2 minute read
5 Ways to Make the Most of Northland
SOME SERIOUS BRAGGING RIGHTS COME WITH THESE TOP FIVE ACTIVITIES
Forest Giants
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Waipōua Forest is the domain of New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. And that he is. Standing 51.5 metres tall, it’s not the tree’s height that overwhelms, but the size of its staggering trunk. A whopping 13.77 metres in diameter, it would take eight or more fully grown adults to collectively hug this behemoth. As for the kauri’s age, that’s impressive, too – experts put it somewhere between 1200 and 2000 years.
Mt Manaia walk
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Go Island Hopping
You needn’t fly to Fiji (or can’t right now) to experience some seriously idyllic island hopping. The Bay of Islands is aptly named for its archipelago of over 144 islands and you can easily discover a handful. Board the 45-minute ferry from Paihia or Russell to reach the largest motu, Urupukapuka Island, or venture to Roberton Island/Motuarohia Island for its two unspoilt lagoons at Twin Lagoons Bay. Moturua Island has four beautiful bays, all reachable via the 4.6km loop track which circles the entire island. To access all these dreamy droplets of land, book with a commercial boat cruise such as Explore Group and Sea Shuttle, or take a water taxi from Paihia.
Drive Ninety Mile Beach
If you own a four-wheel drive – hurrah! Your vehicle was made for a scoot along this stretch of sand, which is in fact a 88km-length of beach highway better known as Ninety Mile Beach. Curiously that’s only 54 miles, but 90 sounds better, right? The speed limit is an exhilarating 100kmph – with speed signs to advise you as much; you’ll want to go slower though, to admire the scenery. Word to the wise: car rentals don’t permit beach driving but an awesome coach tour departs from Kaitāia.
Dive into Paradise
There should be a paint titled ‘Poor Knights Islands’ such is the brilliance of the water here. Located 23km off Tutukākā Coast, several emerald islands litter a dazzling blue sea. While the above-surface colours of this protected marine reserve entice day trippers into the water, it’s the below-surface residents that tempt them to stay. A city of marine life exists between reefs, drop-offs and archways. It’s little wonder divers and snorkellers take seconds to jump in, but forever to climb out.
Surf Gigantic Sand Dunes
You’ll be pulling sand out of your ears for weeks afterwards, but sand surfing is worth every persistent grain. Te Paki sand dunes are nothing like those at an average beach. These beasts appear on the horizon mere inches below the skyline, and on a gorgeous bluebird day, the smooth, soft sand makes an irresistible slide. Once in the car park, you can rent a boogie board and venture out into what can only be described as a Sahara landscape. At first glance, the near-vertical descents are terrifying, but the moment you hurtle down on you'll be hungry for another. Raise your feet to go faster, or drag them in the sand to brake.
