Last updated: . Clarified the historical Northland family itinerary, ferry routes, track and waterfall access, sand-dune safety, cultural guidance and dated booking information. Date information added October 31, 2026.
This guide was first published on July 30, 2020, after our family’s extended stay in New Zealand. Our stories and photographs describe that trip. Visitor notes were checked in October 2026; track access, ferry schedules, attraction details and booking terms may change.
This is a collection of stops across a large part of the North Island, rather than a single Auckland day trip. Group the Bay of Islands and Russell stops together, allow separate time for the Far North around Cape Reinga and Te Paki, and use the closer-to-Auckland ideas for another outing. Check driving times and the current access notes before choosing how many stops to combine.
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We were shocked to discover just how many amazing activities were available in the North of Auckland, New Zealand. We booked a month in Auckland with our family after we were let out of lockdown in New Zealand, and wished we had longer once we discovered all there was to offer. Auckland itself holds tons of fun activities to do with kids, so it’s a difficult balance deciding how much time to spend in Auckland vs. North of Auckland.
Some of our favorite memories of New Zealand were made in the upper part of the North Island. If you have the time, plan a few days to explore up north and try some of these amazing activities!
Not to be confused with the Bay of Plenty, which I did several times, the Bay of Islands is part of Northland. If you want to see some stunning beaches and coastline, spend a day or two here.
We chose the darling town of Russell for our weekend trip. Our favorite things to do in Russell were:
Beautiful waterfall and picnic spot! DOC does not recommend swimming here because waterfall and weir swimming carry significant risks (DOC visitor guidance). Stay on the track and supervise children near the steep drops and water access. (We’ve had a bad waterfall experience, so I’m extra cautious)
These are a MUST DO in this area. Talk about stunning! Bring the baby carrier for the littles as the hike down is easy but steep. Strollers can work at the top, but in order to see the falls, the stroller won’t work. I did bring an umbrella stroller at first, which I could carry, but I switched to the baby carrier before too long.
The council describes an easy, 1 km circular walk with steps. It advises visitors to stay on paths and within viewing platforms because the ground can be slippery and dangerous (Whangārei District Council visitor guidance).
These beautiful falls are very convenient to visit with kids, as this view lies only about a one-minute walk from the car park. Check current access and gate information before visiting. These falls are definitely worth a stop! The longer walking route follows the Waitangi River toward the Treaty Grounds. Check the Waitangi Treaty Grounds visitor information and plan your return before setting out.
I know… visiting a public toilet makes your list? I wouldn’t go out of my way to see this, but they are very interesting!
Take a break from driving at this beach and playground. There are some food places nearby, so you could make a beach picnic out of it.
The largest town in the Bay of Islands area, this cute place has a few things to see. Explore the town and check out fun things like Parrot Place.
By far one of my favorite memories from all our months in New Zealand is boogie boarding down these sand dunes. When I was looking for where to go in NZ, this caught my attention and really pushed me over the edge when considering going to NZ at all! See my post here for all your need to know about visiting these sand dunes with kids. DOC warns that sandboarding can cause serious injury and advises starting on a small slope, staying in control, and avoiding dunes that lead into the vehicle stream (DOC Te Paki sand-dune safety guidance).
Watch our older Te Paki family film on Vimeo. It includes a channel introduction as well as the outing. Current DOC safety guidance takes priority. Watch the original linked video on YouTube.
Technically an 88 km stretch of beach, this is a recognized highway in NZ! Before driving on the beach, check your rental-car supplier’s terms; permission depends on the supplier and vehicle. DOC says Te Paki Stream, one beach access point, is open to 4WD vehicles only and warns visitors to take care around vehicle access and sandboarding (DOC access and safety information). There are many activities here and you can book tours here from the Bay of Islands.
Cape Reinga is gorgeous; the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet here. Seeing the meeting waters from the lighthouse was a neat experience. DOC identifies Hikurua/de Surville Cliffs, farther east, as the North Island’s northernmost point. Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is significant to Māori. Stay on the paved track and supervise children near steep drops; DOC lists the car-park gate closure as 8:30 pm–7 am (DOC visitor and track guidance). DOC asks visitors not to eat at the sacred site; drinking water is fine. Check the DOC link above for cultural protocols and current access.
Watch the original linked video on YouTube
Lake Wainamu is beautiful and near Bethell’s Beach, which is worth a visit. Auckland Council currently lists the full lake loop as temporarily closed due to storm damage; check the official park page for current access before planning a walk (Auckland Council Lake Wainamu status).
Matakana is a darling town that is worth a visit! The Matakana Farmers Market has some amazing items and keepsakes from New Zealand. Grab lunch, play at the little playground, sit by the river, and relax.
Burn off more energy at this massive playground and petting zoo. When we went, there was a small train to ride as well.
Enjoy your time north of Auckland! New Zealand has so much to offer. See my post for the Top Activities for Kids in Auckland for more!
HIKING THE TONGARIRO CROSSING WITH KIDS IN NEW ZEALAND
OBTAINING TWO PASSPORTS: WHEN YOU NEED THEM AND HOW TO GET THEM
HOW HARD IS IT TO FULL-TIME TRAVEL WITH KIDS?
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As a large, full-time traveling family, travel insurance is a must for us. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong. With the unpredictable state of the world, it is more important now than ever.
We love World Nomads for our travel insurance. Policy availability, destinations and covered activities depend on your residence and the specific policy. Check current eligibility and policy wording before buying. (Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Be sure to carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.)
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