NORTHLAND - NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST REGION

Northland is situated to the North of Auckland and stretches to the top of the North Island. 

With its semi-tropical climate, the region is known as the “Winterless North”, and is among our top holiday destinations with one of the sunniest, warmest climates of any region in New Zealand. 

The region is known as the birthplace of New Zealand, as it is said to be the landing point for the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe, in 950 AD. Northland is also home to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, modern New Zealand’s founding document, and is rich in history and Maori culture.



Get more information about the Northland region. 
 

WHANGAREI, FIRST CITY OF THE “WINTERLESS” NORTH

The main city, Whangarei, has a population of around 70,000 people and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It is close to several beautiful sandy beaches, and offers shops to suit all budgets, as well as cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants reflecting the city’s international community.

A regular bus service provides a safe and cost-effective link to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, which can be reached in only two hours by road and 30 minutes by air.

The cost of living and accommodation in Whangarei is much lower than in Auckland, and there is considerably less traffic. It is a small city which is relatively compact, making it easy to get around by walking, cycling or using a local bus service.

A variety of accommodation types is available to international students in Whangarei, ranging from hostels and shared houses to homestay accommodation with local families – an excellent way to improve your English, and to learn about life in New Zealand.

Quick facts

• NorthTec is only a 2 hour drive from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city with over 1 million residents, and buses provide a safe and cost effective way to travel between Auckland and Whangarei. 

• Accommodation in Whangarei is half the price of Auckland and other major cities. View sample costs of living in Whangarei. 

• The climate is warm which means there is less cost associated with heating. The climate is ideal for outdoor exercise. 

• Northland is one of the top holiday destinations in New Zealand because of its warmer climate and natural beauty. 

• Whangarei is compact which means that students can walk or cycle between class, residential areas and the city centre. 

• Whangarei City has an active international community from Europe, the USA, Asia, India and Africa. There are restaurants serving Indian, Thai, Chinese, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines. 

• There is a newly built rugby stadium to host 2 World Cup Rugby matches during 2011. 

Get more information about Whangarei city.