Worth the drive

Kilometres of wide, white sand stretching along Bream Bay, patrolled in summer by the Ruakākā Surf Life Saving Club. Safe swimming, gentle surf and room for everyone, even on a busy day.

A modern marina village with a cafe, fishing charters and boat ramps. Watch launches head out to the Hen and Chicken Islands, or book a charter and chase snapper and kingfish yourself.

The sweeping bay that gives this coastline its name, framed by the dramatic silhouette of the Whangārei Heads. Famous for fishing, diving and some of Northland's most photographed sunrises.

A character town with a proud Scottish heritage, boutique shopping, excellent cafes and the famous Waipu Museum. Hosts the legendary Highland Games every New Year's Day.

A free, publicly accessible glowworm cave system. Bring a torch and sturdy shoes, walk into the main chamber and switch off your light for a galaxy of glowworms overhead.

A spectacular clifftop track between Waipu Cove and Langs Beach with pōhutukawa tunnels, hidden coves and views across to the Hen and Chicken Islands. Allow two to three hours return.

A sacred 420 metre peak on the Whangārei Heads with a well formed bush track to the summit. The reward is a panorama across Bream Bay, the harbour and out to the Poor Knights Islands.

Northland's city, home to the Hundertwasser Art Centre, the Town Basin marina precinct, Whangārei Falls and a full range of shopping, dining and services.

The Ruakākā river estuary is a protected refuge for shorebirds including the endangered New Zealand fairy tern. A peaceful spot for birdwatching, photography and quiet estuary walks.