Northland highlights
Mangrove tree, Tapotupotu Bay,
Northland
Northland extends from the Kaipara Harbour in the south to the Three Kings Islands in the north. It has a spectacular coastline and this, with its hospitable climate, accessible safe waters, impressive flora and fauna and rich cultural history attracts visitors throughout the year.
The region is home to the Waipoua and Trounson Forest Area with fine stands of impressive kauri trees. These include the world famous Tāne Mahuta and Matua Ngahere trees.
The indigenous flora of Northland has been shaped by complex geology, climatic change and alternating periods of isolation and contact with the rest of the mainland. Pockets of endemism occur, notably at Te Paki, home of a large number of other extremely rare and vulnerable plants.
Key animal species protection programmes include work with kiwi, kūkupa (NZ native pigeon), kōkako, the large Placosyslus and Paraphanta land snails and rare shore birds.
There are a number of offshore islands which are home to species no longer found on the mainland and three marine reserves including the well known Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.