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 Bay of the Islands, New Zealand
City Guide
Introduction |
Attractions |
Entertainment & Eating Out |
Shopping |
Cyber Bay of the Islands |
Getting from A to B |
Tours |
Events
Introduction
Historical
Gardens Waitangi National Trust |
The “winterless north” is home to the Bay of Islands, which consists
of several towns, a collection of islands and some wonderful sandy beaches. Historically
significant, the Bay of Islands was the first part of New Zealand settled by
Europeans. Visitors will enjoy the laid back nature of the area, which is a great
base for day trips around the northern most part of New Zealand (known locally
as the “Northland” region) with local activities including diving,
fishing and dolphin watching.
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Hole in the Rock |
Attractions
The Bay of Islands encompasses a considerable piece of coastline together with
the townships of Paihia, Russell and the larger Kerikeri. Paihia and Russell
are coastal towns and sit facing each other separated by a natural harbour
and a short ferry journey.
Russell was the first European settlement
in New Zealand and is a quaint town with numerous historic timber dwellings and
a very laid-back feel. “Romantic
Russell” is, as it is promoted, swells with visitors in the summer and
boasts a number of lovely beaches including Long Beach. Popular visitor stops
include Pompallier House, one of the oldest homes in New Zealand, and Flagstaff
Hill which offers superb views of the surrounding Bay of Islands.
Paihia is
larger and is known more as the centre of the Bay of Islands. Paihia is the start
point for a number of organised trips including those enroute
to the “Hole in the Rock” at Cape Brett. Dolphin watching and swimming
adventures allow visitors the chance to see these lovely creatures up close
and charter boats can be arranged for sailing, deep
sea fishing and diving
trips.
Stone Store Basin |
Just a couple of minutes drive from Paihia is the historical Treaty
Grounds at Waitangi where the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place in 1840.
Visitors can enjoy a short movie at the visitor centre and walk the short track
to the Maori war canoe and Treaty House. There are some excellent views from
the Treaty Grounds and dolphins and the occasional pod of whales can be seen
entering the harbour.
Kerikeri just 25 minutes drive from Paihia, is the fruit growing centre of
the north whilst formerly an agricultural town. Kerikeri today has an increasing
permanent population together with an expanding number of vineyards and artist
enclaves. Points of interest include the Stone Store and Kemp
House which are
two of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. Both are open to visitors.
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Entertainment and Eating Out
The Bay of Islands has a collection of cafes, bars and restaurants in each of
Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. With plenty of fishing in the north, seafood
features on many a menu and visitors can enjoy fish and chips on the beach
or perhaps lunch in a local winery, washed down with a glass or two of wine.
Although great restaurants are not abundant, there are still some good eateries
to be found, with something for most budgets. Wine buffs can enjoy tastings
and dining at the Cottle Hill and Marsden Estate wineries in Kerikeri, Omata
Estate on the Russell Peninsula and the Karikari Estate winery further north
on the Karikari Peninsula.
Chef
and Fish |
Kerikeri is becoming known for chocolate and cheese
production together with
avocado oil. An interesting afternoon can be spent tasting the local delights,
particularly on the main road as you enter Kerikeri.
Those looking for all-night
clubbing and parties are in the wrong part of the country although Paihia
has a reasonably steady flow of backpackers who
help to prop up a few of the local bars at night. There are a few beach side
bars which hum along after dark and night owls can certainly enjoy a bit of
fun here.
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Shopping
Shopping |
Shops, banks and post office facilities are available in Paihia and Kerikeri
and to a lesser extent in Russell. There is the usual collection of souvenirs
in Paihia, and Kerikeri has some interesting art and craft stores with pottery,
native timber products, paintings, glass and leather products. Wine enthusiasts
can taste and buy in the wineries and many visitors will find something to
take home from this part of the country.
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Cyber
Bay of the Islands
Both Paihia and Kerikeri have internet cafes as do a number of the hotels in
the region.
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Getting From A to B
Travelling
90-mile beach |
Due to the spread-out nature of the area, getting around does require some thought.
A vehicle certainly opens up many possibilities and allows visitors access
to those more out of the way places including some fantastic Northland beaches.
Once in the town, walking is the best way to get around.
Russell is served by
two ferry services, one a passenger-only service running directly from Paihia,
and the other a combined car and passenger service which
operates from the little wharf at Opua just 5 minutes drive out of Paihia .
The passenger ferry arrives at the wharf in the Russell township, with the
car/passenger ferry requiring a further 15 minutes drive to get to Russell
The Bay of Islands airport (also known as Kerikeri airport) is located just
out of Kerikeri and flights to/from Auckland take just 40 minutes. Car hire
can be arranged at the Bay of Islands airport or in the larger townships of
Paihia and Kerikeri.
Intercity buses operate daily services between major Northland
towns and shuttle buses service the Kerikeri to Paihia route. Taxis are infrequent
and not really
a practical transport method due to the local distances, but could get you
from the Bay of Islands airport to the Kerikeri township.
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Tours
There are plenty of organised trips in and around the Bay of Islands. Charter
boats and days trips on the water are popular and operate daily out of both
Paihia and Russell.
Kauri
trees in Puketi Forest |
Days trips from the Bay of Islands offer much to see around
the Northland region. Whether independently travelling or going as part of
an organised tour,
visiting the northern most tip of New Zealand (Cape Reinga) is a well known
day out. There are ancient Kauri tree forests and many stunning Northland beaches
to visit. The small township of Mangonui is known for its fish and chips shops,
and the adventurous can enjoy hiking trails, 4WD trips, horse trekking and
more.
Paihia has a very helpful tourist information centre located adjacent to
the wharf, and the Northland tourism website is a good start point in planning
tours and activities in the region – see www.northlandnz.com
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Events
Each year Northland hosts a number of events including the Waipu Highland Games,
surf carnivals, fishing contests and a rodeo. Waitangi Day celebrations are
held each year in Waitangi on February 6th.
See www.northlandnz.com for further details.
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Photos courtesy of www.northlandnz.com
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