Many visitors miss Northland on their trip to New Zealand, but if you love beautiful beaches it's the place to head to. The Northland coastline is distinctively different on east and west. The west is dominated by long stretches of sweeping sand and pounding surf, such as Ninety Mile Beach. The east coast is completely different. Here there are many small bays and rocky outcrops, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and a delight to explore.
With New Zealand's warmest climate, it's possible to swim at the beaches in Northland for most of the year (although not many will want to brave it in the winter except on a particularly sunny day).
The sheer number and variety of the beaches in Northland also give the option of a bit of skinny dipping if that takes your fancy. There are a number of semi-official nude beaches, but wherever you are you won't be far from a spot to swim and sunbathe in seclusion.
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
Follow @Facebook@AboutNewZealand
One great way to mix with the locals in the Bay of Islands and to sample some of the local products is to visit the Farmers Market. Here you will find stalls selling all sorts of foods and beverages, from organic fruit and vegetables to cheeses, oils, wines and even handmade sausages.
Want a million dollar view in a different location every night without it costing you a fortune? Consider exploring New Zealand in a motorhome or camper van. With so many roads and spectacular and varied scenery, it is little wonder that this is one of the fastest growing sectors of New Zealand tourism. And it's not just the international visitors; more and more kiwis are also taking to the roads each year to experience the freedom and fun of a holiday on wheels.
If you enjoy handcrafts, you will find that New Zealand has a very lively scene. Throughout the country there are many small businesses specialising in different types of handcrafts, including embroidery, textiles and fabrics. One way to see what is going on is to visit the Great New Zealand Craft Show, which takes place in various towns throughout the year.