Must Do Northland Itinerary with InterCity

Looking for a long weekend adventure plan? The winterless north is calling, and we’ve put together the ultimate itinerary of the must-do Northland activities. A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to its northernmost point – Cape Reinga, so make sure to book your tour before you depart!

Hop on the bus from Auckland, kick back and relax on the journey to Paihia. After a quick refreshment stop in Kaiwaka, enjoy the mountain views as you go over the Brynderwyn Hills and the coastal views of Bream Bay. After arriving in Paihia, check into your Paihia accommodation – we recommend a hotel overlooking the Paihia waterfront for the best views!

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Meeting House (image credit: David Kirkland)

In the morning visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and immerse yourself in one of Aotearoa’s most important historical sites, with museums, guided tours and cultural performances, there’s so much to see and learn. In the afternoon take a cruise to the Hole in the Rock and see the legendary rock formation, or if dry land is more your style, catch the passenger ferry from downtown Paihia over to Russell and explore the Russell waterfront, lined with colonial-era cottages and hotels, including the Pompallier Mission and Printery, the hub of the Catholic mission in Aotearoa from 1839. Looking for a dining experience to remember? Book a table for the Duke Of Marlborough Restaurant and feast on gorgeous local seafood. Make sure to rest up for a big day tomorrow!

Cape Reinga Lighthouse (image credit: David Kirkland)

Starting early, the Cape Reinga and 90-mile beach tour travels through spectacular scenery as your driver shares fascinating stories about Northland's history. According to Māori legend, the headland at Cape Reinga is where spirits leave New Zealand and return to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiki. During the tour you’ll be driven down massive sand dunes, and along the iconic 90 Mile Beach. Once at Cape Reinga, walk down to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse and see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean crashing together. Soak up the amazing atmosphere and strikingly beautiful vistas, and don't forget to snap a selfie with the famous signpost! Your tour will return you back to Paihia in time for dinner, the perfect chance to enjoy some fish and chips at the beach to finish a perfect day out.

Russell Waterfront (image credit: David Kirkland)

After your last night in Paihia, catch the bus in the morning to Kerikeri, only a 30-minute drive away from Paihia. Visit the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest store, and take a walk along the Kerikeri River Walking track that runs alongside the Waipekakoura River towards Rainbow Falls, a fantastic place for a swim next to cascading waterfall!

Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri (image credit: David Kirkland)

Want to make the long weekend even longer? Add another night in Kerikeri, or catch the bus back to Auckland in the afternoon.