Opua Beach

Northland Winter Getaways

Northland Winter Getaway

Always drawing a large crowd over the summer months, Northland is also a great destination for winter getaways.

As one of the warmest regions in the country it’s no wonder Northland is known as the ‘winterless North’, and though there are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy, there is lots to do if you do experience some rain.

The Bay of Islands offers a relaxed lifestyle but still has all the everyday amenities close at hand. Surrounded by 144 islands the region has first class seafood, wines, fruit and vegetables for keen foodies!

Kerikeri is a place to indulge and have fun. Mullarkey Tours offer a wine tour where you will visit three of the region’s best wineries while enjoying a platter lunch. They offer a motel pick up and drop off service. Please click on the link for more information.

Cosy fires, hearty food, and beautiful rugged scenery are what we love about the winter months. Wrap up and walk along a wild, empty Northland beach one afternoon is sure to blow those cobwebs out and build an appetite. Fishing charters operate year-round, so if you want to venture into subtropical waters there is lots of sea life and great visibility to be had.

Visit historical Russell by ferry from Paihia, wander along a beach before dining at a waterfront restaurant, finishing off your day with a nightcap at the Duke of Marlborough. Not too bad!

Far North Rentals operating out of Kerikeri Airport offer winter deals on many categories of cars. Why not hire a car to help you explore all the area has to offer?

So why not escape for an extended weekend? Take advantage of our new winter rates now!

best walks hikes northland

Your Guide to the Best Walks and Hikes in the Northland

Whatever your age, whatever your fitness level, Northland will have you up and walking.

Looking for a leisurely half hour walk, or are you more of a ‘Bear Grylls’ type? No problem, because Northland has half hour to 3-day options among the 100+ walks, tracks, and loops scattered throughout this gorgeous part of New Zealand.

With our sub-tropical climate which offers mild winters and summers which are not too hot, this region is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the “Great Outdoors”.

Many of our customers who fly from all parts of New Zealand to Kerikeri Airport want information about Northland first hand to maximise their time here so we’ve culled the list down to six of the best. Our range of vehicles suit solo or large walking groups, and with multiple drop off and pick up points available, we make your time in the North even better.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) do a fantastic job of maintaining and servicing most tracks available, making them safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Opua Forest, Paihia
If you only have an hour or two to spare, or simply looking for a walk which isn’t too strenuous, the Opua Forest Paihia Lookout ticks all the boxes.

A scenic well-maintained track through the lush bush with ample birdlife rewards walkers with a fantastic view of Paihia township and out over the magnificent Bay of Islands. It is worth noting that this forest was much larger in the past before much of the Kauri was felled for house building and ship repairs.

Length 1.5km | Time: 1 hour

Haruru Falls, Bay of Islands
Haruru, meaning ‘rumble’ in Māori and this is certainly the perfect description as you approach the Falls. Locals suggest making Waitangi Treaty Grounds your start point and walking back to from Haruru to Paihia along the recently upgraded footpath.

Length 6km | Time: 2.5 hours one way

Kerikeri River Track to Rainbow Falls
Like the walk above, this is another track which leaves from a popular attraction you are likely to visit anyway. This track leaves from Kerikeri’s Stone Store to the Kerikeri River and onto the Rainbow Falls. It has long been a popular swimming hole surrounded by native bush and birds, so pack a picnic and make a day of it!

You may hear tui call and see fantails flitting about while you walk.

Puriri, totara, karaka, and manuka shelter the path to the viewing platforms.

Visit the historic weir that supplied the first electrical power to the early Kerikeri township. Remnants of the Kerikeri hydro-electric station and weir are still visible and an information panel is situated at the rest area.

For those with small children or need wheelchair access, we suggest the shorter walk from the Rainbow Falls carpark which accommodates buggies and chairs.

Length from Stone Store: 3.5km one way | Time 1.5 hours one way

Length from carpark: 400 metres one way | Time: 10 minutes one way

Cape Brett Walkway, Rawhiti
For serious trampers, the Cape Brett Walkway is demanding but rewarding. Tracking through native bush and long stretching cliffs you walk ends at the lighthouse on the cape. The lighthouse is now a DOC hut, so walkers have the option to either stay overnight and walk back the next day or organise for a boat to take you back at the end of the day. Whatever you choose, you’ll be ready for a well-earned rest.

Length: 20 km | Time: 8 hours one way

Wairere, Hokianga Harbour
For photo enthusiasts the Wairere Boulders walk is for you. Unique, beautiful, and looking like a scene from Lord of the Rings, this is the only valley in the world to see eroded basalt boulders.

The site is approximately 15 kilometres from State Highway one, the last three kilometres are along a well maintained gravel road.

Stretching 1.5 km on easy walking tracks, visitors see literally thousands of boulders stacked together reaching up to 30 metres high in some cases.

Length: 1.5 km | Time: 0.5-2 hours (lots of viewing platforms to stop and take photos)

Guided Puketi Rainforest Night Walk, Bay of Islands
Peaceful and interesting, walkers learn all about New Zealand’s native birds and the majestic Kauri tree. With a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor in 2016, this is a novel way to experience the bush at night.

photo-blog-golf

A Golfer’s Dream Holiday

Scenic locations, mild weather for much of the year and top-quality golf courses, mean golfing in New Zealand is a must for any golf enthusiastic.

In recent years many courses have invested heavily in both new and existing facilities, which equates to not only internationally ranked golf courses without the crowds, but they are also easily accessible from the main centres.

Perhaps a ripple effect occurred from the successes of local golf professionals Lydia Ko, Michael Campbell, and Steve Williams – long-time caddy for Tiger Woods and now Adam Scott, means overseas golfers are choosing New Zealand as their holiday destination.

And it’s not just the diverse range of courses with their breath-taking views which are the draw card. The post-game luxuries of world-class food, wine and accommodation are either close at hand or on-site giving travellers the complete holiday package.

A golfer’s dream would perhaps start with teeing off at the top of the North Island where approximately 24 golf courses are scattered between the Far North, Bay of Islands, and Whangaparaoa.

The courses vary from the all year round Kaitaia Links, Waitangi (9 holes) or the most northerly venue which is the Hohoura facility.

One of our most famous courses in the Bay of Islands would have to be Kauri Cliffs located, approximately 30 minutes from the Bay of Islands airport and 50 minutes from the Opua marina. Kauri Cliffs is the ultimate luxury lodge, it has won many accolades including Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Service’ award.

Golf is the perfect way to bring old friends together again and travel in a relaxed manner. Furthermore, if there are people within the group which aren’t so keen on 18 holes of golf, the subtropical Bay of Islands has a whole host of tours, water sports, history, arts, and markets to keep everyone entertained and well fed!

For the non-golfers  Mullarkey Tours offer a wine tour which takes in three of the best wineries in the Bay of Islands. They offer a pickup and drop off facility.

A quick browse on Google and you can see a large range of New Zealand golfing tours. These can be a great way of seeing the country, especially if you are travelling on your own but they can be limiting in what else you see and do.

If you or your companions choose to venture further afield to one of the other Northland golf courses, hiring a rental car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and share the driving. It presents the opportunity to customise your day, stopping at out of the way places and eateries which are not available to you through organised tour companies.

Far North Rentals have fleet of vehicles which makes getting to and from Kerikeri airport or your berth in Opua Marina a stress-free experience, so you have time to concentrate on your game. You can pre-book a hatchback, sedan, SUV, 10 or 12 seater using our online booking form

Click here to view a list of other courses in the area.

The Bay of Islands is an excellent base for this part of the country with accommodation, interests, and cuisine for every budget.

 

best local food bay of islands

Where to Find the Best Local Cuisine in Bay of Islands & Northland

New Zealanders love their food and Northland is no exception as demonstrated by the near 400 restaurants and cafes throughout the region.

It is no wonder the food is so good too with lots of sunshine, a comfortable temperature for most of the year, and surrounded by beautiful clear waters full of top-quality seafood. These climate conditions also produce fine wines found at one of the many vineyards in the area such as Marsden Estate, Ake Ake Vineyard, Omata Estate Vineyard and Kitchen, to name just a few.

Food Markets

If you are flying into Kerikeri Airport for a weekend break, we recommend booking your rental car online ahead of time for airport collection and head straight to the Bay of Islands Farmers Market in Kerikeri town centre.

The market operates on Saturdays in Kerikeri and in Paihia on Thursdays. Here visitors will find locals selling the very best in fresh fruit and vegetables (including organic), artisan bread, local wines, fresh blueberry ice cream, and every type of cheese imaginable. Or how about limoncello, gourmet oils, chutneys and sauces, oyster mushrooms, smoked mussels and of course, flavour full coffee (New Zealanders love their coffee almost as much as they love their food). See the list of proud stallholders to view their first-class products.

These markets give foodies a chance to meet the grower or the maker, enjoy the balmy weather and really soak up the great local atmosphere.

Self-Drive Food and Wine Trail

The Northland Food and Wine Trail features over 60 food and wine experiences; from chocolate factories to gate sales to picking your own macadamias, this is heavenly for the gourmet traveller.
Email info@northlandnz.com for your copy of the food and wine trail map.

Driving at your leisure, stopping when and where you choose is what makes this trail a fun and relaxing way to see and eat your way around Northland. Our fleet of vehicles ranges from 4-seater hatchbacks to 12-seater vans so whether it’s a couple’s weekend getaway or a group of friends travelling together, we have a vehicle to suit.

Bay of Islands Wine & Craft Beer Tours

Are you looking to sample the best wines and beers in the Bay of Islands, then why not take a tour with our sister company Mullarkey Tours. Let us do the driving while you enjoy yourself!

Food Festivals

Love food? Well, let us have a festival! And so, they do – in Hokianga, Paihia Kerikeri. Food related festivals happen Spring, Summer, and early Autumn so the best and easiest way to stay ahead of what’s coming up is via Eventfinda Northland or Northland Festivals and Lifestyle.

 

 

More Food

Northland’s most famous eating experience must be the Mangonui Fish and Chip Shop which looks out right over the picturesque harbour. Choose the fish you want, and then watch it being filleted and cooked to perfection.

If luxury accommodation and fine dining are on your agenda, then Paihia Beach Resort and Spa offer a range of menus and high-end getaway packages.

Over recent years Northland has proven itself to be a foodie destination, once word got around that golf, wine and water sports weren’t the only world-class excursions on offer.

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Northland Highlights for Any Length of Stay

Between Auckland and Kaitaia there is so much to see and do and though it would be great to take your time over 7 days, sometimes other commitments just don’t allow the time.

The key is to not spread yourself too thin, experience what you can and enjoy the break. We’ve broken things down to sizeable itineraries for a weekend, an extended weekend, and short breaks. And if you do have the time to take a week – do!

This area is well endowed with cafes, history, scenery, thrill sports, tours, markets, beaches, golf courses, vineyards and cruises – but all enjoying a slower pace of life. Far North Rentals can get you to where you want to go in comfort with picking up and dropping off at different locations giving you extra flexibility.

When you have 2 Days (1 night)

In the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri and Paihia are only 25-minute drive apart, and nearby Russell within easy reach, there are masses to see and do between these destinations.

From Paihia wharf head across to Russell by ferry for the first morning and explore the township’s numerous historic buildings, return to the Russell waterfront for lunch with spectacular views and people watching.

Catch a ferry back to Paihia and take a stroll along the Paihia beachfront to Waitangi (30 minutes). The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are significant in terms of New Zealand’s history, here the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Māori people took place in 1840. These treaty grounds have won various awards over the past years. For anyone wanting to learn about Maori culture and early New Zealand this is a “must visit destination” Waitangi website

The Bay of Islands has the warmest waters in New Zealand and swimming with the dolphin tours leave from Paihia every day. If you want to see the dolphins but stay dry the local catamaran cruise has large viewing decks offering perfect photo opportunities. And if you’re lucky enough – orcas, whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife can be seen as well.

There are also fishing charters, cruises to the famous Cape Brett Hole in the Rock. If water sports are more your thing, talk to the extremely helpful staff at the Paihia I-site about sea kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and diving.

Stroll around Paihia until a restaurant catches your eye before heading to one of the countless hotels and motels for a good night’s sleep.

Rise and shine, it’s time to get in a morning swim before your drive to Kerikeri where you’ll visit the Kerikeri Stone Store and Kemp House, before a scenic bush walk to the Kerikeri (Rainbow) Falls, 2km upstream from the Basin (1 hour).

Kerikeri is a fantastic place full of arts, markets, and excellent local food. On Saturday mornings The Old Packhouse Market (Bay of Islands largest market) will be the perfect place to meet the locals, sample excellent coffee, and produce, then sit back and slow down.

Pick up an arts and craft trail brochure from your accommodation host and spend the afternoon browsing for art prints, pottery, jewellery, paintings, Kiwi ana and Māori crafts. For lunch try the Marsden Estate winery and restaurant. Grapes were first planted in this area almost 200 years ago which was very insightful of Samuel Marsden as the Bay of Islands gorgeous warm weather produces award winning wines. What could be nicer than relaxed courtyard dining overlooking the lake and vines, set amidst the citrus-covered slopes of Kerikeri.

When you have 3 Days (2 nights)

Once you’ve enjoyed the 1-night itinerary above, book yourself into one of the excellent Bed and Breakfasts dotted around Kerikeri for your second night.

On Day 3 take a drive 90km north from Kerikeri Village to Karikari Peninsula. Golf courses are never very far away with international standard courses amongst the Bay of Islands including Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands Golf Club, Peppers Carrington Resort, and Waitangi Golf Club.

Karikari Peninsula has the stunning Matauri, Cable, and Maitai Bays and Coopers Beach. Being surrounding by all this water is sure to put you in the mood for the freshest fish & chips at the famous Mangonui Fish & Chip shop built over the water. Mangonui is a quaint historic settlement from the whaling days that has a charming seaside atmosphere.

When you have 4 Days (3 nights)

After a day of sunshine, beaches and fresh fish, Mangonui and Doubtless Bay have some great accommodation options including beautiful colonial hotels and motels or choose an apartment.

You’re now less than 2 hours away from the top of the country.

Next morning drive to New Zealand’s north-eastern tip, Cape Reinga. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on 90 Mile Beach and if you’re feeling adventurous the quad biking or blokarting on this beach are fantastic fun.

Next, a trip to Gumdiggers Park in Awanui (100 km south of the Cape) is a worthwhile place to stop, backed by many positive reviews on TripAdvisor and features on the Must Do New Zealand website.

Many people reach the Bay of Islands on flights from Auckland, or by mooring a boat at the Bay of Islands Marina and after a day at Cape Reinga most head south again to the Bay of Islands.

Historic Waitangi

Discover Historic Bay of Islands and Northland

New Zealand is still a very new country, especially when you consider many of us have ancestral roots in Britain, Ireland, and Europe that are steeped in history.

Northland holds the lion’s share of New Zealand’s history where Europeans first began setting up home in our beautiful land, and much of the oldest buildings and significant events happened in this area.

For any history buff, Northland will not disappoint as all historical sites and landmarks are a scenic drive away from each other. Most of our customers choose to pick up a rental vehicle from Kerikeri airport, with our map in hand, ready to explore.

Here are our top suggestions for your next historical adventure. For more Northland must visits, check out our destinations page.

Kerikeri Mission Station
The Kerikeri Mission Station is one of the first places where Maori invited visitors to live among them. Fierce warriors, drunken sailors and, missionaries trying to convert the masses make for some great storytelling from those working at The Stone Store and Kemp House – part of the station grounds.

Christ Church, Russell
As the oldest church in New Zealand, this charming little church sits in the beautiful Bay of Islands’ township of Russell. See if you can spot the musket and cannon ball holes in the side of the church from battles between Maori and British forces from 1845.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds
With rave reviews on Tripadvisor, this is a must see when visiting the Bay of Islands. This is New Zealand’s most important historic site where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed and the relationship between Maori and European settlers began. The ground includes an excellent museum, guided tours, and a cultural performance. There are also Hāngi & Concert evenings during the Summer months.

Rangihoua Heritage Park
The Marsden Cross memorial recognises New Zealand’s first Christmas led by Reverend Marsden back in 1814. You could say this was the first real community of Maori and Europeans living peacefully together. Not far from Kerikeri, the park offers sweeping views of the Bay of Islands. To download a brochure of other Northland landmarks, click here.

Tane Mahuta and the Hokianga
Northland’s Waipoua Forest is home to the famous kauri tree, Tane Mahuta.
It’s big. Very big. An estimated 1,250 and 2,500 years old it’s certainly a humbling experience as you try to take in the sheer size of this thing! Visiting the forest is a great day out for the family, with Tane Mahuta just a short walk from the forest car park and lots of New Zealand native birds, flora and fauna to watch out for when travelling along the forest paths.

Cape Reinga
The lighthouse alongside the famous world signpost offers ample photo opportunities and spectacular views. As Cape Reinga is a sacred site, eating is not permitted, but if you’re looking for a place to stop on the way, head to Waitiki Landing which is 50 minutes from the Cape. Tours to Cape Reinga

The Kauri Museum
Just 90 minutes North of Auckland is the Kauri Museum, Northland’s largest undercover attraction covering 4500m2 of undercover exhibits. Here you can find stories and facts based regarding the impressive kauri tree, and the history of early settlers and the harsh challenges they faced.

Need a rental car for your trip around historical Northland? Far North Rentals offers high-quality and reliable rental vehicles, 24/7 roadside assistance and competitive rates. Check out what our customers have to say!

Arriving in the Bay of Islands on a Cruise Ship or simply looking for a tour?  Our associate company Mullarkeys Tours offers short 1, 2 and 4 hour tours. They visit places like the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, the Puketi Forest and Haruru Falls.

Cycle Trail

The New Zealand Tourism Boom

The tourism industry in New Zealand is booming with the export of services reaching new record highs.

According to data published by Statistics New Zealand total tourism spend in 2018 amounted to $39.6 billion or some 10.2% of GDP. Cruise Ship activity continues to grow with some 150,000 passengers visiting the Bay of Islands in the 2018/19 season.

According to Figure.nz the value of exports of services from New Zealand means the travel sector leaves all other industries for dust. There is also a strong commitment from the new government to tourism by naming Kelvin Davis (born and bred in the Bay of Islands) the new Tourism minister, he is third in the cabinet.

As an English speaking country with outstanding food, wine and scenery and many tourists getting a lot of ‘bang for their buck’, it’s no wonder New Zealand is experiencing such growth. Tourism New Zealand states approximately 80 million people actively thinking about a New Zealand holiday each year with the majority coming from Australia, China and The United States.

Air New Zealand wins ‘Best Airline’ awards over and over, Auckland continuously ranking high as one of the top cities to live in, Grammy-winning singers and a thriving film industry. Coverage like this all go towards making New Zealand a pretty hip place in the eyes of the world.

Though the housing market seems to have cooled of late, Northland is experiencing a substantial upturn in house prices, in the past 12 months in particular. Whether these are bought as a second home to rent out, or city-dwellers moving into the area permanently is currently unknown.

Tauranga is booming as well. How do we know? Well, Uber has moved into town and that’s a sure way of knowing your growth is on ‘the up’. The Bay of Plenty’s reliable warm weather, glorious beaches, and thriving cafe and restaurant culture offers a well-balanced lifestyle.

We feel a large part of New Zealand’s tourism success stems from locals being a friendly bunch who offer a thrilling experience and genuine customer service. Our history shows we are open to change and like to ‘get amongst it’. Bungy jumping, skiing, cycling, and a watersport or two. Nice one New Zealand.

If you are looking for a reliable car for your stay in New Zealand, see our fleet of rental vehicles and check out our Facebook reviews for instant peace of mind.

Guide Bay of Islands Cruise Ship

Your Guide to Entering the Bay of Islands by Cruise Ship, Plane or Car

Guide to the Bay of Islands. Regardless of where in the world you live, flying or docking into New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is a truly impressive sight. Surrounded by 144 islands, quaint seaside towns, and white sandy beaches, the Bay of Islands has a way of instantly relaxing people and reassures them, yes, coming here was an excellent idea!
Approximately 64 cruise ships will enter the Bay of Islands this season. The majority of cruise ships dock at Waitangi Wharf, where the famous treaty was signed between the British Crown and Maori Chiefs back in 1840.

Your cruise operator will then transport you to Paihia (the largest Bay of Islands township), only a few kilometres away. Paihia offers all the amenities you need and the perfect starting point for visiting Kerikeri, Russell, Opua, Waitangi and the outer islands.

If you’re entering New Zealand from an overseas flight, Auckland (New Zealand’s largest city) offers four connecting flights to Kerikeri every week day. Some travellers choose to weave their way North by rental car to the Bay of Islands, while other prefer to fly straight there taking the short 50-minute flight. Either way, Far North Rentals will happily have a rental car waiting for you at Auckland or Kerikeri Airport so you can start your holiday the easy way.

Expansion to the Bay of Islands Marina at Opua over recent years was great news for local boaties, accommodating thousands of holidaymakers from December to March, New Zealand’s summer season. Berths are available for both short and long term leasing. Every possible marine service is within walking distance from the marina, including WIFI, postal services, riggers, boat builders, refrigeration, catamaran haul-out, pump out facilities, fuel dock, cafe – even a hairdresser. And there’s plenty more besides.

If you’re an international cruiser, perhaps sailing from Australia or the Pacific Islands – welcome! The immigration information found here will put you in the right place.

Being in, on and close to water is part of New Zealand’s lifestyle and charm. If it’s your first time here, rest assure the services, car hire, accommodation, and restaurants in the beautiful Bay of Islands will make your stay enjoyable and certainly one to remember.

If you are a cruise ship passenger looking for shore based tours around the Bay of Islands then we suggest that you check those being offered by our associate company, Bay of Islands Shuttles and Tours.  They have a wide range of tours available for cruise ship passengers landing in the Bay of Islands.

See Far North Rentals range of reliable, fully serviced rental vehicles at fantastic prices.

northland chocolate

A Chocolate Lovers Tour of Northland

We’ve found another great reason to visit Northland and its nothing to do with sunny days, beautiful beaches, exquisite wine, excellent golf or amazing scenery. Nope. We are in fact referring to chocolate.

If you are serious about your chocolate then it’s time to head North and INDULGE! We’re not sure why, but chocolate is a big thing North of Auckland with around five noteworthy chocolatiers between Kaukapakapa and Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. That’s some serious chocolate eating people which equate to a chocolate factory nearly every 42 kilometres travelled!

All along we thought it was the relaxed lifestyle and warmer weather that made Northland folk so happy, but it might just be the feel-good chemicals in chocolate that’s to blame. With over 300 naturally-occurring chemicals, chocolate has phenylethylamine (sometimes referred to as the “love drug”), and serotonin (a natural mood lifter). These cause alertness, excitement, a quickening of the pulse and happiness, all very similar to the effects experienced with ‘new love’. So, if you or someone you know adores good chocolate these two chemicals will have a lot to do with that obsession.

A weekend with girlfriends in the beautiful Bay of Islands where you can sight see, browse the markets, chill out on a beach, eat, drink and be merry sounds like a marvellous idea doesn’t it? Rent one of our vans or people movers from Auckland, Whangarei or Kerikeri and enjoy a few quality days together.

Now down to business with a list for chocolate lovers from Warkworth, heading North.

Chocolate Brown – Warkworth

Award-Winning Chocolates where you can even watch their chocolatiers at work. Chocolate Brown also make their own fudge, licorice, and New Zealand favourites, rocky road and hokey pokey.

Swiss Bliss – Waitoki (Kaukapakapa)

Swiss Bliss has a tiny shop where the chocolates are made but you can also buy online or see them regularly at the Matakana Village Farmers Market. They are proud to use all organic or certified organic ingredients in their products.

Bennetts of Mangawhai – Mangawhai

Locally grown ingredients with the help of local staff and suppliers help make up the award winning Bennetts Chocolate brand.

Makana Confectionary – Kerikeri

Makana offers gift-quality confections including a sugar-free range. Made from top ingredients, these taste sensations do not have artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives.

Newport – Russell

Each chocolate piece is made by hand using all natural ingredients. Newport also has hampers and cigars which you can order online.

This resurgence of chocolatiers proves there is a strong demand for quality cocoa-based products in New Zealand. Quality ingredients not full of sugar and artificial flavourings, and a real pride shows through in this handmade craft.

See our Hot Deals for specials on vehicle when renting for 3+ days.

northland autumn jazz

What’s Happening In The Far North This Autumn

So often when people choose a quieter way of life, be it moving into retirement or moving to a rural town, they worry that their new change of pace won’t be exciting enough. However, more times than not they find new friends and experiences and are left wondering how they ever had time to work!

Whether you are planning to move North or wondering how to spend a much-deserved break with family and friends over Autumn, there is always some wonderful art, theatre, food and music events to get wrapped up in.

Our vans and people movers are a brilliant way to experience a fun and memorable road trip with friends while sharing the driving and fuel costs at the same time. Better still, you can take advantage of winter rates even before winter! From May onwards our car and van rentals are significantly reduced until December 17th. Email us today for a rate card.

There is some great drama hitting Whangarei this May, with these two in particular. Roger Hall’s comedy, Four Flat Whites in Italy‘ returns from a sell-out season last year to Whangarei 23 May. And ‘Gloria’s Handbag‘ (29 May) which enjoyed great reviews from the Dominion Post and Threatreview when the play first featured in Wellington.

Northland has its fair share of tribute bands from April until the end of June with Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones Experience, John Denver and Queen all celebrating the music of these genres.

If Jazz or country are more to your taste, The Topp Twins are performing in Kerikeri, Paihia, Whangarei, Dargaville and Kaitaia in late April with Sunday Jazz at the Whangarei golf club on 7th May. A great day on the course followed by dinner and entertainment at the club to round off an enjoyable day. Hire a Far North Rentals 12 seater van and ‘shout’ the designated driver dinner for the evening!

Perhaps watching people exercise sounds easier than actually doing it? The Northland Aerobics Championships are held in Whangarei this year with clubs, coaches, athletes and supporters from around New Zealand competing for the title.

Markets are always very popular in Northland, which is just as well since there are so many of them! Book fairs, community markets, food, and craft markets are to be found in Paihia, Kerikeri, Mangonui, Whangarei on a regular basis offering excellent food, locally grown produce, good strong coffee and locally made soaps and other gifts.

Between Auckland and Northland, there is a fantastic road trip for art enthusiasts to experience. Grab some friends and would-be artists and discover any one of the 20+ galleries starting in Matakana travelling to the far north of Doubtless Bay.

Artists love the relaxed, nature-focused surroundings found in Northland and this results in lots of beautiful pieces on offer. Ceramics, paintings, sculptures, prints and multi-media works of art can be found in most galleries.

We offer 24/7 AA roadside assistance with all of our vehicles, easy drop-off and pick-up locations (you can find us at Kerikeri Airport!), unlimited kilometres in Northland, and discounts start from 2+ days of car hire, making it even easier to enjoy our region.