Itineraries

Day Tripping around the Bay of Islands

Wow were do you start!  Hire a Pegasus Rental Car and travel around kawakawa,Opua, Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, Haruru Falls and Kerikeri for the day.  Visit the wonderful galleries and cafes.

Perhaps take the ferry to historical Russell to see the NZ's oldest church (Christ Church) which was built in 1836. It is scarred with musket and cannonball holes from a battle in 1845.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840. You can see the Treaty House which was built in 1832 for the first British resident, James Busby.  Also on the Treaty Grounds is the 35-metre waka taua (war canoe) Ngatokimatawhaorua. This was built for the 1940 centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and was made from gigantic Kauri logs.

Kerikeri is home to Kemp House and the Stone Store. They are two of New Zealand's oldest buildings and are facinating to visit.
After all the sight seeing you will need an energy boost so be sure to call into the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory in Kerikeri for some mouth watering goodies.

Twin Coast Journey

For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nz

Northland’s world-class circular holiday highway makes travelling through the warm and subtropical north an uncomplicated, relaxing and rewarding journey.

Let us take you on a scenic route that encompasses both the glorious east coast, famous for its stunning beaches, inviting harbours and sophisticated lifestyle, and the west coast with miles of rugged windswept coastline, unspoiled beauty and enchanting native forests. The region is rich in history — an amazing place to visit, but also proving to be extraordinarily popular with those seeking a place that provides a quieter lifestyle.

As the birthplace of the nation, Northland was where the first Maori canoes landed, and where the English settlers chose to make their home several years after Captain Cook discovered the country.  You will see the sites of many of these historic settlements, along with results of the labours of subsequent generations of New Zealanders who have given Northland its distinctive character.

Rolling farmland is interspersed with forest and native bush. You can walk on the forest floor and enjoy its sub-tropical splendour. You will be awestruck by majestic Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the world.

Early settlers built New Zealand’s economy on the kauri tree, building humble homes and massive public buildings as well as exporting timber. You’ll admire artworks and jewellery made from the translucent gum from the mighty trunks of these trees.

Two oceans will fulfil your quest for aquatic pursuits, whether to admire seaviews, swim, fish, or go boating. Northland has world-renowned diving locations, thrilling sailing and cruising and many stunning beaches.

The seafood is exceptional, and you’ll find some outstanding restaurants and cafés offering every type of cuisine. The warm climate provides avocados, kiwifruit, citrus fruits and other subtropical delights. Visit vineyards and enjoy top wines, relish handmade chocolates, award-winning cheeses and excellent olive oils.

For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nz

Auckland - Kaiwaka:
Auckland • Muriwai • Parakai • Shelly Beach• Wellsford • Te Hana • Mangawhai • Kaiwaka

Setting off from Auckland central, follow signs for the North Western Motorway — State Highway 16 towards Kumeu....

Matakohe - Paparoa:
Matakohe • Maungaturoto • Whakapirau • Paparoa

...If you are continuing your journey north, driving along State Highway 12 for approximately ten minutes you will arrive at the small village of Paparoa (the Village in the Valley), steeped in olden day charm...

Dargaville, Pouto and Tangowahine:
Dargaville • Te Kopuru • Pouto • Tangowahine

...You’ll see the small but sharply pointed Tokatoka volcano, known locally as the Witch’s Hat. Keep your eye to the left as you run alongside the mighty Northern Wairoa River. Dargaville is the next stop...

Baylys Beach - Waipoua Forest:
Baylys Beach • Kai Iwi Lakes • Kaihu • Waipoua Forest

...After about three kilometres look out on your left for the turn off to Baylys Beach, where you can gain access to Ripiro Beach which, at 107 kilometres long, is New Zealand’s longest driveable beach...

Hokianga:
Waimamakau • Kaitaia • Opononi • Rawene • Kohukohu

...when you get to the delightful little settlement called Waimamakau, plan a food and coffee stop here at Morrell’s Café. This is highly recommended — fabulous food and has a lovely gift shop as well...

Ahipara - Far North:
Ahipara • Kaitaia • Houhora • Waitiki • Cape Reinga

...Ahipara is nestled at the southern end of the famous Ninety Mile Beach on New Zealand’s far northern West Coast...

Karikari - Matauri Bay:

Karikari • Taipa Bay • Matauri Bay

...After returning from your Cape Reinga tour, your journey will continue by heading south down the east coast...

Bay of Islands:

Kerikeri • Paihia 

...Paihia is known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands, and is a popular holiday destination...

Russell - Hikurangi:

Russell • Hikurangi

...follow State Highway 11 to Opua, to catch the car ferry Okiato to explore the historic and romantic township of Russell...

Whangarei:

Whangarei • Kauri

...Whangarei boasts many entertainment facilities and shops, as well as historic sites and beautiful scenery to explore, so you may be tempted to stay to stay for a while...

Bream Bay - Waipu - Mangawhai:
Marsden Point • Bream Bay • Ruakaka • Waipu • Mangawhai

...If you’ve missed out on your golfing, take the opportunity to go out for 18 holes at the Waipu Golf Course which is a links course with magnificent views over Bream Bay...

Leigh - Goat Island - Warkworth

Leigh • Goat Island • Whangateau • Matakana • Warkworth • Snells Beach

...This part of the coast is well utilised by Aucklanders who can drive here within an hour to relax in the coastal playground...

Waiwera-Whangaparoa:
Puhoo • Waiwera • Orewa

...You are now on the last leg of your twin coast journey as you travel south towards Auckland. Watch for signs to Puhoi, a village established by Bohemians in 1862...

For more information please vist www.gonorthwest.co.nz