We’ve all been there: months of ‘we should totally do this’ circulating endlessly in the group chat. Determined to trade message threads for a weekend of memories, exploration and real-world magic, we took it beyond the group chat, to Northland.

Dappled in subtropical warmth, New Zealand’s winterless north offers a dreamy backdrop for long-overdue connection. From unhurried mornings swimming in the turquoise coves of the Tutukaka Coast, afternoons tasting local vintages in boutique Kerikeri vineyards, and golden hours sharing oceanfront tapas in historic Russell, there is something for every member of the group. Whether you want to hike coastal headlands or catch up without interruptions, Northland blends effortless discovery with laid-back luxury. Delight in some of our favourite discoveries …

 

Made for Sharing

Some experiences are best shared. A long lunch, great wine and an afternoon that isn’t rushed.

At The Landing, their hosted wine tastings are designed for that sense of unhurried pleasure. Set overlooking their vineyard in the Bay of Islands, each tasting offers the chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones while discovering wines grown just metres from the coast. Be guided through a selection of estate-grown wines, from Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to Rosé and Syrah, while hearing the stories behind the vineyard and the region.

For those looking to make more of the occasion, their bespoke experiences can include a vineyard tour, a boat cruise or a leisurely lunch in the Tasting Room. With bookings by appointment only, there’s no rush, no crowds and no need to be a wine expert. Just good wine, good conversation and a setting that encourages you to settle in a little longer. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends, a birthday celebration or simply an excuse to escape for the day, a tasting at The Landing offers something many of us don’t get enough of: uninterrupted time with your favourite people. Wine tasting experiences are by appointment and advance bookings are essential. thelandingwine.co.nz

 

Boutique Luxury

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with friends, or craving a weekend away, Ara Roa offers a collection of stunning private villas and stylish retreats nestled among the spectacular landscapes of Whangārei Heads and the Tutukaka Coast.

Wake to birdsong and sweeping coastal views before exploring beautiful white sand beaches. Perhaps enjoy one of their scenic walks followed by an ice cream at a local café. Return to your private retreat for sunset drinks and a chef-prepared dinner, or indulge in an in-house spa treatment while someone else handles the details. From relaxed beach strolls and laughter-filled dinners to long conversations under star-filled skies, every moment is designed to help you reconnect and recharge.

The best part? You can choose from self-catered escapes or catered getaway packages, including the popular girls’ weekend experience, with accommodation suitable for intimate groups or larger gatherings. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully appointed and surrounded by Northland’s natural beauty, Ara Roa is a perfect destination to celebrate friendship and create memories you’ll be talking about long after the weekend ends. araroa.nz

 

Explore from Here

Hidden amongst two acres of established gardens in Kerikeri, Treghan Lodge is a peaceful base for exploring the Bay of Islands and the Far North. The lodge’s private luxury guesthouses provide a welcoming retreat after a day exploring the region. Browse local galleries and artisan food producers, visit vineyards and farmers’ markets, tee off at one of Northland’s renowned golf courses, or discover secluded beaches, coastal walks and native forests before returning to the peaceful gardens.

Owners Anna Hamilton and Murray Bain have welcomed guests from New Zealand and around the world for more than a decade. Their first-hand local knowledge helps visitors enjoy experiences beyond the well-known attractions, from favourite cafés and scenic drives to memorable day trips throughout Northland. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a golfing holiday or time to slow down and unwind with the girls, Treghan Lodge combines warm, personal hospitality with the privacy of your own guesthouse, creating a relaxed and memorable base.

Discover everything from historic Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to the dramatic landscapes of the Hokianga, while enjoying the relaxed pace that makes Kerikeri such a popular destination. treghan.co.nz

Celebrate the Flavour

Perched above the Bay of Islands, in Russell, with panoramic views across the water and the vineyard below, Sage Restaurant brings together seasonal Northland produce, estate-grown wines and thoughtful hospitality in one of the region’s most distinctive dining settings.

Awarded One Hat by Cuisine Good Food, Sage is led by Executive Chef Daniel Fraser, whose menus are shaped by nearly two decades of exploring the growers, fishermen and producers of Northland. The Trust the Chef experience evolves with the seasons, celebrating the ingredients and people that define the very top of the country. The food is thoughtfully paired with wines from Paroa Bay Winery onsite and its sister vineyard, Clos Ostler, in the Waitaki Valley, South Island.

Below the restaurant, Paroa Bay Winery offers intimate hosted tastings, inviting you to discover the stories behind the estate through wines that are all grown, made and bottled onsite. Guided by the winery team, each private tasting experience offers a deeper connection to the vineyard and the landscape that shapes every vintage.

For those not quite ready to leave, Paroa Bay’s accommodation invites guests to settle in.

The estate features four secluded Off-Grid Cabins hidden amongst native bush and vines, a two-bedroom Vineyard Cottage overlooking the estate, and the premier three-bedroom Tarāpunga Villa with panoramic views across the Bay of Islands. Here, all of your needs are taken care of, with everything you need for a memorable wine escape. thelindisgroup.com/sage

A Hidden Island Escape

Tucked away on beautiful Paewhenua Island, overlooking Doubtless Bay, Dancing Petrel Vineyard is one of Northland’s most memorable wine experiences. Just minutes from historic Mangōnui, this boutique vineyard combines spectacular coastal views with handcrafted, award-winning wines. Family-owned and passionately run by Kim and Graham Gilkison, every bottle reflects their commitment to producing exceptional boutique wines from carefully handpicked grapes.

Gather the girls for a relaxed tasting featuring elegant whites, vibrant rosé and beautifully crafted reds and discover why Dancing Petrel’s award-winning wines are gaining a reputation among wine lovers. All while soaking up the stunning island scenery and watching the ever-changing colours across the bay. Warm hospitality and an unforgettable setting make Dancing Petrel the perfect stop on a Northland girls’ getaway – where every visit feels like discovering one of the region’s best-kept secrets. dancingpetrel.co.nz