10 Things to Do in Northland in Summer

1. Hike the Cape Brett Peninsula and Overnight at Cape Brett Hut

A true Kiwi classic, this 16.3 km (10.1 mi) trek through rugged terrain, native bush and regenerating forest rewards your efforts with spectacular coastal views of the Bay of Islands.

The advanced Cape Brett Track takes around eight hours one-way as it crosses the Rākaumangamanga Peninsula over regenerating forest, exposed ridges and cliff-lined coastline before reaching the former lighthouse settlement.

At the end of the trail, rest your weary legs at Cape Brett Hut, which has 23 bunks, gas cookers and untreated tap water. The hut fills up quickly in summer, so advance booking is compulsory for both the permit and accommodation.

If the thought of walking back out sounds too daunting after your adventure, consider arranging a water taxi to pick you up the following morning.

For more adventures around the Bay of Islands, take a look at our guide to the 40 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands.

Location: Oke Bay, Rawhiti, Bay of Islands. Approximately 45 minutes from Russell.

© Henryk Welle

2. Hike the Wild West Hauturu Highpoint Track and Overnight at Frampton’s Hut

This one’s not for the faint-hearted, the Hauturu Highpoint Track is an advanced 5.7 km (3.5 mi) one-way climb designed for trail runners and trampers who thrive on pushing through challenging terrain.

The track ascends steeply along a razor-back ridge through the Waimā Ranges, taking around four hours each way to reach the 679 m (2,228 ft) highpoint.

If you’re up for an overnight adventure, stay at Frampton’s Hut. Rather than connecting via the summit (which involves the Waimā Main Range and Six Foot tracks), the easier approach is the 3.7 km (2.3 mi) Six Foot Track, taking around 1 hr 30 mins one way.

The free, first-come, first-served hut has six bunks and sits nestled in the wilderness.

For more rugged walks and outdoor experiences further west, check out our 15 Best Things to Do in Dargaville.

Location: End of Waiotemarama Road, Waimā Valley. Approximately 30 km (19 mi) west of Dargaville.

© Tasha Oxford

3. Hike or Bike Pirau Ridge Track in Puketi Forest

Fancy a summer adventure through native forest? The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketī Recreation Area delivers exactly that, whether you’re on foot or two wheels.

This 11 km (7 mi) return route follows an old logging road through beautiful bush. The journey takes around four hours on foot or 1 hr 30 mins by bike, with the walking route graded easy to intermediate.

Mountain bikers will find a Grade 3 trail here, suitable for those comfortable with backcountry surfaces. You can tackle both Pirau Ridge Road and Mokau Ridge Road (bikes are restricted to these two tracks only).

For walkers wanting to extend their adventure, Pirau Ridge also connects with the lower Waipapa River and Pukatea Ridge tracks.

To round out your visit, check out our recommendations for the 15 Best Things to Do in Kerikeri.

Location: Puketī Recreation Area, State Highway 10, Waipapa. Approximately 600 m (0.4 mi) north of the Waipapa Township.

© Department of Conservation

4. Paddle Out Into a Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Spot Dolphins

There’s something truly magical about watching dolphins frolic in the water from the intimate vantage point of a sea kayak. You can rent a kayak or book a guided sea kayaking trip in Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) to experience these playful creatures up close.

Routes range from short harbour paddles around the sheltered bays to longer journeys out to the islands. Dolphins and other marine mammals may appear as you explore the coastline, but current sanctuary rules require you to keep at least 300 m (984 ft) away from them.

If a dolphin comes closer than that, stop paddling and stay quiet until it moves off again.

The calm waters make it a great spot for kayakers of all experience levels, and the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable summer highlight.

For other water-based activities and cruises, explore our 40 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands.

Location: Bay of Islands launch points (Paihia, Russell and surrounding areas).

© Department of Conservation

5. Go Snorkelling

Northland’s warm summer waters offer some of the best snorkelling in New Zealand. The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, famously ranked in Jacques Cousteau’s top ten diving locations worldwide, features crystal-clear waters, incredible marine life and fascinating underwater rock formations.

Located 22 km (14 mi) offshore, the reserve protects volcanic arches, caves, kelp forests, sponge gardens and abundant fish life. You’ll need to join a snorkelling tour from the Tūtūkākā Coast to reach the islands.

If you’re after something closer to shore, grab your mask and fins and head to Motuarohia Island Recreation Reserve in the Bay of Islands. The sheltered lagoon has an educational underwater snorkelling trail; you can reach the island by cruise, water taxi, kayak or private boat from Paihia or Russell.

From our experience, the marine life in these spots is absolutely mind-blowing.

If you’re keen to explore more underwater or coastal highlights, see our 10 Best Things to Do in Tutukaka guide.

Location: Poor Knights Islands (off Tutukaka Coast) and Motuarohia Island (Bay of Islands).

© Department of Conservation

6. Bird Watching at Whangārei Harbour Marine Reserve

The Whangārei Harbour Marine Reserve is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting some of the most diverse birdlife in Northland.

For the best birdwatching, head to the Waikaraka section of the reserve, which protects 227.5 ha (562 acres) of mangrove forest, tidal flats and channel habitat used by more than 80 bird species.

With around 10,000 migratory waders making their seasonal visits, alongside rare native species like New Zealand dotterels, reef herons, fernbirds and marsh crakes, this wetland sanctuary offers incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Summer brings plenty of feeding activity across the exposed mudflats, with viewing often best as the tide begins covering the flats and pushes birds closer to shore.

Grab your binoculars and a native bird guidebook, then set out to identify the incredible variety of species that call this harbour home.

To discover more easy outings near the city, browse our 25 Best Things to Do in Whangārei.

Location: Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve, Reotahi Road, Whangārei Heads. Near Onerahi and Parua Bay.

© Janice McKenna

7. Hike Out to Lane Cove Hut and Stay the Night

For experienced hikers seeking a rewarding summer adventure, the track to Lane Cove Hut delivers stunning coastal views and a proper sense of achievement.

The Wairakau Stream Track takes you 5.6 km (3.5 mi) through regenerating native forest, with a couple of stream crossings and some steep clay sections to keep things interesting.

The intermediate route takes around two hours one way and ends at the serviced hut tucked beside Pekapeka Bay in Whangaroa Harbour. The hut sleeps 16 and must be booked in advance.

Drop off your pack at the hut, then stride out to take in the impressive Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks), a dramatic coastal formation that’s well worth the extra 45-minute climb.

After a day’s tramping, you’ll have earned a hearty meal and a well-deserved night’s sleep at the hut, surrounded by the sounds of native bush and crashing waves.

If you’re spending time in the Far North, don’t miss our 15 Best Things to Do in Mangonui.

Location: Campbell Road, Totara North. Approximately 20 km (12 mi) east of Mangonui.

© Tasha Oxford

8. Walk or Roll the Historic and Accessible Ruapekapeka Pa Track

Step back in time at Ruapekapeka Pa, one of New Zealand’s best-preserved battlefields.

The 1.5 km (0.9 mi) loop track is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, welcoming everyone to explore where the final major engagement of the Northern War took place in January 1846.

This well-maintained 30-minute walk passes British positions, memorial graves and the impressive earthworks of the fortified pā, where Te Ruki Kawiti and Hōne Heke’s forces used trenches, underground shelters and defensive banks to withstand artillery fire.

Interpretation panels along the way explain the battle tactics and the pā‘s strategic importance (just remember to stay out of the pits and tunnels, as they’re fragile and potentially unstable).

For more heritage sites and short walks nearby, check out our 10 Best Things to Do in Kawakawa.

Location: Ruapekapeka Road, Towai. Park at the car park 300 m (984 ft) beyond the intersection where Ruapekapeka Road meets Kawakawa Road.

© Department of Conservation

9. Take in Mighty Kauri on the Trounson Kauri Walk Loop Track

These ancient giants, sacred to Māori, are towering ancestors you can experience on the wheelchair and stroller-friendly Trounson Kauri Walk Loop Track.

The 1.6 km (1 mi) loop combines raised boardwalks with surfaced track as it winds beneath mature kauri, taraire, ferns and nīkau palms.

The undulating 40-minute circuit passes clear streams and labelled native plants, giving you a chance to connect with these sacred giants in their natural forest setting.

The 586 ha (1,448-acre) reserve is managed as a mainland conservation island and supports North Island brown kiwi, kūkupa, bats and kauri snails; evening walks provide a chance to hear nocturnal wildlife.

You can help protect these treasured natives by cleaning your shoes at the kauri hygiene stations before and after your walk, a small action that makes a big difference in stopping the spread of the microscopic fungi that threatens their root systems.

To build a full itinerary in this area, see our 10 Best Things to Do in Dargaville.

Location: 38 km (24 mi) north of Dargaville. The park is accessible via Trounson Park Road from the south off State Highway 12.

© Department of Conservation

10. Relax at the Uretiti Beach Campsite

If adventure’s not your thing, or you simply need a break from it, sometimes the best plan is to do absolutely nothing, and Uretiti Beach is perfect for just that.

This Department of Conservation campsite sits just behind the dunes of Uretiti Beach, a long surf beach on Bream Bay that’s ideal for shoreline walks and fishing. Epic sea views stretch for days, and the waves are perfect for catching if you fancy a surf.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about claiming your spot on the sand and watching the waves roll in.

The campsite offers 300 non-powered sites, treated drinking water, non-flush toilets and a cooking shelter. With visitor numbers jumping by nine per cent in the last year alone, it’s clearly becoming a favourite. But don’t let that put you off; there’s still plenty of room to spread out and soak up that summer sun.

For more coastal escapes and beach time, explore our 10 Best Things to Do in Waipu and Bream Bay.

Location: Uretiti Beach Campsite, State Highway 1, Uretiti. Between Whangārei and Waipu.

© NZPocketGuide.com