a low-impact experience combining island exploration, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting. Through its support of Project Island Song, the company contributes to conservation efforts aimed at restoring native wildlife to the Bay.
📍Relax and unwind at Ngawha Springs, where a collection of geothermal pools has been enjoyed for generations for their restorative qualities. Managed by descendants of the original tūpuna owners, the springs remain an important cultural and natural taonga.
📍Experience Manea Footprints of Kupe, an immersive cultural journey that brings the story of the great Polynesian navigator Kupe to life. Guided by local descendants, the experience offers a powerful insight into Te Ao Māori while supporting cultural preservation, education, and community development.
📍Join Footprints Waipoua for a guided journey into the majestic Waipoua Forest. Through storytelling, waiata, and cultural interpretation, gain a deeper appreciation of the ancient kauri and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
📍Visit The Kauri Museum, Northland’s largest undercover attraction and a proudly net carbon zero certified experience. The museum also highlights the importance of conservation, with future developments focused on environmental science, Kauri Dieback prevention, and inspiring hope for the protection of these treasured forests.
STAY
📍Lodge 9 is a boutique retreat in the heart of Tūtūkākā Marina, embracing sustainable tourism practices and an environmentally conscious ethos.
📍 In Paihia, the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands offers comfortable accommodation and is proudly Toitū Carbon Reduce certified, reflecting its commitment to sustainable tourism.
📍The Duke of Marlborough at Russell. New Zealand's first licensed hotel blends rich history with locally sourced food and beverages, Māori-inspired cuisine, and a commitment to sustainable tourism.
📍Unwind at Wild Forest Estate, a peaceful retreat nestled within native forest on the Kauri Coast. Offering heritage cottage and glamping accommodation, the estate embraces sustainable living through off-grid experiences, rewilding initiatives, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
