Northland With Kids: 22 Things To Do - The Family Guide To New Zealand's North

At a Glance

Visited: Last visit Jun-25. Visited multiple times.
Location: North of Auckland, the long stetch of land pointing towards Cape Reinga
Best time to visit: November to May (the extended NZ summer) although being nicknamed the ‘Winterless North’, any time of year, you may get some decent weather.
How long to stay: 5-7 days minimum to cover the main areas properly. A week allows you to explore without rushing. Two weeks would be ideal.
Getting around: Hire car essential – Northland is not a public transport destination, especially with kids
Best for: Families who love beaches, nature, history and a genuinely slow pace. There is not a plethora of activities than don’t evolve around the natural world.
Don’t miss: Maitai Bay, the Hole in the Rock boat cruise, Cape Reinga, The Parrot Place
Family friendly rating: 8/10 – if you like beaches, wildlife, history and a good space for the kids to breathe & be free

Quick Picks

This post contains affiliate links – full disclosure at the end

The long finger of land pointing north from Auckland towards Cape Reinga is sometimes underrated. Warmer than the rest of the country, it has a slower pace of live than its big city neighbour – but is home to some of the most spectacular beaches and scenery in the country.

Most visitors to New Zealand rush straight from Auckland to Rotorua or Queenstown without glancing north. But Northland rewards the families who take the time to explore it – with deserted, wild beaches, ancient kauri forests, rich Maori culture, fun activities to do and a spiritual landscape where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at the very top of the world.

This is our family guide to Northland.

In This Article:

Why Northland is brilliant for families
When to visit Northland with kids
Getting to Northland and getting around
Bay of Islands and Paihia – the main base
Whangarei and Whangarei Heads
The Tutukaka Coast and Matapouri
Karikari Peninsula – the hidden gem
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach
Where to stay in Northland
Where to eat in Northland
Costs and budget
Frequently asked questions

Why Northland is Great for Families

Northland has a different energy to the rest of New Zealand. The pace slows. The roads empty. The beaches – and there are some crackers – appear around every corner.

For families it offers huge amounts of space. Space on the beach, space on the roads, space to breathe and just let kids be kids. The Maori culture is woven deeply into Northland in a way that adds real depth to the experience – this is where New Zealand was founded, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, where the country’s European history began.

And the wildlife is outstanding for kids – parrots that land on your head, kiwi spotting, dolphins in the Bay of Islands, ancient kauri trees and some great kid-friendly hikes.

When to Visit Northland with Kids

Summer (December to March) – Best

Northland is consistently warmer than the rest of New Zealand and summer here is the best time to visit – long sunny days, warm swimming, and the full range of activities all operating. School Holidays – late December to end of January, are most expensive and busiest – so book ahead if coming at this time of year.

Autumn (April to May) – Excellent

Still warm as Summer seems to go on forever. By May, nights are getting cooler but still a great time to visit as less tourists. If coming at Easter, book in advance.

Winter (June to August) – Mild but wet

Northland winters are mild and warmer the farther north you do. They can be very wet, but temperature will remain above 15 during the day.

Getting to Northland and Getting Around

Northland starts just over an hour north of Auckland city centre. The main centres – Whangarei, Paihia and Kerikeri — are all accessible on State Highway 1 heading north. Paihia takes about 3-3.5 hours. Cape Reinga is about 3.5 hours from Paihia on good roads.

Hire car is essential. Northland is not served by meaningful public transport outside the main towns. The best beaches, the Karikari Peninsula, the Tutukaka Coast – none of these are easily accessible without your own vehicle. Book in advance especially in summer.

Search and book car hire here

Bay of Islands and Paihia

The Bay of Islands is the most popular destination in Northland and the obvious base for exploring the region. A collection of 144 islands in a sheltered bay about three hours north of Auckland, it’s a stunning spot – calm blue seas, forested islands, dolphins watching.

Paihia is the main tourist town and a good family base – walkable, well serviced, with the beach on the doorstep and most of the region’s main activities bookable from here.

Things to Do in Paihia and the Bay of Islands

1. Hole in the Rock Boat Cruise

The most popular attraction in Paihia and for good reason. Jump on a boat (various operators run the trip) and cruise out through the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands to Piercy Island – a dramatic rock formation at the northern edge of the bay with a hole right through it. Most boats take you slowly through the hole itself which is fun for kids (& adults).

The journey out is as good as the destination – seeing the Bay of Islands from the water is an experience and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a free dolphin-viewing experience. Otherwise, you can book a dolphin experience separately.

Book a Hole in the Rock tour here

2. The Parrot Place

About 30 minutes from Paihia near Kerikeri – a bird farm where parrots and other birds fly freely around and will land on your shoulders, arms and head without hesitation. Great fun for the for kids, and a chance for plenty of photos.

3. Visit Russell

A short passenger ferry from Paihia (the car ferry goes from Opua, a few kilometres south) deposits you in Russell – one of New Zealand’s first European settlements and a lovely charming little town packed with history.

Russell was briefly New Zealand’s capital, and the stories of its early colonial days are fascinating – missionaries, whalers, the lawless years before the Treaty of Waitangi brought some semblance of order. Today it has excellent cafes, funky independent shops, the historic Christ Church (New Zealand’s oldest surviving church, with musket ball holes in the walls from the colonial conflicts) and a relaxed half-day worth of wandering.

4. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The most historically significant site in New Zealand – the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840, effectively founding the nation. The grounds include the beautifully preserved Treaty House, the Maori meeting house (one of the largest in New Zealand), and the world’s largest war canoe.

The daily cultural performance and guided tours are awesome – informative and done with real pride. For kids of school age, it’s a great cultural experience. Allow 2-3 hours.

Book a Waitangi Ground Experience Pass here

5. Paihia Beach

Paihia’s own beach – The Strand Beach – is a small, narrow strip right in the town centre. Not the best beach in Northland but perfectly good for a paddle, a sandcastle and keeping kids occupied while you try grab some down time. Calm and safe for young children.

Search here for dozens of tour options around the Bay of Islands

Whangarei and Whangarei Heads

Northland’s main city doesn’t quite have the glamour of the Bay of Islands or the wild remoteness of the Karikari Peninsula, but it has several worthwhile stops and makes a good base for exploring the Tutukaka Coast and Whangarei Heads.

We usually stay either at Whangarei Heads or the Tutukaka Coast – both about 30 minutes from the city centre – rather than in Whangarei itself. The drive along the Heads coast is stunning and the region has a sleepy, quaint charm with a much slower pace of life than the city.

Things to Do in Whangarei

6. Kiwi North

Northland’s only kiwi house – a purpose-built nocturnal enclosure where kiwi live and can be observed in the dark. For families visiting New Zealand, seeing a kiwi in person is a bucket-list moment – they’re nocturnal, shy and frustratingly difficult to spot in the wild. Here, the controlled environment means the kids will almost certainly see one. Our kids always enjoy the squinting though the dark to spot the running kiwi behind the glass.

The adjacent museum has excellent Maori heritage items and history, and there’s a good gift shop. Allow 1-2 hours for the full experience.

7. Whangarei Falls

One of the best free attractions in Northland – an impressive waterfall just minutes from the city centre with a car park right there at the falls. No long walk, no entry fee, no faff. Just a beautiful waterfall that anyone of any age can appreciate.

The short loop walk around the top is good for older kids. The viewing platform at the bottom gives a proper sense of the falls’ scale.

8. Whangarei Quarry Garden

A subtropical oasis built in a former quarry – walking paths, waterways and a lake in a lush setting. Takes a leisurely hour to walk around and is completely free (entry by donation). The cafe does really good food and worth the stop to feed those hungry kids after they’ve burnt off some energy doing the walk.

9. Clapham’s National Clock Museum

A clock museum wouldn’t normally be high on our list but this one, located in Whangarei’s beautiful waterside Town Basin, is actually a bit of fun. The collection of cuckoo clocks was the highlight for our kids – when they all go off simultaneously, it had our kids laughing. Worth 30 minutes.

10. Smugglers Bay Walk

An easy but fairly long walk (5km loop) from Whangarei Heads – allow about 3 hours with kids as the pace will be leisurely – this allows for time on the beach. The reward is one of the most stunning beaches on the Heads. We done this when our kids were young – with one in a carrier and the other only four and got around on her own.

Pack snacks, water and sunscreen.

11. Parau Bay Tavern

On the Heads – great views over the water, great garden and a great playground. This is a great family spot for lunch on your way in or out of the Heads, or if you’re staying close by.

The Tutukaka Coast and Matapouri

The Tutukaka Coast northeast of Whangarei was once voted one of the best coastal regions in the world by Lonely Planet. Life is pretty quiet up here and there are no big-ticket star attractions. It’s mainly about the relaxed vibe, the natural beauty and the beaches. Come with that knowledge and just chill and enjoy the slow pace and scenery.

Things to Do on the Tutukaka Coast

12. Matapouri Beach

The highlight of the Tutukaka Coast – a beautiful white sand beach with big waves when the swell is in. Good for kids on the beach and in calmer conditions. In a big swell the swimming can be less safe so check conditions before letting younger kids in the water. There’s a great excellent fish and chip shop at the end of the road – grab some and eat them on the beach.

13. Church Bay Reserve

A tiny hidden gem just five minutes from the Tutukaka marina – a small bay where the water is shallow and calm, making it perfect for families with young children. Hardly anyone goes here and it’s a lovely quiet spot for a swim and a paddle.

14. Whale Bay

Another lovely beach near Matapouri – sheltered, calm and never busy. You have to walk down some steps to reach it but every step is worth it for the view that opens up. Great for families and one of the more reliably peaceful spots on this stretch of coast.

15. Schnappa Rock and Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club

Two good food options at the Tutukaka marina for families. Schnappa Rock is a pub and restaurant with great food and a relaxed vibe. The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club has a large restaurant with nice outdoor seating by the water’s edge – both have warm friendly service.

Karikari Peninsula (& Cooper’s Beach) - The Hidden Gem

The Karikari Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets and rewards those who make the effort this far. Three separate beaches on a remote peninsula that gets a fraction of the visitors of the Bay of Islands.

Wild, remote and unhurried – this is all about being outdoors, as there’s not much else going on up here.

Bring supplies as there’s not many options and plan to stay at least one night to totally get into the experience.

16. Maitai Bay

One of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. A stunning white sand bay on the peninsula that on a sunny summer’s day can still be close to empty. The water is clear, the sand is soft, and the setting – bush-covered hills framing a perfect arc of beach.

There’s a DOC campsite right at the beach which makes this an excellent overnight stop for families camping or in a campervan. Waking up here on a clear morning is one of NZ’s great memories.

17. Coopers Beach and Mangonui

Just around the corner from the peninsula is Coopers Beach – a great small town with a stunning beach and a good community feel. You’ll find more supplies here than on the peninsula itself. Mangonui, a few kilometres further along, is a charming small town with a famous fish and chip shop right on the water plus there’s ice cream options

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach

The spiritual and geographic top of New Zealand – where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a visible collision of currents that is dramatic to watch. For Maori, Cape Reinga is where souls depart for the afterlife, and standing at the lighthouse at the very tip of the country gives the place an end-of-the-world feeling.

18. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

The walk from the car park to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse is short and easy – suitable for all ages. The lighthouse itself sits on a rocky headland and the views in every direction are great.

Allow time to simply stand and look – you’ve finally made – right to the top of the far north.

19. Sand Dune Surfing

Near Cape Reinga, the massive Te Paki sand dunes offer one of the more unusual activities in New Zealand – bodyboarding down sand dunes. Hire a bodyboard, walk to the top (this is the hard work – it is very steep and will absolutely burn your thighs and calves), and slide back down. The kids love it – you just might have to help them retrieve the sand from places it shouldn’t be, several days later.

20. Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach (88km – the name was an honest mistake by early surveyors) is a wild, uninterrupted stretch of west coast beach that can be driven on with a suitable vehicle. Tour buses from Paihia make the trip. It’s less about swimming (the surf is powerful and the beach is exposed) and more about the dramatic scale of the thing — a strip of sand disappearing to the horizon in both directions with nothing else visible. You don’t have to drive, you can just park up, and take a walk.

Book a Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach tour here

Other Regions Worth Exploring with time

21. Hokianga Harbour

The Hokianga is one of Northland’s most dramatic and least visited regions – a vast, ancient harbour on the west coast fringed by towering sand dunes that dwarf anything at Te Paki. The small towns of Rawene, Kohukohu and Omapere sit on the harbour’s edge with an end-of-the-world quietness that is so peaceful. The Hokianga has a strong Maori cultural identity and a real remoteness. Opononi and the drive through the Waipoua Forest to get here passes through ancient kauri trees including Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri in New Zealand. We’ve only been here with kids when they were very young so not much more to comment.

22. Whananaki and Whangaruru

Two quiet coastal areas on the eastern side of Northland, north of the Tutukaka Coast, that are almost entirely off the tourist radar. Whananaki has a charming footbridge – the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere – crossing to a small peninsula, and access to some lovely uncrowded beaches.

Whangaruru Harbour is a sheltered, beautiful inlet popular with locals for boating and kayaking. We took the kids here for a long weekend and it was all about the best – just chilling. Wild and remote but utterly stunning.

Where to Stay in Northland with Kids

Bay of Islands / Paihia

Paihia has the widest range of family accommodation in Northland – from budget backpacker options through to comfortable motels and holiday apartments. It’s the most practical base for exploring the region and most activities operate from here.

Search & Book Accommodation in Paihia here

Whangarei Heads and Tutukaka Coast

Staying on the Heads or Tutukaka Coast rather than in Whangarei city gives you a much better base – quieter, more scenic and closer to the best beaches. Both areas have good holiday home rental options that suit families well. If you prefer the facilities of a city then Whangarei has plenty of options.

Search & Book Acommodation in Whangarei here

Karikari Peninsula

Accommodation is limited on the peninsula – this is part of its charm. The DOC campsite at Maitai Bay is excellent for families with camping gear or a campervan. A few holiday homes are available for rental in the area. Bring supplies as there are very limited shops up here.

Book Accommodation on the Karikari Peninsula here

Where to Eat in Northland with Kids

Paihia – good range of cafes and restaurants along the waterfront, most family-friendly
Russell – excellent cafes, worth the ferry for lunch
Matapouri fish and chips – a must-do – there’s much other choice
Schnappa Rock, Tutukaka – great pub food, relaxed vibe
Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club – good outdoor waterside dining
Mangonui Fish and Chips – legendary, right on the water in Mangonui village.
Whangarei Quarry Garden cafe – real good food

Costs and Budget for Northland with Kids

Accommodation: NZD $150-$300 per night for a family room or holiday home
Car hire: NZD $60-100 per day from Auckland
Hole in the Rock cruise (family of 4): approximately NZD $425 for family of 4 pass
Waitangi Treaty Grounds (family of 4): approximately NZD $75 for overseas guests – kids 0-12 go free
Kiwi North (family of 4): approximately NZD $20 for family of four
Whangarei Falls, Quarry Garden, most beaches: free
Sand dune bodyboard hire: approximately NZD $15 each
Overall daily budget (family of 4 including accommodation): NZD $300-500

Useful Links

🚗 Hire a car in Auckland for the Northland road trip: Here
🏨 Family accommodation in Paihia and Bay of Islands: Here
🏨 Accommodation across Northland: Here
⛵ Hole in the Rock boat cruise: Here
🎡 Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour: Here
🛡️ Travel insurance for New Zealand: Here

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep Roaming Wild running. Thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northland good for families with young children?

Yes, it’s a great spot for those who love the simpler things in life – slower pace, nature and wildlife. The Bay of Islands has calm, safe beaches and plenty of activities. The pace is slow, the roads are quiet, and the wildlife encounters (kiwi, parrots, dolphins) are great for the kids. Just bring supplies if heading to the far north.

How far is Northland from Auckland?

Whangarei is about 2 hours north of Auckland. Paihia and the Bay of Islands are about 3 hours. Cape Reinga is around 6 hours from Auckland or 3.5 hours from Paihia. Most families base themselves in Paihia and day-trip to the far north.

Do you need a hire car in Northland?

Yes – Northland is not a public transport destination outside the main towns. A hire car is essential for reaching the best beaches, the Tutukaka Coast, the Karikari Peninsula and Cape Reinga. Book in advance especially in summer.

What is the best beach in Northland?

Maitai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula is our pick – one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand and often near-empty even in summer. For easier access from Paihia, the beaches at Whangarei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast are excellent. Ninety Mile Beach is dramatic but not for swimming.

Is Cape Reinga worth visiting with kids?

Yes – Cape Reinga is worth it for the views but to make sure the kids get something out of it, try the sand dune surfing nearby. You can do a tour from Paihia which covers Ninety Mile Beach, the sand dunes and the Cape in one day.

What is the Bay of Islands like for families?

Excellent. The Bay of Islands is the most family-friendly area in Northland with the widest range of accommodation, restaurants and activities. The Hole in the Rock cruise is suitable for all ages, Russell is a lovely half-day trip, and the beaches are calm and safe for young swimmers. Base yourself in Paihia for easy access to everything.

When is the best time to visit Northland?

December to March is peak summer and the best time for beaches and swimming. April and May are excellent – still warm, fewer crowds, better value accommodation. Northland is warmer than the rest of New Zealand year-round so even winter visits are mild, though beach swimming is less appealing.