A pair of humpback whales thrilled tourists in the Bay of Islands, breaching several times out of the water in full display.

It doesn't take long for the creative and picturesque charms of Northland's west coast to enrapture Kirsten Warner.

The small historic Northland town of Russell has plenty to offer for a summer getaway, writes Susan Edmunds.

It's definitely not a winterless spot, but there's warmth in Northland's history, says Pamela Wade.

Despite a fruitless search for great coffee, Diana Clement finds plenty to do and see in the warm and welcoming Bay of Islands.

Cate Foster and daughter circle the north in a weekend road trip that takes in food, history, craft and culture.

Searchers have found the body of a four-year-old boy who went missing in Northland last night. A diver found the boy in a pool beneath a small waterfall near Otiria Marae in Moerewa.

The biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was in the Hokianga. Liz Light visits the site that will host an alternative Waitangi celebration next month.

Paul Rush discovers hidden treasures among the nikau, cabbage trees and kauri of this famous harbour.

A Northland tour destination brings back fond memories for one of the members of Fat Freddy's Drop.

A New Zealand retreat billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

A weekend visit to a farm can be an educational experience for the kids, writes Diana Clement.

More than half of the 24 whales being refloated in the Far North this evening have made it into the water, but three have died.

Paul Rush takes a hair-raising ride in the Te Paki dunes on a nostalgic Cape Reinga tour

The final stretch of State Highway 1 was sealed today, allowing drivers a tarsealed ride from one end of the country to the other for the first time.

Paul Rush pays homage to giant hermaphrodites and fairy people in the ancient kauri kingdom of Waipoua.

Rob McFarland spends a day cruising the Bay of Islands.

Northland takes on a whole new glow from a luxury sundeck, says Rachel Tiffen.

James Russell relives the joys of a Kiwi surfing safari.

Northland boasts a number of thriving wineries worth a visit, says Helen Twose.

Rob Cox spends a weekend soaking up the atmosphere at luxurious Kauri Cliffs.

Jim Eagles puts his grey matter to the test on a visit to a corner of Northland.

A popular drawcard for overseas visitors, the Bay of Islands proves an action-packed success, too, for Geoff Cumming's family holiday.

Feel like a break in the north? Stop in at this bustling Bay of Islands town.

A journey to the Hokianga region offers the chance to see some of New Zealand's most remarkable natural sights - from the 'King of the Forest', Tane Mahuta, to the harbour's remarkable dunes.

A trip to the 'winterless north' is not over until the kiwi sings, finds Helen van Berkel.

A few days in pristine Paihia is scarcely adequate to revisit all the area has to offer, says Isobel Marriner.

Naomi Rowley pulls on the wetsuit and braves the waves at a surf camp.