New Zealand’s Northland has been crowned one of National Geographic’s ‘Top 25 Best Places in the World to visit in 2025’
Whilst New Zealand’s spectacular South Island landscapes often steal the show, it is Northland (the Northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island) that has been crowned as one of National Geographic’s ‘Top 25 Best Places in the World to visit in 2025”- and for good reason too.
Enjoying a mild year-round, almost sub-tropical climate (the region is often referred to by locals as the ‘winterless north’), New Zealand’s Northland invites visitors to enjoy beautiful bays, beaches and waterways; towering kauri forests and waterfalls, world-class golf, award-winning local wines, rich national history and fabulous places to stay (from luxury lodges to stunning private villas) – but it is the region’s unique wildlife experiences – especially the Poor Knights Marine Reserve and the Kiwi Coast – that have secured their position on National Geographic’s global must-visit list.
There’s plenty to see and do in New Zealand’s Northland
Whilst the options and activities are almost endless, here we share six sensational ways to spend your time in Northland
- Spot a kiwi in the wild – Guests of the Landing’s Residences can join local guides for a torch-lit walk for the privileged opportunity to spot shy Kiwi birds in their natural habitats.
- Dive the Poor Knights Marine reserve – Rated among the top dive sites in the world, those that dive into the deep at Poor Knights are likely to encounter a diverse range of fish life and colourful underwater plants in the rocky volcanic outcrops.
- Sample award-winning local wines – The region’s sunny local climate climate delivers full-bodied wines including Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, spicy Syrahs and smooth Cabernet-Merlot blends – enjoy private wine tastings with a stay at the Landing Residences or the Paroa Bay Winery villas.
- Swing a club at one of New Zealand’s most spectacular golf courses – Designed by David Harman, the par 72 championship Kauri Cliffs golf course showcase stunning ocean views and ranks among the best in the world.
- Cruise the beautiful Bay of Islands – There are more than 140 islands and dozens more coves to explore – perfect for swimming and snorkelling, picnicking and paddle-boarding in idyllic surrounds. Keen angles should not miss out on the opportunity to head out on a Northland fishing adventure – The region is one of New Zealand’s top saltwater fishing destinations where marlin, tuna, kingfish and more might be included in your catch.
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds – Waitangi is considered the birthplace of the nation and holds profound cultural significance. Take a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn fascinating stories about New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage.
Northland’s Best Luxury Accommodation – Six sublime places to stay in New Zealand’s Northland:
- ROSEWOOD KAURI CLIFFS – Set on 6,000 acres looking out over the Kauri Cliffs golf course and Pacific Ocean to the Cavalli Islands, this iconic New Zealand luxury lodge provides luxury accommodation is provided in spacious suites or in a choice of luxury villas with space for all the family. Guests of Rosewood Kauri Cliffs can choose to tour the property’s working sheep and cattle farm, ride horseback on the beach, enjoy a game of tennis (or pickleball), relax in the divine day spa or by the outdoor swimming pool, play a round of golf at Kauri Cliffs and end the day with a decadent dining experience in the elegant lodge dining room or an al fresco chef-prepared BBQ of delicious local produce on picturesque Pink Beach.
- THE LANDING RESIDENCES – On a private gated estate where rolling vines meet the sea (and the property’s six private beaches), the Landings’ four fabulous private villas provide spacious and luxurious accommodation with the unobtrusive services on hand to provide private-chef catering, housekeeping and a range of on-site and local activities including: paddle-boarding and kayaking, fishing charters and diving excursions and night-time kiwi spotting walks. A wine tasting tour of the Landing Winery is included with every stay. The five-bedroom Cooper Residence, complete with an impressive private wine cellar and barrel room (perfect for private tastings and dinners), crowns the estate and enjoys 360 degree views. The four-bedroom Gabriel Residence boasts multiple indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas including a generous outdoor deck with views. The three-bedroom Vineyard Villa also has its own private swimming pool and the two-bedroom Boathouse Villa sits right on the water’s edge.
- TARAPUNGA AND THE PAROA BAY WINERY VILLAS – Perched above Paroa Bay looking out across the Bay of Islands, Paroa Bay Winery and Estate provides luxury accommodation in a collection of three exclusive-use self-contained villas. The contemporary three-bedroom Tarapunga villa is the estate’s premier accommodation offering a with its own 17m heated infinity pool enjoying views across the bay. The separate two-bedroom Weka villa just 20 metres away is the perfect addition to accommodate staff or additional guests. Other amenities include a tennis court, sauna, spa, home theatre and golf putting and driving area. Meanwhile Paroa Bay’s two-bedroom Vineyard Cottage provides a welcoming farm cottage experience and the property’s Off-Grid Cabin is a cost private sanctuary for two. All guests can enjoy a series of self-guided walks, in-villa spa treatments and delicious local dining at the on-site Sage restaurant or with private chef dining experiences in a collection of stunning locations.
- THE GLASSHOUSE – Set on a private peninsula at Kauri Mountain Point Estate, The Glasshouse is a secluded contemporary private villa for two. Mesmerising ocean views can be enjoyed from the bedroom, lounge, the stunning outdoor deck (complete with fireplace, comfortable lounges and BBQ) – and even from the indoor-outdoor shower. With direct access to the water, guests can enjoy scenic coastal walking trails and swim in secluded rock pools – alternatively, days here can be spent relaxing in a hammock with a good book or exploring the local region.
- EAGLES NEST – Five fabulous private villas set on a perched above the historic seaside township of Russell on a private estate overlooking the breathtaking Bay of Islands offer self-contained luxury accommodation for couples, groups of friends and multi-generational families. The four-bedroom ultraluxe Rahimoana villa is without doubt the jewel in the Eagles Nest crown enjoying 300 degree ocean, island and sunset views – also from the 25m infinity pool. The property also boasts its own gym, sauna, wine cellar and heli-pad. The Eagles Nest estate’s four-bedroom ‘Sacred Space’ villa also has its own 20m heated infinity pool – an ideal retreat for multi-generational family stays; meanwhile the ‘First Light’ villas is a romantic private haven for two, the three-bedroom ‘Eagle Spirit’ and “About Eyrie” villas (both also with their own infinity pools) are ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
- CLIFFTOPS AT ANDERSONS COVE – The new Clifftops at Anderson Cove is a private villa experience inspired by the safari-style ‘tented’ luxury accommodation of Africa – in an unmistakably antipodean setting. Enjoying panoramic Pacific Ocean views, the off-grid luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom secluded property has a fully-equipped kitchen, four-poster beds, generous outdoor deck with BBQ, bean bags, sofas and cedar hot tub. Spa treatments and private chef-catering can be arranged.
Contact our Travel Design team to curate your ideal Northland itinerary today.
New Zealand: nzdesign@southern-crossings.com
Header image: The Landings
