Northland

One of the best things about travelling New Zealand is that you never quite know what you are going to come across, such as a little slice of Cuba in sunny Northland.

Those in the know will most likely agree that Otamure Beach has one of the most desirable DOC camps in the Far North.

No photographs are allowed so just take my word for it -– the Kawiti Caves, with its myriad of glowing inhabitants, is well worth inspection.

Jill Malcolm drives from kauri forests to kumara patches between the two vast harbours of the Hokianga and Kaipara and discovers isolated beauty and a haunted past.

We left Russell heading for Whangarei on the ‘old’ road, which traces the margin of the east coast south from the Bay of Islands.

‘Love It Here’ is Whangarei’s slogan and certainly there is a lot to love about this motorhome friendly town. Heather Whelan plays tourist in her own town.

Liz Light explores the quiet villages of North Kaipara with her camera firmly in hand.

Planning a road trip to the Far North of New Zealand? Start here first. Things to see and do in the Far North.

Liz Light on the road from Omapere to Horeke.

Hokianga: wildly beautiful scenery, a long bicultural history, and heritage Maori churches in tiny hamlets. There’s all this and more, as Liz Light finds out on a road trip there.

No matter how many times I revisit a place it can still surprise me. In the Wairarapa I recently learnt of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail.

Reader Kelly Lynch tells us about her favourite hike: a brisk walk up Pataua Island Mountain in Northland.