NORTH

Northland is a story of two coastlines - the west coast is rugged and soulful while the east coast is relatively more sophisticated and urbane. This subtropical region stretches from Auckland to the very top of New Zealand and has a coastline punctuated by a myriad of bays and beaches off which there are a huge number of islands and rocky islets. Northland is sometimes referred to as the winterless north because of its mild climate throughout the year. The Western coast is dominated by several long straight beaches while the east coast is more rugged. Rolling hills are a feature of this area as are extensive forests. This region is regarded as the legendary birthplace of the country by Maori and it was also the European starting-point for modern New Zealand.