Aupōuri occupies the northern tip of the North Island, shaped by narrow sandy isthmuses, mobile dunes, and diverse wetlands including dune lakes, peat swamps, marshes, and three shallow harbours of international wildlife significance. Its mild, near–subtropical climate supports kānuka–mānuka shrublands, semi-wild coastal dune fringes, mangroves, and remnant coastal forests. The area is home to threatened species such as brown teal, New Zealand Dotterel, robust skinks, and Northland green geckos. Much of Aupouri has been converted to pasture or exotic forest, but key wetlands and estuaries remain protected.