There are a number of feature that differentiate the typical northern style house from those in other regions of the country, but the most obvious is the use of the highly visible plain or highly decorative roof kalae. The kalae is the diagonal cross feature located on the roof at each gable end of most houses.

Another, but not so obvious feature, is the size of the windows that are invariably smaller than elsewhere due to the cooler climate in the north. Another way northern houses make use of the available heat is by combining the living areas with the kitchen area in an open-plan way.

The outer walls are commonly built to slope outwards towards the roof for extra strength. Some northern houses in the more remote and rural areas even have thatched roofs. Like in some other regions, it is common for the overall structure of the northern house to be raised on stilts or pillars.

This offers a measure of protection against flooding and also wild animals though these are increasingly rare nowadays. A front facing veranda or balcony is also a common feature.