Ancient kauri forests. The Bay of Islands. Cape Reinga — where two oceans meet. And Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding document was signed. This is where the country's story starts.
Northland is where New Zealand's European story begins. At Waitangi in 1840, Māori rangatira and the British Crown signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi — New Zealand's founding document — on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Islands. It remains the country's most significant historic site and one of its most moving experiences.
The Bay of Islands itself — 144 islands scattered across 800km² of sheltered water — is arguably New Zealand's most spectacular marine environment. Sailing, dolphin encounters, the Hole in the Rock, and absolute peace on near-deserted beaches.
Further north, Cape Reinga marks the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean — a sacred site in Māori cosmology, and one of the most dramatic and remote landscapes in the country. Ancient kauri trees, some over 2,000 years old, stand in the forests south of the cape in a silence that is almost impossible to find elsewhere.
Northland's scale and remoteness rewards private travel. We charter sailing vessels, arrange dawn access at Waitangi before tour groups arrive, and drive private 4WD vehicles across Ninety Mile Beach at low tide.
Your own crewed sailing vessel across the Bay of Islands — snorkelling in hidden coves, watching dolphins from the bow, and anchoring for a private on-board lunch.
An expert-guided private visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — moving through New Zealand's founding history with a Māori guide who brings it alive.
Private vehicle across Ninety Mile Beach at low tide — stopping at ancient kauri forests and arriving at Cape Reinga where the oceans meet.
Private powerboat to Piercy Island's dramatic Hole in the Rock — accessible only from the water, with dolphins frequently riding the bow wave.
Private guided walk through Waipoua Forest to Tāne Mahuta — New Zealand's largest living kauri tree, nearly 2,000 years old, with a Māori cultural interpretation.
The Northland wine region produces outstanding Syrah and Chardonnay. A private cellar door visit and vineyard lunch — views of the bay, quality to match.
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and what matters most — we'll design a Northland experience your clients will never forget.