1. MIDDLE ARCH

Formed by violent volcanic activity eons ago, this dramatic underwater formation features walls decorated with a colorful array of sponges, where jeweled anemones and massive stingrays lurk on the sandy bottom.

2. RIKORIKO CAVE

The world’s largest sea cave by volume (7.8 million cubic feet) does not disappoint; local legends tell of a Japanese submarine that hid inside for two weeks to make repairs during World War II.

3. THE PINNACLES

This string of isolated rocky pinnacles is bathed in strong currents that attract big schools of kingfish and pink maomao.

4. BLUE MAOMAO ARCH

This massive underwater arch is dramatic for both its cathedral-like formations and aggregating fish life.

5. CANTERBURY

This 372-foot former Royal New Zealand navy frigate is one of three sunken warship artificial reefs in Northland. It’s now a world-class wreck dive with consistent visibility and ample superstructure.

6. RAINBOW WARRIOR

Infamously bombed and sunk in Auckland Harbor by the French intelligence service in 1985, this former Greenpeace ship was refloated and scuttled in Matauri Bay, Cavalli Islands, at a max depth of 85 feet.

7. FRIENDLY KIWIS

Motoring around the countryside, you won’t pass another car without receiving an enthusiastic wave; the Kiwi culture is inviting — on the road, at the dock or in the bar.

8. LIVING FILM SET

From the rolling hills dotted with grazing white sheep to the sea-swept rocky coastlines, there’s a good reason why The Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson chose New Zealand.

9. MAORI CULTURE

New Zealand’s indigenous Polynesian people boast rich traditions of art and performance. A local Maori guide can show you Northland’s historic sites.

10. KELP

Thanks to a convergence of warm currents originating in the Coral Sea and cold water rushing north from the Southern Ocean, New Zealand enjoys a wonderful mix of tropical and temperate marine life. newzealand.com