Journeywoman recently published an article of mine along with others in a series 30 Less Travelled Places for women Read them all here or read my NZ contribution below
Northland – New Zealand beaches are amazing
Recommended by Rosemary Neave, JourneyWoman Women’s Advisory Council member
At Christmas time in the north of New Zealand, our red flowering Pohutukawa tree signals summer meaning it’s time to head to the beach for a swim, a walk and to camp. Northland – north of Auckland is the place to be in the summer. Avoid late December or January if you can – because school holidays mean that Kiwis are heading to these magnificent beaches. Many visitors to New Zealand only go to the South Island, and others never head north from Auckland and discover this hidden gem.
Plan ahead as there will be pressure on accommodation in the summer. My recommended place to stay is a campground if you have a tent or camper van. Most commercial campgrounds also have cabins. They are usually situated in the best spots where you can walk to the beach or river. Campgrounds are also a great place to meet the locals. My two exceptions are the Copthorne Hotel at Waitangi and The Heads Hotel in Omapere – they are in the heart of places with rich cultural stories.
Northland is rich in cultural stories – February 6th is our national holiday, Waitangi Day and the Bay of Islands is the place to be. If you cannot make it then, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a must-visit to learn more about Māori culture and its stories.
How to make it a longer stay: Rent a camper to visit a campground, join a small group adventure with Adventures in Good Company or a weekend retreat with Wanderlust Solo Women’s Travel. Find more New Zealand tours here.
