The Northland Region
Visitors to Northland enjoy the warmth of our subtropical climate, which means no subzero temperatures - as well as the warmth of our people, with Northlanders renowned for their friendly, welcoming nature. Many of Northland’s towns and cities are semi-rural, with the outdoor lifestyle an important aspect of life in Northland.
- Northland is the location of the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, in 1840. One-third of Northland’s population identify as Māori, and the area is rich in Māori culture and historic places.
- As New Zealand’s subtropical region, Northland does not experience snow or sub-zero temperatures, so take advantage of the sunny weather to explore Northland’s superb outdoors.
- In Northland, you’re never more than 40km from the coast, and you’ll have a seemingly endless choice of white sandy beaches, coves and harbours to discover. You can try big-game fishing, scuba dive in the world’s largest sea cave, explore the 144 islands in the Bay of Islands or swim with bottlenose dolphins.
Northland attracts students from across the country and around the globe. Studying in Northland is an exciting engaging and rewarding experience. Why study in Northland?
Cape Reinga
At the very top of Northland is Cape Reinga, where you can witness the spectacular meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Cape Reinga is also a very sacred place for Maori – according to oral history, the spirits of deceased Maori depart from Cape Reinga to return to their ancestral homeland.
Waitangi
Waitangi is culturally significant to New Zealand, as the place where the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the Europeans was first signed. Waitangi is a place of special cultural significance to all New Zealanders, and offers an excellent opportunity to learn about New Zealand’s history.
Kerikeri
Kerikeri is in the heart of Northland and is home to many of the region’s successful orchards, vineyards, restaurants and art galleries. The city is well regarded for its cultural and historic attractions, including the famous Stone Store, Rewa’s Village and Kerikeri Mission Station.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a coastal playground that boasts stunning beaches and over 100 offshore islands to discover and explore. Visitors can try everything from big game fishing and parasailing to historical tours and river kayaking.
Whangarei
Northland’s largest city, Whangarei, is a vibrant community with a population of 86,000. Whangarei is popular for its beautiful harbour, exciting and interactive community events and vibrant shopping precincts. Along with Northland’s other towns, Whangarei also offers stunning coastal and rural landscapes and a warm, friendly multi-cultural community that welcomes international students and visitors to the region.
Auckland
Whangarei is just a two hour drive from Auckland, and there are regular flights and buses from Auckland to Whangarei and Kerikeri, with a flight to Whangarei taking just 30 minutes and Kerikeri just 45 minutes.
