Longer Trip around the Far North and Northland area.

From Paihia or Kerikeri head north along the east coast.

Call into any of the beautiful beaches as you travel. Beaches like Takou Bay, Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay and Taupo Bay are stunning.

Have a picnic at the beach or you could stop in for lunch or tea at the world famous Mangonui fish shop at Mangonui.

If you fancy a game of gold. You could put your golf clubs in your Pegasus Rental car and play a round at Kauri Cliffs golf course or Carrington golf course on the Karikari penisula.

Keep heading up towards Kaitaia on SH 10.
You may wish to visit the gumdiggers Park in Kaitaia. Once you reach Kaitaia there is only one road north.

Heading North travel past the Houhora harbour. Maybe stop and go on a fishing charter.

Come to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. You have reached a very spiritual place.Take some time to absorb the special atmosphere.

Come back down the same way and once you get to Kaitaia head west to Ahipara. Then head towards Broadward and Kohukohu. Catch the Hokianga Vehicle ferry to Rawene.

Head west towards Opononi and Omapere, both beautiful places to stay.

Head down the west coast. Travel though the Waipoua Forest. See the biggest Kauri tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta.

Keep heading south and take a swim in the crystal clear breath taking Kaiiwi Lakes.

Head to Dargaville the kumera capital of New Zealand. Have some kumera chips at Blah Blah Blah a great cafe in Dargaville township.

Keep heading south on SH12 towards Ruawai. Go to the incredible Kauri Museum at Matakohe. This is absolutely recommended.It is internationally acclaimed and an award winning attraction.

Start coming back towards SH1 heading North. Travel over the Brynderwyn Hills. You will see the magnificient east coast and views over Bream Bay and out to the Hen and Chicken Islands.

Call into the Waipu Museum. Maybe have some lunch at the Pizza Barn and Bar at Waipu. Recommended by us personally.

Head north to Whangarei.

Call into the visitor centre at the Marsden Point Refinery in Ruakaka and see the new interactive display.

Keep heading North, you come to Whangarei.

Call into the town basin Quay for breakfast, lunch or tea. Visit the museums and galleries.

You may wish to travel to Tutukaka on a day trip. You can go for a dive or cruise to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

Continue north on SH1. Take a side trip to Kawakawa and see the beautiful Hundertwasser toilets.

Head back to the Bay of Islands where you started your journey.

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.