The Bay of Islands and Far North are rich in history, culture and creativity. From places of profound significance in New Zealand’s story to thriving artistic communities, the region offers countless opportunities to connect with the people, traditions and experiences that have shaped Northland.
Visitors can explore important Māori heritage sites, discover some of New Zealand’s oldest historic buildings, visit fascinating museums and browse galleries showcasing the work of local artists and makers. Whether your interests lie in history, culture or contemporary creativity, there is always something new to discover.
Heritage & Cultural Experiences
The Far North is deeply connected to Māori history, traditions and identity, making it one of the most culturally significant regions in New Zealand.
A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds provides insight into the events that helped shape modern New Zealand, while Te Ahurea in Kerikeri offers opportunities to learn about traditional Māori life, customs and storytelling. Further west, Manea – Footprints of Kupe in Opononi combines storytelling, technology and performance to bring the stories of Kupe and the first Polynesian navigators to life.
Together, these experiences provide a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage and the enduring importance of Māori traditions throughout Northland.
Historic Places & Early New Zealand
Many of New Zealand’s most important historic sites can be found in the Bay of Islands and Far North.
The Kerikeri Basin is home to the Stone Store and Kemp House, two of New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings, while the surrounding heritage precinct offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s early years. Historic Russell, once a busy trading and whaling port, and New Zealand’s first capital, remains one of the country’s most significant settlements and is home to a number of heritage buildings and landmarks.
Visitors can also explore Pompallier Mission, one of the country’s most important early Catholic sites, and Christ Church, where bullet holes from the Northern Wars remain visible today.
Further west, Māngungu Mission House overlooking the Hokianga Harbour tells another important chapter in the relationship between Māori and European settlers.
Galleries, Studios & Creative Spaces
Creativity can be found throughout the Far North, with galleries, studios and exhibition spaces located across the region.
Located on the grounds of Treghan near Kerikeri, Little Black Gallery presents a curated collection of contemporary art, jewellery, ceramics, glass and sculpture by Northland and New Zealand artists.
Visitors will also discover creative spaces in towns such as Mangonui, Rawene, Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Kohukohu, each reflecting the unique character of its local community.
From contemporary art and ceramics to jewellery, sculpture, photography and traditional crafts, the region offers a diverse range of creative experiences and opportunities to connect with local artists and makers.
Museums & Places of Discovery
The region’s museums offer fascinating insights into the people, industries and events that helped shape the Far North.
Visitors can learn about the remarkable kauri industry at the Ka Uri Museum, explore local history and culture at Te Ahu Museum, or discover maritime heritage at Butler Point Whaling Museum. These are complemented by a number of smaller museums, heritage centres and local collections found throughout the Far North, each contributing its own chapter to the region’s story.
The 28th Māori Battalion Te Hokowhitu-a-Tū Museum at Waitangi honours the extraordinary contribution of Māori soldiers and preserves an important part of New Zealand’s military history.
Together, these museums help bring the stories of the region to life and provide valuable context for exploring Northland today.
The Creative Far North
The Far North has long attracted artists, writers, musicians and makers drawn to its landscapes, lifestyle and strong sense of place.
Throughout the region, visitors will find working studios, artisan workshops, community exhibitions, open studio events and opportunities to meet the people behind the work. Creativity is not confined to galleries alone but forms part of everyday life throughout Northland’s towns, villages and rural communities.
For many visitors, discovering the region’s creative spirit becomes one of the most memorable parts of their stay.
Enjoying Heritage, Culture & Art During Your Stay
Some guests spend a morning exploring Waitangi or the Kerikeri Basin before visiting local galleries in the afternoon. Others venture further afield to discover museums, historic settlements and creative communities throughout the Far North.
Whatever your interests, the Bay of Islands and Northland offer countless opportunities to connect with the stories, heritage and creativity that make this remarkable region unique.
Experience More Of The Far North
Your Far North Escape
A fully planned experience including a helicopter flight, Island Getaway cruise, vineyard lunch and three nights in your own private guesthouse.
Discover Your Far North Escape →
Prefer to create your own itinerary?
Our Stay Longer offers provide extra time to explore the region at your own pace.