A mere two hours 'up the road' from Auckland and you've not only entered another region, but another way of living.

Northland is known for its picturesque beaches, sprawling farmlands and the ability to omit the winter months from its calendar. I could wax lyrical on the beauty of the Bay of Islands, the historical significance of Waitangi or the virtues of feasting on fish and chips at Mangonui - but their credentials are lauded in every tourist brochure.

I was asked why I love Northland and for me it's the people. Living up here for just over a year now, I've come to embrace what I first saw as north of the Brynderwyns’ 'quirks.'

It's the smile and polite 'hello' when you pass someone in the street. It's the ritual of out-waving each other at an intersection, neither one sure of who has right of way and falling back on the 'let-them-go-first' rule. It's the regular sight of honesty boxes on the road side next to produce which is fresher and a fraction of the price than what you'd get at the supermarket. It's about ignoring the Super 15 season and screaming for the Taniwhas during the ITM Cup 'cause that's when the real rugby is played'.

It's despite being the lowest-economical region in the country, Northlanders prove their generosity time and time again to come up with some way to help a family or cause in need.

Sure, it has its problems like every other area, it's impossible to ignore, but there's enough people making a stand and its inevitable change will come for the better.

So for some, Northland may just be a holiday destination up State Highway 1 but for the lucky few, myself included, it's a place we're proud to call home.

By Dana Kinita - Newstalk ZB's Northland reporter

Photo: Destination Northland

What do you love about Northland? Email your stories and photos to [email protected]