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New Zealand Northland, in New Zealand's subtropical far north, is the birthplace of the nation. It is a region rich in history and culture. Here, the modern New Zealand nation was founded when Maori and Europeans came together to sign the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
New Zealand Northland - A Must See Heritage - New Zealand Northland - The Birthplace of the Nation The Northland region is often referred to as the "Birthplace of the Nation". According to local Ngati Kuri tribal legend, the great Polynesian navigator Kupe first landed on the shores of Hokianga harbour while chasing a whale which turned out to be Houhora mountain. 
Kupe’s people, the descendants of today's New Zealand Maori people , settled from Cape Reinga (in the far north) to Parengarenga harbour (in the south). Many locals trace their ancestry back to Kupe, and some of New Zealand's oldest traces of settlement can be found in this region. After British explorer Captain James Cook landed in New Zealand in 1769, whalers, traders and missionaries began to arrive in the region, further enriching the history and culture of Northland. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, is a focal point for the New Zealand nation, and offers an insight into Maori culture and New Zealand history with live cultural performances and guided tours of the grounds and buildings. A visit is highly recommended. 
About 30% of Northlanders identify themselves as Maori. Waitangi's fully carved Maori meeting house Te Whare Runanga represents all New Zealand Maori tribes and marks the spot of the signing. The grounds also house Ngatokimatawhaorua, which is one of the world’s largest Maori ceremonial war canoes. Once on the water, the canoe requires at least 76 paddlers. For a unique cultural experience, take a guided evening visit into the Waipoua forest with Footprints Waipoua. Here you will gain an insight of 
Maori spirituality and their strong connection to the land. The Maori guides take visitors into the forest to meet Tane Mahuta "the lord of the forest", and Te Matua Ngahere, the "father of the forest".
Ancient kauri trees (around 2000 years old) are an impressive sight, and guides accompany the walks with traditional stories and songs. Cape Reinga, also known as Te Rerenga Wairua or Te Reinga, is one of the most sacred of all Maori places. According to Maori custom, the spirits of the dead travel two pathways to Cape Reinga before leaping into the water and proceeding to their spiritual home in Hawaiki. Nature and Wildlife in New Zealand Northland New Zealand Northland’s extensive coastline and thick native forests provide a perfect environment to experience New 
Zealand’s nature and unique wildlife. From diving in clear waters, to dark forest treks, to bird watching on the beach, the Northland nature experience is full of contrasts.
The subtropical climate combined with warm blue seas means much of Northland activity revolves around the water. The Tutukaka coast is the gateway to Poor Knights Islands marine reserve. With the entire area above and below water classified as reserve, marine life thrives allowing snorkellers and divers to observe unique marine species at close quarters. 
Further north in Matauri Bay, the Rainbow Warrior wreck lies 21m under water, acting as an artificial reef and sanctuary to the marine life it once fought to protect. It is now considered one of the premier wreck dives in the world. Swimming with dolphins or ocean cruises are other ways visitors can enjoy Northland’s unspoilt marine life.
Northland offers some unique natural attractions. Waipoua, the largest remaining kauri forest in the world, has ancient kauri trees that are a living link to the dinosaur age. Ripiro and 90 Mile Beach (actually only 55 miles long), on the west coast, are two of New Zealand’s longest driveable beaches. With their ever-shifting sand formations, a trip along the beach provides the opportunity to see many varieties of sea birds and feeding holes of endangered toheroa shellfish. Luxury - New Zealand Northland Accommodation With its close proximity to Auckland and natural beauty, Northland is an ideal luxury getaway destination. The region offers a variety of exclusive leisure, recreation and relaxation experiences. 
Luxury lodges
Eagle’s Nest
, Kauri Cliffs and Cavalli Island offer world-class locations and services. Cavalli Beach House is one of New Zealand's rare "absolute beachfront" exclusive retreats, while Eagle’s Nest has private cliff-top villas above Russell, in the Bay of Islands.
For leisure, Northland’s internationally acclaimed golf courses are a major attraction. Carrington Resort and Kauri Cliffs have tournament standard 18-hole courses with panoramic ocean views, towering cliffs and vineyards. Northland is also famed for tailor-made luxury experiences. For no expense spared excursions, visitors can charter a helicopter to Waipoua forest, try heli-fishing or experience a private traditional Maori welcome. Click on the following link to view a wide range of Northland Accommodation. There Is Lots More To Do In New Zealand Northland Here are a few suggestions (please also refer to the activities in the right hand column on this page): * Take a boat trip to Piercy Island off Cape Brett, and visit the famous "Hole in the Rock". The "hole" is large enough to accommodate tour boats. 
* The region is well known as a world class deep sea fishing area and there are numerous charter companies offering guided fishing tours. * Visit the pretty coastal village of Russell. Known in the 1800's as the "Hellhole of the Pacific", and infamous for it's lawlessness, brothels, and liquor outlets, it is now a great place to spend a day browsing the craft shops and cafes, and exploring the traditional architecture. Accessible after a short ferry ride from Paihia. 
* How about a kayak trip in the warm clear coastal waters of the region? You can even kayak the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls. * Visit the Kawiti Glow worm caves. * Take a trip to historic Kerikeri. Home to the Kemp House, New Zealand's oldest remaining European building, which was constructed in the early 1830's. Also home to Rewa's Village, a recreation of a pre European Maori fishing village. Also worth a visit is the 30 metre high Rainbow Falls. * Visit one of the many wineries in the region. * Cape Reinga has spectacular views and the beautiful Te Werahi beach, on the western side of the cape, is a great deserted spot to pass an hour or two. Enjoy New Zealand Northland! DID YOU KNOW - New Zealand Northland * There are no traffic lights or high rise buildings north of Whangarei. * Tane Mahuta - at 51m high - is the tallest kauri tree and largest by volume in New Zealand. * The kauri tree Te Matua Ngahere is 16.44m around its girth. * 90 Mile Beach is actually only 55 miles or 88km long. * Twin Coast Discovery highway visits all highlights on both east and west coasts of New Zealand Northland.
For more information on New Zealand Northland region click here to go to the Tourism New Zealand web site.
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The historically significant east coast, which includes the popular Bay of Islands, is famed for white sand beaches and abundant marine life. Off the Tutukaka coast, Poor Knights Islands marine reserve has some of the world's best sea dives.
