The Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks can be accessed from the popular campsite at Puriri Bay. The tracks follow through native forest and ridgelines before dropping down into secluded bays.
The Motutara Recreation Reserve lies halfway between Russell and Whangarei. At the reserve you'll find several small beaches and some good fishing and diving spots.
The Otito Track meanders through forest before leading you to several small sandy beaches.
Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia (Roberton). It features two beautiful lagoons and is the most photographed location in the Bay of Islands.
The archaeological walk on Urupukapuka Island is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It's a great place to learn about the area's Maori history.
This easy track is just 1 km north of Maiki/Flagstaff Hill, near Russell. Tapeka Point is the perfect base for exploring this part of the Bay of Islands by land or water.
One of the bush walks at Mimiwhangata, the track leads you to the top of the ridge with impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.
This bush walk at Mimiwhangata offers superb views of Mimiwhangata, the coast and the Poor Knights Islands:
The Loop Walk around the headland provides a little of everything that Mimiwhangata has to offer.
Tutukaka Head has a number of good beaches and is a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, surfing and diving. The site's main walking track leads to the Tutukaka Lighthouse.
At Otamure Bay campsite you'll find the Watkin Powell Track. The short track leads to a sandy, secluded beach at Tauwhara Bay.
This scenic track follows the rugged coastline of Cape Reinga and descends to Te Werahi and Twilight beaches. Self-sufficient camping is available.
The track through a mix of pasture and lightly wooded landscape leads you to stunning Taronui Bay with its white sand beach sheltered by a reef.
Motukawanui Island off the coast of Northland is predator-free and home to a flourishing population of native birds. There are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming and you can stay overnight in a hut.
This 4-km loop track skirts Moturua Island. The island's regenerating forest is home to rare native wildlife, including the North Island robin and New Zealand dotterel.
The Cape Brett Track traverses rugged terrain for 16 km through native and regenerating bush. Expect dramatic coastal views; steep cliffs and drop-offs to the side of the track are a feature.
The island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, and an educational underwater trail for snorkelers.
Visitors to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve can enjoy boating, snorkelling, scuba diving and canoeing.
Boating, kayaking or snorkelling are great activities within the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve.
Whether interested in walking the Cape Brett or Whangamumu tracks, taking a refreshing swim and snorkel at Deep Water Cover or learning more about the area's Maori history there is much to do in the Cape Brett area.
Mimiwhangata is a great place for beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing, picnicking or just relaxing.
This area provides easy access to scenic walking tracks and picnic areas. Other recreational opportunities range from enjoying the stunning views, exploring historical sites, swimming and fishing.
When you visit Ahipara, make sure you take a walk around the reef and along the Ahipara foreshore. Scenic views and panoramic landscapes are just waiting to be explored. Swimming, surfing and fishing are popular activities here.
The area provides easy access to great walking tracks and picnic areas. Other recreation opportunities range from enjoying the stunning views, bird watching, tramping, and mountain biking, to swimming, diving, fishing and surfing.
Urupukapuka Island is a great place for fishing, swimming and all types of water sports or you can take a walk and learn more about the historic heritage of the island.
The area around Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga)provides easy access to walking tracks and beautiful swimming areas.
Destination Northland (Northland's Regional Tourism Organisation) website