For those seeking a more spiritual trip, contact Footprints Waipoua and let them take you on a wonderful journey through the Waipoua Forest visiting the ‘Father of the Forest’, said to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old. Another way to see Northland is from the air - Salt Air can take you on a private tour with spectacular views of the famous Ninety Mile beach (which is actually 55 miles long but none the less very impressive!) and Doubtless Bay.
Only visible by air or by sea is Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, a remote dream location with no public access and one of New Zealand’s hidden gems. This area is very remote and without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, with its pure white silica sand, claimed to be the purest silica sand in the world, and crystal clear water.
Whilst in this area, a visit to the Bay of Islands is an absolute must. This subtropical paradise is famous for its stunning beauty and history. Encompassing 144 islands, there is so much to see and do! With its golden beaches, warm waters, dramatic coastlines, shipwrecks and fascinating marine life, there is something for the whole family. Visit Waitangi, where in 1840 the British and the Maori Chiefs signed the treaty agreeing the terms with which New Zealand would become a British colony.
Visit Russell, a historic town once known as the ‘Hellhole of the Pacific’. When Europeans and Americans first began visiting in the 1800s, the Maoris realised it was beneficial to trade. They offered food and timber in exchange for firearms, alcohol and other European goods - the town quickly got a reputation as an unlawful place! Now it is a charming seaside setting full of cafes, bars and restaurants and it holds an important place in New Zealand’s history.
From Russell you can sail round to Cape Brett, perhaps stopping off at Morutua Island for a swim and a picnic set up by your yacht’s crew. This is one of the most popular cruising areas in the Bay and after you sail past sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and the many varied island landscapes, you will eventually arrive at Cape Brett, passing through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ at Motukokako Island and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. You can also sight a variety of marine wildlife including whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, and other sea and bird life.
A real hidden gem of Northland, Kauri Mountain Beach is made up of six kilometres of stunning undeveloped beach, white sands and blue sparkling Pacific waters. This is quite an unknown place so if you’re lucky you could have the place to yourselves! Take a champagne picnic and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Northland © Kieran Scott
For a relaxing afternoon swim make your way to Charlie’s Rock and visit its beautiful waterfall. This is accessed from Kerikeri River leading on to Waipapa Stream; you will find the waterfall after a 15 minute walk through kiwi fruit orchards. The cliffs surrounding the main swimming area range from 4m to 12m; the depth of the water is unknown but it is extremely deep and the water in the summer months is lovely and warm. This is an idyllic way to spend your afternoon before heading back to your luxury yacht for dinner.
Arrive at Tutukaka, a bustling port town full of yacht crew and waterfront cafes, the freshest seafood and fantastic views. After an enjoyable evening, set sail for the Poor Knights Islands about 25km offshore. These islands are made up of remains of a group of ancient volcanoes, and beneath the water lies a marine wildlife playground for you to explore.. Rated as one of the top 10 dive sites by Jacques Cousteau, you won’t be disappointed, whether you’re a snorkeler or a diver. The island is also home to an abundance of flora, fauna, bird life and reptilia that have evolved in perfect isolation for over two million years, including New Zealand’s ‘living dinosaur’, the Tuatara.
Kauri Cliffs is a par 72 championship golf course with ocean views, and some of the holes are played alongside cliffs that plunge in to the sea. It has received numerous accolades and awards. There is a luxury 5 star Relais and Chateaux Lodge and Spa featuring private suites and a 2 bedroom cottage should you wish to extend your golfing fun.
Kauri Cliffs
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s best loved holiday locations, with its relaxed vibe, pristine white sand beaches and native forests. It is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways and luxury lodges, and is an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind. For those wanting something more thrilling, try abseiling in the Sleeping God canyon. There are also numerous biking and hiking trails to enjoy and explore. In November 1769, Captain Cook landed on the beach that now takes his name to watch Mercury cross the sun. After some astronomical calculations, Cook worked out the latitude and longitude, put New Zealand on a map and planted a British flag claiming the territory for King George III. Don’t forget to stop by Hot Water Beach too, it can be a little busy but it is amusing to watch everyone digging themselves a pool and lounging in the piping hot water that reaches 64 °C, with steam rising from the sand.
Cathedral Cove - Coromandel © Andy Belcher
For those more interested in watching the marine life than the locals, the Mercury and Alderman Islands off the Coromandel Coast are surrounded by drop offs offering pure reef diving at its best, home to magnificent creatures, black coral, big game fish and the occasional orca. From a superyacht captain’s point of view ‘New Zealand has much to offer. Just a few short hours away from Auckland, one of the most thriving and cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, you have the stunning Coromandel Peninsula with its calm picturesque anchorages packed with wildlife where within minutes of dropping the anchor you can be diving for fresh lobster and scallops for an on-board feast’’.
Bluewater would like to thank the New Zealand tourism office for providing the beautiful images and recommendations of their favourite places to visit in New Zealand.
