For Locums
FINDING LOCUM WORK
Overview
See how we help find you your perfect locum
How Messly works
A step-by-step guide to using Messly
Browse Jobs
See what locum jobs are available
Resources for locum doctors
The Locum Hub
POPULAR
Our top resources for finding locum work
Compare Locum Agencies
See ratings and testimonials of locum agencies
Locum Salary Calculator
POPULAR
See how much you can earn as a locum
Locum Rates Breakdown
Learn how much you can earn as a locum doctor
The Locum Academy
NEW
Rapid answers to common locum questions
The Locum Toolkit
Useful resources, services and tools for locums
Need help?
Contact Us
For F3s
For f3 doctors
F3 Hub
All our best F3 resources in one place
F3 Options
Learn about your best options for F3
How To Write The Perfect F3 CV
Our top tips for CV writing for F3s
The F3 Workbook
Our workbook to help you plan your F3
Guide To Australia
Read our Down Under guide
For Trainees
For trainees
Training Navigator
Discover the best-ranked FP rotations
Foundation Training Guides
All our guides and breakdowns for FT
Blog
Hiring Doctors
HIRING DOCTORS
For Locum Agencies
Get active locum doctors on-demand
For Healthcare Organisations
Great doctors for your business
Speak to our team
Contact Us
More
MORE
Portfolio Companion
NEW
How to structure and build your portfolio
About Us
Learn about the team behind Messly
Contact Us
Get in touch with our team
Login
Register
Login
Register
December 2022

Life as an F3 doctor in Northland, New Zealand

‍Moving abroad as a junior doctor can be scary, so knowing what to expect before you take a new job is really important. Here, we’ll take a closer look at Northland in New Zealand to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your F3 year in Australia or New Zealand.


Where is Northland?

‍

‍

Key Facts

Size: At just under 14,000 square kilometers, Northland covers a little over five per cent of New Zealand's land mass. Located on the northernmost tip of New Zealand, Northland is flanked by the Tasman Sea to the West and the Pacific Ocean to the East.

Population: Northland has a small population of just under 189,000. Perfect if you are looking for an escape from hectic city life. Whangarei is Northland’s largest city and home to 50% of the region’s inhabitants. But with a population of just over 52,000 it is much smaller than many of New Zealand’s major cities.

Weather: Northland is a subtropical region, with warm, humid summers and mild, wet winters. With 2025 hours of sunshine a year, Kiwis refer to the region as “the winterless north.” The average, year-round temperature in the region is 20 °C. Typical summer temperatures range from 22 – 30 °C, whilst, winter temperatures range from 12 – 17 °C. This makes Northland warmer, on average than Wellington whose summer temperature ranges from 13 - 21 °C.

Connectivity: Auckland is 158km to the south of Whangarei, and can be reached in just over two hours by car. Intercity run regular buses from Whangarei to Auckland Central, fares start from around 31.00 NZ$ (£16) for a single journey.  Air New Zealand also runs four flights per day between Whangarei and Auckland. Fares start from 109 NZ$ (£54) for a return flight.

‍

What is there to do in Northland?

Life in Northland offers unspoilt coastline and a relaxed pace of life; an ideal place to relocate after completing your foundation training as an F2 doctor. Northland is a culturally diverse area, with a large Maori population. The region has many culturally significant Maori sites such as Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand's largest living Kauri tree, located in the heart of the spectacular Waipoua forest. Perfect for culture and nature lovers alike.

Visit Cape Reinga lighthouse. Located at New Zealand's northernmost point, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide, the lighthouse takes in panoramic views of the northern coast. Tours to the lighthouse also take in nearby Ninety-Mile beach, which offers fishing, surfing and even sand-dune bodyboarding for the adventurous.

Northland is the perfect place to explore New Zealand's natural beauty. The region is home to many hiking trails, such as Cape Brett Walkway, which covers native forest and dramatic cliffs. For an easier hike, try climbing Mount Manaia which offers excellent views over Whangarei harbour, towards the city. Take a weekend to explore the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, which stretches 87km from the east to the west coast, and takes in some of New Zealand's earliest Maori settlements. And for those looking for a more sedate pace of life, The Bay of Islands is a popular destination for dolphin watching, sailing and fine dining.

‍

‍

Surfer walks into waves on Ninety-Mile beach
Surfer on Ninety-Mile Beach

‍

Community is important in Northland, and the region offers a wide range of festivals, markets and events that bring people together. Every Saturday morning, Whangarei hosts Bay of Islands Farmers' Market, the perfect spot to pick up sustainable, locally grown produce and get to know the locals. The Old Packhorse Market is held every Saturday and Sunday in KeriKeri. Alongside food, drink and artisan products, the market hosts weekly music performances, making it the perfect place to enjoy Northland's hospitality.

For music and culture-lovers, Mangonui annual waterfront festival showcases food & drink, arts and entertainment. Dimension festival is a four-day electronic music and arts festival, featuring three stages, swimming and camping. For those wanting to learn more about Northland's Maori heritage, a trip to Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must. This award-winning attraction tells the story of the Waitangi Treaty, and offers authentic Maori experiences.

‍Coffee Shops:

Serenity Café located on the Quayside in Whangarei, is a great spot for a laid back brunch. Map.‍

The Little Kitchen Café serves breakfast, brunch and dinner (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) in a light airy space on Mangonui waterfront. Map.‍

Nectar Cafe has been voted the best in Whangarei five times, and serves vegetarian food, coffee and fresh juices. Map.‍

‍Bars:‍

The Butter Factory in Whangarei offers a large selection of craft beers and food, including vegetarian and vegan options. At night, there are music and live events in the gig space. Map.‍

The Mangawhai Tavern in Mangawhai is worth a visit for its stunning waterfront views and seafood menu. There’s also live music, with weekly gigs during the summer. Map.‍

‍Restaurants:‍

Mangonui Fish Shop has been serving Northlanders for over 70 years. Expect local, freshly caught fish and cold beers. Map.

Topsail offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine and is situated on Whangarei harbour. Their locally sourced menu offers seafood and traditional Kiwi dishes. Map.‍

Split bar and restaurant offers great food in a relaxed setting. They offer locally sourced seafood and a range of craft beers. Map.‍

Sage at Paroa Bay Winery is situated in a beautiful location above the Bay of Islands. Its menu features some of the freshest and most sustainable seafood you’ll find in Northland and a great selection of local wines. Map.‍

Kane Bahar is perfect if you’re craving curry. Their reasonably priced menu offers vegetarian options and home delivery service. Map.


View of Mangonui Fish shop and boats in Mangonui harbour
Mangonui Fish Shop

 

How does the cost of living compare?

Cost of living in Northland's main city, Whangarei, is similar to that of nearby Auckland. While living costs in more rural parts of Northland are cheaper than in the cities, you can expect to pay around 20 NZ$ for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant. Cost of groceries in Whangarei are similar to Auckland, 1 litre of milk costs 2.60 NZ$ and expect to pay around 9 NZ$ for a beer. A one-way ticket on local transport costs 2.75 NZ$, while a 1km taxi journey costs 2.66 NZ$. 1 litre of gasoline costs 2.15 NZ$. Car owners should factor in the required car warrant of fitness (50 NZ$ per year) and car registration(90 NZ$ per year for a medium-size car). Bus rides in urban areas range from 2-10 NZ$ for an adult fare.

‍

‍Rent per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom in city centre)                 1,200 NZ $ (£573)

Apartment (1 bedroom outside of city centre)   1,060 NZ $ (506

Apartment (3 bedrooms in city centre)               2,000 NZ $ (£957)

Apartment (3 bedrooms outside of city centre)  1,800 NZ$ (£861)

 

House rental prices in Whangarei are 59% lower than in Auckland. The price of grocery shopping and eating in restaurants, however, is roughly the same in both Whangarei and Auckland. You can find a full comparison of living costs between the two cities here. You can find more information on general living costs in Northland here.



What are the local hospitals?

As a trainee doctor, Northland has four public hospitals for your F3 year abroad.

Whangarei hospital is Northland’s largest and provides secondary specialist care to the whole region. Including 7 surgical theatres, an emergency medicine department and a 7-bed urgent care and high dependency unit. 

 Bay of Islands hospital specialises in paediatric services and provides a substantial community health service.

 Dargaville hospital specialises in maternity and also offers a 12 bed general ward, alongside community health services.

 Kaitaia hospital has a 26 bed general ward, maternity and paediatric wards as well as GP and outpatients services.

 


Messly is here to help

At Messly, we help doctors like you make your next move in healthcare. We are working with hospitals and clinics in Australia and New Zealand, helping trainees from the NHS make their dream F3 year a reality.

Tagged:
F3
Lifestyle
New Zealand

Find locum work on your terms

The best locum agencies together in one place, competing to find you the best locum shifts. Managed for free through your Messly account.

GET STARTED
Dr Abrar Gundroo
Co-Founder
view All Posts
SIMILAR Posts
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand
F3
Questions to Ask a Potential Locum Agency Before Signing Up
F3
F3 Stories Podcast: Dr Luiza Guimarães
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Palmerston North, New Zealand
POSTS BY TaGS
AHPRA
Australia
Doctor
ED
F3
Featured
Foundation Training
ICU
Lifestyle
Locum
MCNZ
Medical Training
New Zealand
Podcast
Trainee Doctor
Year Abroad
Subscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More Posts

You Might Also Like

F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Christchurch, New Zealand
Mar 23, 2023
 by 
Chris Kurwie
F3
Questions to Ask a Potential Locum Agency Before Signing Up
Mar 21, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
F3 Stories Podcast: Dr Luiza Guimarães
Mar 14, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
Life as an F3 doctor in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Mar 1, 2023
 by 
Chris Kurwie
F3
Tips for Locuming in a New Specialty - CAMHS
Feb 28, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White
F3
The Ultimate Timeline For Your F3 Year
Feb 6, 2023
 by 
Dr Amelia White

126 New Kings Road
London
SW6 4LZ
‍
T: 020 4525 5373
E: 
support@messly.co.uk

For Locums
OverviewKey FeaturesThe Locum HubThe Locum AcademyLocum Salary CalculatorCompare AgenciesThe Locum ToolkitChangelog
For Trainees
Training NavigatorFoundation Guides
For F3s
The F3 HubYour F3 OptionsWrite The Perfect CVThe F3 WorkbookChangelog
Hiring Doctors
For AgenciesFor Organisations
More
The Messly BlogThe Journal ClubAbout UsContact UsLoginChangelog
Get The App:
© 2022 Berdroot Developments Limited
Made with ❤️ in London