Northland & Bay of Islands.

Being our most Northerly region this area is known for it's sub tropical climate, and of course the Northern tip of the island marked by the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. The climate allows for the growing of citrus crops and this region supplies large quantities of fruit for both the whole fruit and juice markets.

The region is really one large peninsula extending north from Auckland and is only about 100km at it's widest point, this finger of land is cut into by major harbour areas the Hokianga and Kaipara on the western side and Whangarei Harbour and the very scenic and popular Bay of Islands on the east coast.

Kaitaia is our most northern town offering full commercials services such as banks and supermarkets.

Forest, Maritime & National Parks.

Northland Forest Park comprises 17 native forests containing 85% of New Zealand's mature Kauri. Including the country's biggest trees in Waipoua Forest. The biggest tree of all 'Tane Mahuta' is easily accessible and only a few minutes walk from the road side.

Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park.

Contains 150 islands and over 800kms of coastline, inlets, rugged cliffs, jagged rocks, peaceful bays and Pohutakawa fringed beaches. Popular for water based activities, sailing, boating big game fishing and diving.

The whole of Northland is significant for its early interaction between Maori and Europeans, initially with whalers and missionaries, historic mission houses are scattered through the Northland and Hokianga areas. Points of significance are the Treaty House at Waitangi where the treaty papers were signed in 1840 and the town of Russell, the original capital of New Zealand was located in this area. The Visitor Information Centre in Russell show a very good audio visual on the history of the area. Russell is most easily accessed by boat transfer from Paihia or vehicle ferry from Opua.

Other items of interest.

A drive along ninety mile beach (which is actually only about 90km) is usually included by most tour operators providing services to Cape Reinga but is not recommended for motor cars and prohibited for rental cars.

Kerikeri the historic Stone Store, and Kemp House NZ's oldest house.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Matauri Bay, for golf enthusiasts, a par 72 championship course with outstanding views over Cavelli Islands.

Water based activities, ex Paihia, Kayaking, dolphin and whale watch tours, scenic boat trips, diving for beginners and experienced divers, yacht charters.

Haruru Falls a horseshoe shaped falls located 3km from Paihia. Christ Church, Russell is New Zealand's oldest surviving church built 1836. Pompallier House, Russell, built 1842 , built to house the printing press for Bishop Pompallier's Roman Catholic Mission, now a museum.

Hokianga Harbour - An area of natural beauty, sheltered waters, and remote settlements. Note there is a vehicle ferry which operates between The Narrows, 4km south of Kohukohu and Rawene, crossing the upper reaches of the Hokianga Harbour the trip takes 15 minutes and depart each point hourly.

The Kauri Museum at Matakohe is fascinating, you can't imagine how many things were made out of Kauri Gum and note the cross section comparison of the biggest Kauri still standing compared with the biggest ever felled. The extraction of Kauri gum from the remains of ancient forests was a huge industry in the late 1800s which required the gum to be dug up, cleaned, graded and exported. Immigrant workers toiled under harsh and boggy conditions to carve out a living, not least of which was a community of Dalmatian workers. Some signs in Kaitaia appear in English, Maori and Yugoslav as a carry over from this period.

Poor Knights Islands, 14 miles off shore, access is from Tutukaka (north of Whangarei), The islands are a wildlife reserve above water and a marine reserve below. Regarded as one of the world's top five dive spots.

Whangarei, the Town Basin Marina offers a peaceful and picturesque environment for a coffee or a meal or a base for a spot of gift shopping.

 

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION

Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri   Whangarei & Tutukaka Coast & South to Wellsford
Far North, Ahipara, Kaitaia/Doubtless Bay   Hokianga and Kauri Coast   Waipoua Forest
Trounson Kauri Park   Dargaville, Baylys Beach, Kaipara

Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri.

Saltair Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Flights. Fly over Northlands spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. and beautiful beaches such as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach fly inland and land at the Salt Air airfield, which is only 20km from the Cape Reinga lighthouse, where you will transfer to 4wd transport.
Website: Saltair Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Flights

Scuba Diving with Dive North, introductory dives, dive courses and dives including dives on the Rainbow Warrior wreck. Snorkeling also available. Book ahead at Paihia.
Phone: +64 (09) 402 7079
Phone:  025 273 1655
e-mail: divenorth@xtra.co.nz

Coastal Kayakers
You will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and there's no better way to enjoy this sub-tropical paradise than by sea kayak. Explore the outer islands with lagoons, natural rock caves and quiet sandy beaches, or relax amongst the mangrove forest and challenge the Haruru Falls experience all this and more.
Website: CLICK HERE

Explore NZ dolphin tours and swim with dolphins
Join in the ultimate marine mammal experience. Swim with the Bay of Islands' dolphins (conditions permitting) and sometimes see the magnificent semi-resident baleen whales, penguins, and other wildlife amidst the spectacular marine environment of the Bay of Islands.
Website: Swim with doplhins Bay of Islands

Phantom Sailing Yacht Bay of Islands
Set sail in the Bay of Islands. The inviting waters and incredibly scenic coastline of the Bay of Islands makes 'taking to the water' almost irresistible! Dozens of small islands and secluded bays means that, to truly appreciate this watery wonderland, a boat is the ideal viewing platform.
Website: Sail in the Bay of Islands

Bay Beach Hire in Paihia, Mountain Bikes, rowing and sail boats, catamarans, wetsuits etc.
Phone:  +64 (09) 402 6078
Website: http://www.baybeachhire.co.nz 

Golf at Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Kauri Cliffs is a par 72-championship course with fifteen ocean view holes. It is 45 mins north of Paihia, this can be combined with a scenic drive from Paihia through Waitangi visiting the Treaty House, through Kerikeri, golf and swimming at nearby Matauri Bay with views of the beautiful Cavalli Islands just off shore.
Website: http://www.kauricliffs.com

Golf at the Waitangi Golf Course, also with stunning coastal views.
Website: http://www.waitangigolf.co.nz


Tour operators:

Fernz EcoTours, Guided Tours Bay of Islands (based in Russell)
Personal attention with a small group of like minded people, authentic experience with stunning natural scenery, local history & stories with a friendly knowledgeable local guide.
e-mail: info@fernzecotours.co.nz ,
'Phone: +64 9 403 7887, or +64 27 280 9600
Website: www.fernzecotours.co.nz/bay-of-islands-tours/guided-tours.htm

Fullers-Russell Mini Tours, daily ex Russell Wharf book through Fullers. Also Ninety Mile Beach and Kerikeri Tours
Paihia, Maritime Building on the Waterfront
Phone: Phone: +64 9 402 7421
or
Russell, The Strand.
Phone: +64 9 403 7866
e-mail: reservations@fboi.co.nz
Website: www.fboi.co.nz/tour_glance.php 

Other Activities

Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds, open 7 days from 9am Discover and explore our history on beautiful park-like grounds
Website: www.waitangi.net.nz 

Horse Trek'n, Only 3km from Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Northland, Horse Trek'n is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. Suitable for novice or experienced riders
Centrally located between Kerikeri, Russell and Kawakawa we offer you guided horse treks with stunning views and an experience you won't forget. Can pick up in Paihia area
e-mail: gclaire@xtra.co.nz
Phone Mobile: 027 233 3490
Website: www.horsetrekn.co.nz 

Omata Estate Vineyard and Restaurant RD1, Russell.2 km from the Opua Ferry on the Russell
Website: www.omata.co.nz/restaurant.html

Ruapekapeka Pa
Fourteen kilometres south east of Kawakawa, Ruapekapeka is one of the largest and most complex Maori pa in New Zealand. It was the site of Northland’s last great battle between British troops and Nga Puhi forces led by Hone Heke and Kawiti.

Kawiti Caves (Waiomio Caves)
The Kawiti Caves are a few kilometres south of Kawakawa; they’re also known as the Waiomio Caves. This cave system attracts many visitors with its bizarre karst features, stalactite formations and spectacular glow worm display.

Walks

Waitangi National Trust Mangrove Walk, 6km allow 2.5hrs one-way. From the Waitangi treaty grounds following the bush clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls.

Opua, Harrison's Scenic Reserve Walk 1.4 km 30mins one way

Cherry Bay. Walk through some of the best coastal forest in the Bay Of Islands access via the coastal walkway at Cherry Bay, Opua.

Paihia, Opua Forest Lookout, 1.5km 30 mins one way. A pleasant walk through regenerating forest to a lookout over the bay. Access to track via School Road 700m from Paihia township.

 

 Whangarei & Tutukaka Coast & South to Wellsford.

Whangarei Museum State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei Featuring 'The North', it's history, culture and people daily 10a.m-4pm

Kauri Clock Factory, Nell Place, Otaika, Whangarei , 3.500 assorted clocks (no two exactly the same), also Kauri bowls, picture frames, mirrors etc.
Phone: +64 (09) 438 8884
Website: www.kauri.net/index.php

Conservatory, Fernery, and Cactus House, First Avenue, Whangarei amazing displays of sub-tropical plants and ferns.
Phone: +64 (09) 430 4200.

Whangarei Art Museum, Rose Gardens, Cafler Park Whangarei. Permanent home of the city’s art collection.
Website: www.whangareiartmuseum.co.nz

Tour the surrounding countryside (Maunu, Maungutapere, road to Tutukaka to view the old stone walls built 1850 to 1930, built by soldiers, and settlers of Continental and Dalmatian origin.

Diving

Dive Tutukaka Diving and cruising ex Tutukaka - Poor Knights Islands
Phone: +64 (09) 4343 867
Fax: +64 (09) 4343 884
Phone: Freephone in NZ: 0800 288 882
Website: www.diving.co.nz

Bream Bay Charters Ltd, Ruakaka Beach, Bream Bay. day/evening fishing trips and Dolphin/ whale watch 4 hr eco-tour.
Phone: +64 (09) 432 7484

 Walks

Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve, just north of Hikurangi. 1km 20 mins return 7.5 ha reserve with spectacular limestone formations set in regenerative native bush. Sink holes and caves-take extreme care.

Taheke Waterfall Track, 14km north Whangarei left off Whareora-Pautaua road, at end of Hoban Road. 4km 2 hours loop. Track to viewing platform over waterfall, through regenerating Kauri. Steps on steeper sections.

Waipu Caves Walkway. north west of Waipu. 2km 1 hour each way The walkway goes from the caves entrance and through the scenic reserve to Ormiston Road.

Waipu Gorge Scenic Reserve-Piroa Falls Track, south west of Waipu 200m 10 minutes, the track is a short, steep zig zag down through bush to the gorge and waterfall. There are some good swimming holes.

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, Mangawhai Heads 5km 2-3 hours return 30 minutes along beach from the surf club, then crossing paddocks to the cliff tops. With views to Hen & Chickens and Little Barrier Island. Crosses private farmland, please respect. Closed during lambing season Jul-Sep incl.
 

Far North, Ahipara, Kaitaia/Doubtless Bay

Dune Rider 4WD Cape Reinga Tours ex Paihia, Kerikeri, Kaeo, Mangonui, Taipa, Awanui (Kaitaia)
Phone:  +64 (09) 402 8681
Website: www.dunerider.co.nz
e-mail: dunerider@xtra.co.nz

Paradise Connexion 4X4, For those who enjoy personalised service with our Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Tour or other tours tailored to your exact requirements.
Phone: Freephone: 0800 494392
Ph/Fax: +64 (0)9 406 0460
e-mail: info@paradisenz.co.nz
Website: www.paradisenz.co.nz 

Gumdiggers Park is an authentic Kauri Gum digging site over 100 years old. Maori, European & Dalmatian people formed this now forgotten gum digging culture and provided the basis for one of the biggest industrial booms in New Zealand's history.25km north of Kaitaia, 171 Heath Road, R D 1, Awanui, Northland
Website: www.gumdiggerspark.co.nz 
Phone: (09)406-716
e-mail: info@gumdiggerspark.co.nz 

Walks

Kaitaia Walkway, 3km south of Kaitaia 45 minutes to Kauri Grove and lookout.

Ahipara Gumlands, Ahipara, south west of Kaitaia.250 ha of prepared trenches, dams, aqueducts, processing areas and old gum diggers shacks

Omahuta Forest, 30km south of Kaitaia off SH 1 at Mangamuka Bridge. 550m 30 mins. Several small forest walks and beautiful Kauri sanctuary.

 

Hokianga and Kauri Coast

Visit the historic settlements at Rawene and Kohukohu - located at each side of the Hokianga Ferry Crossing

Wairere Boulders Nature Park (admission fees apply). 3 km to the south of the little township of Horeke.The length of the basalt rock amassments on the valley floor is 1 1/2 km. There are thousands of boulders stacked on top of each other, some around 30 m high. They look like a stream of rocks and boulders flowing down towards the Hokianga Harbour.
Website: www.wairereboulders.co.nz

Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary, Mangamuka, Hokianga Harbour
The Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary was built in 1952 to enable a lot of people easy access to view giant Kauris and enjoy a true Kauri forest encounter, with many huge trees. The walk takes about 45 minutes.
:Website: www.hokianga.net.nz/hokianga/index.html

Sand dunes in Rangi Point, Are much admired and frequently visited by locals and tourist. Access can be gained from the South side by boat across the Hokianga Harbour with the Hokianga Express leaving from the wharf in Opononi, and also on land from Mitimiti (15 km drive along beach).
Many sculptures show an incredible shape and one expects Laurence of Arabia just riding over the hills
Website: www.hokianga.net.nz/hokianga/index.html

 

Waipoua Forest

Walks:

Visit Tane Mahuta, the largest living Kauri, just a few minutes easy walk off highway 12, 50km north of Dargaville.

Two kilometres south of Tane Mahuta is a parking area with 3 walks.
-Te Matua, the second largest living Kauri is 20 minutes easy stroll.
-100 metres from the car park are the Four Sisters, a group of four tall and graceful trees standing together.
-Yakas Kauri is a 30 minute walk but the track can be sometimes wet and muddy after rain. The track continues on for a total of 6km south (3hrs) emerging at the DOC Visitors Centre.
 

Trounson Kauri Park, 40-km north of Dargaville.

Located 40km north of Dargaville is being intensively managed as a "mainland island". and is one of the healthiest forests in the country. Interpretation panels and audio points add to this easy going 30 to 40 min track. A guided night-walk departs from the Holiday Park with a local tourism operator provides another opportunity to experience the forest by night.
Website:  www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=34413 

 

Dargaville, Baylys Beach, Kaipara

Dargaville Maritime Museum to view pre and early European artifacts open 9am-4pm daily except Christmas Day.
Phone:+64 (09) 439 7555
Website: www.dargaville.museum.co.nz

Astronomy Adventures gives you the opportunity to view the night sky as you've never seen it before.
Phone: 09 439 1856
e-mail:   astronomy@igrin.co.nz
Website: http://homepages.igrin.co.nz/astronomy/ 

Kauri Museum, 5 Church Rd, Matakohe. This award-winning museum tells a fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum.
Phone: +64 9 431 7417
Fax: +64 9 431 6969
Website: http://www.kauri-museum.com/ 

Baylys Beach Horse Treks, Baylys Beach, Dargaville. All treks are guided by an experienced horsewoman. Daily treks down the beach, safety gear provided. Quiet horses. Bookings are essential. Approximately two treks per day, depending on tides
Phone: 09 4394342
e-mail: bb.horsetreks@slingshot.co.nz

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