Northland Pacific Coast Highway
New Zealand
From Auckland up the Coromandel Peninsula to the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and a Maori legend says the spirits of the dead depart for Hawaiki.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Auckland
City of Sails on a volcanic field. Sky Tower views, Waiheke Island wine, and the Harbour Bridge arch climb.
- Warkworth
Last town before Northland proper. The Dome Forest walk nearby reveals kauri trees and a panoramic hilltop view.
- Whangarei Falls
A 26m curtain of water over basalt columns, one of New Zealand's most accessible and photogenic waterfalls.
- Bay of Islands
144 islands, dolphin cruises, the Hole in the Rock, and the Treaty of Waitangi signed here in 1840.
- Kerikeri
New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building and Mission House sit beside the Kerikeri River basin, a heritage gem.
- Ninety Mile Beach
An 88km stretch of driveable surf beach. Toboggan the Te Paki sand dunes and dig for toheroa clams at low tide.
- Cape Reinga
Northernmost tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman and Pacific collide in a visible swirling line below the lighthouse.
Where to Eat
- The Duke of MarlboroughSeafood
Historic waterfront restaurant in Russell offering fresh seafood and stunning bay views.
- Charlotte's KitchenContemporary New Zealand
Modern eatery in Paihia serving innovative dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- The Gables RestaurantEuropean
Historic restaurant in Russell offering European cuisine in a charming setting.
- Marsden Estate Winery & RestaurantNew Zealand
Winery in Kerikeri with a restaurant serving dishes paired with estate wines.
Things to Do
- Waitangi Treaty GroundsHistoric Site
Site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, offering cultural insights and guided tours.
- Hole in the Rock CruiseBoat Tour
Scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands, passing through the famous Hole in the Rock formation.
- Rainbow FallsNature
Stunning 27-meter waterfall near Kerikeri, accessible via a short walking track.
- Russell MuseumMuseum
Museum showcasing the history of Russell and the Bay of Islands, including Maori artifacts.