Northland in March

October through April delivers Northland's golden period. Summer (December-February) brings 25°C days and warm ocean temperatures perfect for swimming and diving. But it also brings crowds and accommodation prices that'll make you wince. Shoulder seasons offer the sweet spot. October and November see pohutukawa trees blooming their famous red flowers, while March and April maintain warm temperatures with fewer tourists. You'll actually get tables at popular restaurants without booking weeks ahead. Winter (June-August) shouldn't be written off completely. Temperatures hover around 15°C, rain increases, but accommodation costs plummet and you'll have beaches to yourself. The Bay of Islands stays swimmable year-round if you don't mind a wetsuit. Avoid January if possible — it's peak Kiwi holiday season when Auckland empties north. Campgrounds overflow, traffic crawls, and that laid-back vibe gets trampled by holiday crowds. February offers similar weather with half the chaos.