Northland Activities

Premier Sub-tropical diving at Poor Knights

Sub-tropical diving at Poor Knights – photo courtesy of Dive! Tutukaka

Poor Knight Islands

These islands, located 24.5 nautical miles from Tutukaka, are a world-renowned marine reserve with spectacular diving opportunities. Dive! Tutukaka can take you on a diving or snorkeling trip and show you the best that this amazing environment has to offer. Ph: (09) 4343 867.

Tutukaka

This harbour village is bustling in summer with visitors enjoying the local beaches, cafes and the numerous boat trips that originate from the marina. Local restaurant Schnappa Rock is a popular eating spot, along with The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club and Marina Pizzeria. The waters off the Tutukaka Coast are first class for big game fishing with marlin, tuna and swordfish regularly caught. Contact Lady Jess Charters. Ph: (09) 434 3758. Approx. 1 hour drive north of Cliff House.

Marsden Point Oil Refinery

If you would like to see how an oil refinery works you can visit New Zealand’s only oil refinery and watch a 3D tour, view a 130sqm scale model and experience a 20 minute light and sound show. Free of charge – the Visitors Centre is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Ph: (09) 432 8194, Marsden Point, Ruakaka. Approx. 1 hour drive south of Whangarei.

Bay of Islands

Located just an hour and a half North of Cliff House, the Bay of Islands offers a wide variety of experiences from Maori culture at Waitangi, history at Russell and Kerikeri, fast boat tours around the islands, leisurely boat tours to the beaches, swimming with the dolphins, shopping, eating and much more.

Waipoua Forest

Situated on the West Coast, approx. 150km from Cliff House, the Waipoua Forest is home to New Zealand’s largest and best preserved Kauri forest, including the largest of them all ‘Tane Mahuta’. There are numerous forest walks to do, including a guided night walk at Trounson Kauri Park with the opportunity to see a Kiwi in its natural habitat.

 

Tane Mahuta Kauri Tree at Waipoua forest

Tane Mahuta Kauri Tree at Waipoua forest