Key facts
Northland was first visited by the Polynesian explorer Kupe and many Maori can trace their ancestry back to him. Then the eighteenth century saw the arrival of European migrants from England, France, Scotland, Dalmatia, Ireland and Wales to establish religious missions or work in whaling, the kauri industry and agriculture.
Today the region has a population base of approximately 148,000 on a land area of 13,800 square km. Whangarei is the region's largest centre with a population of 74,500. Kaipara has a population of 18,000 and the Far North region is home to 56,000.
About the region
Northland is famously described as the birthplace of the nation as the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840.
Known as the winter-less north, the area is New Zealand’s warmest region and enjoys sub tropical temperatures year round, averaging 2000 sunshine hours per annum. Northland has a wealth of golden sandy beaches, secluded coves and beautiful islands to enjoy. The warm weather and clear blue waters also make it an aquatic playground popular with water sport enthusiasts.
With no traffic lights or high rise buildings north of Whangarei, Northland has been able to offer a great work-life balance away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. As a result the region has been attracting new investment and industry development. This compliments a solid industry base of pastoral farming, horticulture, forestry and wood processing and tourism. Other key sectors are floriculture, organics and the arts.
Points of interest
- ♦ 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – New Zealand’s northern most tip
- ♦ Russell – New Zealand’s original capital
- ♦ Waitangi – the birthplace of a nation, the site of the signing of the Treaty
- ♦ Paihia – gateway to the beautiful Bay of islands and island cruises
- ♦ Dolphin and Whale watching
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