Whangaroa Marina

Whangaroa Marina sits 3nm inside one of Northland's most striking harbours, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks that make the approach feel like sailing into a lost world. Opened in 1997, it's a sheltered base tucked near the small village of Whangaroa, with the local fishing club just up the road for a meal and a cold one. The harbour itself is the real draw — plenty of bays to explore and fishing that locals rate highly.