Of all the regions of New Zealand North Auckland is the most enigmatic. A large proportion of the pre-European Maori population was located in the region and the Maoris showed themselves capable of rapid economic progress during the initial period of settlement. It was one of the first parts of the Dominion to be settled by the Europeans and its historic associations are numerous and important. Even before 1800 the fine stands of kauri timber had attracted the attention of British naval interests. It was in the Bay of Islands that Samuel Marsden introduced Christianity. It was here that the first plough turned the soil. It was at Waitangi that the Maori chiefs foregathered to swear their allegiance to the Crown and to receive its protection. Despite its early start, despite the wealth of timber reserves which provided the main basis of the economy during its initial phases, and despite the relative proximity to the most dynamic of centres, Auckland, the region is generally regarded as one of the most isolated, one of the more underdeveloped regions of the country. Only during the last 30 years, and especially during the post-war period, has it shown an accelerated rate of agricultural development. Isolation related to the terrain, which in parts is rugged, and agronomic difficulties related to certain types of soil are recognised, and quite rightly, as being influential factors in its slower development. But the existence of a large Maori population with a level of living and, more important, with a level of vocational preparation below that of the Europeans appears to have been under-rated as a factor influencing the slow pace of regional development.

The eastern and the western coasts of the peninsula differ markedly and the difference has been an influential factor in the history of the region. Much of the east coast is either rocky or consists of fine beaches held between headlands or is indented by long winding ria-like harbours. Where the tidal scour is not great, mangrove swamps are found in the upper part of the estuaries. These harbours have been very important as stages for the coastal shipping services, which were a notable feature in the transportation network of the region until the present decade. Landing points along the harbours were naturally favoured as original sites for settlement. By contrast, the western coast consists of long stretches of strand and sand dunes (Ninety Mile Beach is the best known example) interrupted by only two major inlets, the Hokianga Harbour, and the Kaipara Harbour, both ria-like in formation.

What strikes the visitor to the area is the very varied nature of the relief over comparatively short distances and, unless the sea is in sight, which is not often, the presence of hills and mountains over-rides the sense of narrowness and peninsularity which is so apparent from the map. Thus, in the Tutamoe Range and the Maungataniwha Range, heights of over 2,000 ft are reached. Forming a contrast are the extensive flats of the Ruawai district and the more rolling landscape to the north of Kerikeri, or the broken country around Hokianga Harbour. The topography, which defies a logical description, is broken and varied and its diversity is increased by the nature of the land use and the degree of its development.