Beaches are the main drawcard to this region and they're present in profusion, with barely a scrap of development or another human in sight. History hangs heavily here also, with the site of the earliest settlements of both Maori and Europeans.
Bay of Islands & Northland - New Zealand's North Island (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
Coverage includes: When to Go, Whangarei District, Mangawhai, Waipu & Bream Bay, Whangarei, Doubtless Bay, Whangarei Heads, Tutukaka Coast & the Poor Knights Islands, Bay of Islands, Russell, Paihia & Waitangi, Russell Road, Urupukapuka Island, Kerikeri, The Far North, Matauri & Tauranga Bays, Whangaroa Harbour, Karikari Peninsula, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach, Kaitaia, Ahipara, Hokianga, Mitimiti, Motuti, Kohukohu, Horeke & Around, Rawene, Opononi & Omapere, Waiotemarama & Waimamaku, Kauri Coast, Waipoua Forest, Trounson Kauri Park, Kai Iwi Lakes, Baylys Beach, Dargaville, Pouto Point, Matakohe.