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Featured Member		Top Storey B&B WHANGAREI 0174

Known as the 'winterless north' this region of the North Island has beautiful beaches (90 mile beach is listed as a public road), primeval forests and many activities like big-game fishing. Relatively small population base and a primarily rural based economy.

Northland's history is rich and interesting. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in Northland during the 11th century. Today Waitangi is the seat of Maori culture, which is very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori). European settlement began in the 1840s, further enriching the region's colourful past.

Much of Northland's coastline remains unspoilt - a great place for most water sports. There are historic sites to visit and walking tracks to explore. Horse treks, scenic and charter flights, 4WD trips, golf, arts and crafts are other attractions.

In the Far North, Kaitaia is the main town and a popular tourist centre. Daily tours along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga are available. Whangaroa Harbour is great for water sports. The Hokianga Harbour is home to many craftspeople and alternative lifestylers, with towns dotted around its shores. The north and south sides are now linked by car ferry.

Paihia in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's premier holiday destinations. Across the harbour is the settlement of Russell, New Zealand's first capital. At Waitangi, a treaty was signed on 6 February 1840 between Maori chiefs and Britain. Just to the north is Kerikeri, noted for its citrus fruit and local arts and crafts.

Dargaville is the commercial centre of the Kauri Coast situated between the Kaipara and Hokianga Harbours. In the past, logging of native kauri and the digging of kauri gum were its main industries. Several museums in the region reflect this era. It is now known as the kumara (sweet potato) capital of New Zealand because most of the kumara crop is grown there.

Whangarei is New Zealand's northern-most city. It has the Town Basin Marina, which is alive with arts, crafts, museums, cafés and shops. Offshore, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a Mecca for divers (one of the top five dive locations in the world) and is accessed from Tutukaka, 30 minutes' drive east of the city.