Living in Northland

Article Index
Living in Northland
Climate
Economy
Cost of Living
Housing
Education
General Information

Climate

Northland has the highest average annual temperature in New Zealand. In summer (December - February) typical maximum temperatures range between 22°C and 26°C; night-time minimums seldom drop below 10°C. Maximums in winter (June - August) are typically between 14 to 17°C; light frosts are possible in sheltered areas but are not common.

Daily and annual temperature variations are low. Whangarei, the major settlement of the region, has around 1,900 sunshine hours per year, and receives an annual rainfall of approximately 1,300mm, about average for New Zealand.

Northland, with its proximity to the sea, almost subtropical location and low elevation, is characterised by a mild, humid and rather windy climate. Summers tend to be warm and humid. Winters are characteristically mild with many parts of the region having only a few light frosts each year. The prevailing wind for most parts of the region is from the southwest. However, in summer tropical cyclones give rise to northeasterly winds and heavy rainfall.

The mean annual rainfall ranges from about 1000-1300mm in low-lying coastal districts to over 2500mm on some of the higher country. Approximately one-third of the yearly rainfall total falls in the winter months of June, July and August.

Lifestyle

There are few places in the world that can match what Northland has to offer. Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastline, and spectacular forest - an aquatic playground and a land of unspoilt natural beauty that has to be seen to be believed.

The region has twin, diverse coasts, with no part of Northland being further than 40 km away from coastline, pristine beaches, bays and harbours. Vast tracts of forest remain, home to 2000-year-old giant kauri trees. With numerous islands and the myriad of secluded beaches and deep forests, every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell.

One of the best things about living in Northland is the lifestyle. Northland’s residents indulge year round in numerous recreational activities, including fishing, diving, canoeing, tramping and surfing as well as all the usual leisure and sporting activities.

Northland was the first region settled by people from eastern Polynesia and it was also there that Europeans first made permanent contact with the Mäori. Russell, in the Bay of Islands, was in fact the first Capital of New Zealand.

Secluded pohutukawa-fringed bays, cosmopolitan marinas and anchorages, lively cafes and bars fill the coastal run from Auckland to Northland. The whole region is a boating and fishing mecca and beneath the water lies many other attractions. Some of the world’s top and most easily accessed dive and snorkelling sites exist in Northland. Spectacular reefs, walls, pinnacles, archways and tunnels provide a unique marine habitat not seen anywhere else in the world. Magnificent mixtures of subtropical and temperate marine species inhabit the local reefs, with great wreck dives on sunken warships and the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior.

On top of all this there are the drier activities, walking/hiking, horse riding, a whole variety of sports and tourist-based activities from tandem skydiving through to dune surfing and quad biking and some of the best golf courses in New Zealand.

Northland is rich in a unique history that ties both Maori and non - Maori people together. Historical sites and artefacts can be found throughout the region.
The region has a solid industry base of pastoral farming, horticulture, forestry and wood processing, and tourism. Other key sectors are floriculture, organics and the arts.

Local vineyards consistently produce medal-winning wines. Accolades have been awarded to Northland cheese makers for their delicious cheeses. Citrus fruits and olives are grown widely. The seafood is plentiful, fresh and magnificently varied.

Festivals, events and performances endorsing the arts happen throughout the year, offering an opportunity to enjoy the best of our actors, dancers, musicians and visual artists. The depth and breadth of authentic arts and culture on offer enhances the region's outdoor activities and extraordinary landscape.

Northland's culture, history and natural maritime beauty are matched with world-class facilities and accommodation in some breathtakingly positioned locations.