Purpose Clinic follow-up has been standard practice for decades following resection of colorectal cancer, however its efficacy is unclear. With increasing health constraints and rising numbers of colorectal cancer patients, alternative modalities may need consideration. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of clinic review in identification of recurrence of colorectal cancer in Northland. Method A retrospective review was conducted, evaluating all patients who have undergone curative-intent surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 2013 and December 2022 in the Northland region. Recurrences within 5-years were identified along with mode of recurrence detection and symptomatic or asymptomatic presentation of recurrence. Descriptive statistics were used to describe frequency and percentages. Results A total of 779 patients were identified with 171 (22%) recurrences for up to 5-years of follow-up. The most frequent mode of detection was computed tomography (n = 106, 62%), followed by CEA (n = 30, 18%), colonoscopy (n = 17, 10%), clinic examination (n = 4, 2%) and other investigations (n = 14, 8%). There were 46 (27%) symptomatic presentations and 125 (73%) asymptomatic. Only one out of four clinic recurrences were asymptomatic. Conclusion Clinic examination in identifying recurrence, especially asymptomatic, made up only a very small proportion of recurrence detection methods. Given the lack of oncological benefit, alternative strategies for clinic follow-up need consideration.