When discerning travellers seek the essence of New Zealand, they often imagine dramatic landscapes, fine wines, and luxury lodges. Yet the true heart of Aotearoa lies further north—where the land first welcomed the great Polynesian navigators, where authentic Māori experiences are found, and where the nation’s story began. Northland, Te Tai Tokerau, is not just a destination. It is the birthplace of Aotearoa.
Where Journeys Begin
Here, Kupe—the great Polynesian explorer—first made landfall, guided by the stars and ocean swells. His legacy lives on in the stories, carvings, and place names that shape the region. To walk Northland’s coastline is to trace the footsteps of voyagers who connected the Pacific and gave rise to the whakapapa of Aotearoa.
The Bay of Islands: A Jewel of the North
With 144 islands scattered across turquoise waters, the Bay of Islands is both playground and sanctuary. Luxury yachts glide past hidden coves, while dolphins and orca dance in the waves. Beyond its beauty, this is a place of history—where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed, forging the foundation of modern New Zealand.
Ancient Forests, Living Ancestors
From the Bay of Islands to the Hokianga and Waipoua Forest, the mighty kauri stand as guardians of time. Tane Mahuta, the largest of them all, is revered as the God of the Forest. To stand before him is to feel the heartbeat of the land itself. These forests are not relics—they are living ancestors, embodying the deep connection between people and whenua.
A Taste of the North
Northland’s subtropical climate nurtures boutique vineyards and orchards, producing flavors unlike anywhere else in the country. From award-winning wines to fresh seafood gathered from pristine waters, every meal here is a celebration of abundance. Pair this with exclusive luxury Northland tours transporting you to your private retreat overlooking the ocean, and travellers discover a hospitality rooted in manaakitanga—warmth, generosity, and care.
Cape Reinga: Where Oceans and Spirits Meet
The road north leads to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide in a swirl of currents. For tāngata whenua, this is Te Rerenga Wairua—the leaping place of spirits, where souls depart to return to Hawaiki. It is a place of awe, where natural drama meets spiritual depth, reminding visitors that travel here is not just about sights, but about meaning.
Why Northland?
Because here, luxury is not only found in fine linens and private villas, but in the richness of culture, the authenticity of connection, and the privilege of standing where Aotearoa began. With Tu Tika Tours & Transfers, guests don’t just visit Northland—they are welcomed into its living story, guided by the indigenous people of this land. Northland is not a backdrop—it is the story itself, and with us, it becomes your story too.