Northland is so close to those who live or visit Auckland, but for some reason few people really scratch the surface. It’s such a shame, as it’s a region with so much to offer and lots of hidden gems. Over the New Year break a few years ago, a group of us decided to do a Northland road trip. Shaun and I were in our trusty campervan Bessie, and the others camped in tents.
Our first stop was Kai Iwi Lakes, just inland from the west coast of Northland near Dargaville and only a couple of hours north of Auckland. It was crappy weather so we didn’t do much (except play on the playground), but it was a nice place to spend our first night. The only bummer was that all the pine trees that used to grow around the campsite and along the lakeshore were no longer there (I had visited a few years before) so it was pretty exposed to the weather.
The following day we headed north along the western side of Northland, through the Waipoua Forest. The forest is magnificent – here live some of the biggest trees in the world, the mighty Kauri. These trees are so massive that it’s hard to comprehend that it’s actually a living thing!
The king of the forest – Tane Mahuta [CS]

Hokianga Harbour, New Zealand [CS]
The following day we headed to the top of the North Island, to one of our favourite places in the whole country: Spirits Bay. Yet another DOC campsite is located here, and the best thing about this place is that there is no development for as far as you can see. The beach is about 9 km long and the water is lovely and clear and warm (for New Zealand standards!). You can often see dolphins just off the beach! It’s quite honestly like paradise.

Spirits Bay, New Zealand [CS]

Spirits Bay New Zealand [CS]
We had a couple of great nights at Spirits, and on one of the days we headed to Cape Reinga. Most people think that it’s New Zealand’s most northern point, but it’s actually not – that honour goes to North Cape, which is further east and inaccessible by road. Cape Reinga is a big tourist attraction so there were heaps of people there, but there are amazing views down the west coast and across to Spirits Bay, so it’s a must-do for anyone visiting this part of the country.

Cape Reinga, New Zealand [CS]

Bessie broken down [CS]

Matai Bay, New Zealand [CS]

Puheke Beach, New Zealand [CS]

Tokerau Beach, New Zealand [CS]

The view from our family holiday home, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
While we were there it was a significant birthday for my Mum so we gave her a helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands to celebrate. To my surprise, my Dad booked me on the flight too! It was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget. Having spent so many years on the water and the beaches of the Bay of Islands it was certainly something else seeing it from the air!

Waewaetoria Island, New Zealand

Piercy Island (the famous Hole in the Rock), New Zealand

Urupukapuka Island, New Zealand
Seriously, how could you not love this part of New Zealand?! Northland is amazing. The beaches are so beautiful it blows my mind, and there are so many little-known spots where you can escape from the summer crowds. Northland will always hold a special place in our hearts!
See our other New Zealand campervan road trip posts here!
Thanks to Claire Scofield for allowing the use of her beautiful photos of Northland in this post (CS in the captions) – my camera was out of action.
P&S xx
Pingback: Summer snaps by the New Zealand seaside - The Global Couple
Pingback: Blogs we read: New Zealand edition - Breathe With Us