It’s been a few years since the warming balmy breezes of “The Winterless North” have beckoned us. With time to spend in the jewel that is the Bay of Islands plus a wonderful sojourn even further north to beautiful Doubtless Bay and now the addition of time in the stunning Hokianga, this edition of our North of the North tour will be the most comprehensive and satisfying yet. In all, this 10 Day round trip will allow us to better experience this most historically important of regions. And the weather’s usually pretty good in Spring too! Here’s a summary of this amazing itinerary;
Day 1: Hawke’s Bay to Auckland We set out on our summer adventure heading north as far as Auckland today and staying at the fabulous Waipuna Hotel.
Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands We have a brief stop in pretty Warkworth for a cuppa and then it’s onward, over the Brynderwyn Hills, and across Bream Bay to Whangārei for lunch and a wander at the spectacular Hundertwasser Centre. This afternoon we’re into the Far North and after an ice cream stop at Kawakawa it’s on to the wonderful Kingsgate Autolodge in Paihia, our base for the next 4 days right on the beachfront, in the heart of the Bay of Islands.
Day 3: Paihia & The Bay This morning we walk to Marsden Wharf and board the ‘Dolphin Seeker’ to cruise through the bay and out to the famous ‘Hole-In-The-Rock’ where the open ocean meets us at Cape Brett. It’s very common to come across schools of Bottlenose Dolphins as we’re cruising and our crew will be keeping an eye out for them. We’ll have lunch on the stunning Urupukapuka Island where afterwards you can swim in the warm crystal-clear water of the bay, walk to the top of the island for panoramic views, or simply relax under the Pohutukawa or on the beach. We disembark at Russell on the way back and enjoy a guided tour of our country’s first capital before returning on the ferry to Paihia to relax or explore. Dinner tonight is at the stunning Zane Grey’s restaurant at the water’s edge.
Day 4: Paihia A FREE DAY of leisure today. Perhaps wander the Paihia Arts & Crafts Market on the Village Green or explore further along Marsden Rd to the beautiful stone church of St Pauls. Maybe grab some delicious fish & chips from Vinnies for lunch and enjoy them on the waterfront or visit the Paihia Library. If you enjoy a swim there are three excellent beaches within 10 minutes walk of the hotel or maybe just relax poolside. Tonight, we come together to enjoy a wonderful Chinese meal with our friends at the secret hideaway King Wah restaurant.
Day 5: Waimate & Waitangi This morning we visit the first mission station established by Samuel Marsden at Waimate in 1832 and enjoy morning tea in the gardens. Later we stop for a picnic lunch by the delightful Haruru Falls before making our way to the magnificent Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here a guide will show us around Hobson’s Landing and up to the Treaty Grounds themselves where there will be plenty of time to look through James Busby’s Treaty House and the new museum dedicated to the 28th Māori Battalion. The views across the bay to Russell, Paihia and Opua from the giant Treaty Ground lawn are fabulous. Tonight, we take the ferry to Russell for dinner at The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel. Superb!
Day 6: Paihia to Doubtless Bay We say farewell to Paihia this morning as we head north, firstly to Kerikeri to visit the historic Stone Store and New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House. There’s so much to see around this complex. We then continue further north to Doubtless Bay and our first stop in the district is lunch at the legendary Mangonui Fish Shop which sits out over the water. There’s time after lunch to explore this picture-perfect seaside settlement before we head a little further around the bay past Coopers Beach and Cable Bay to visit Gumdiggers Park, dedicated to the legacy of the thousands who, more than a hundred years ago, came to the Far North to dig for the precious Kauri Gum. Set amidst a real former gumfield, the Park gives a fabulous insight into the lives of the gum diggers and the value of the Kauri Gum (or Amber) they extracted. After this we settle into our new home at the lovely Taipa Beach Resort. With its palm trees, beachfront location and warm sea breezes, it’s easy to imagine you’re in the Islands.
Day 7: Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach We spend today taking a custom-built 4WD coach to the very northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. What a thrill to speed along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach and power through the streams and gullies around the giant sand dunes south of the Cape. We return to Taipa for the night.
Day 8: Doubtless Bay to the Hokianga This morning we pack up and head south. And after a beach morning tea at Kaeo we meander towards the magnificent Hokianga and lunch at the little settlement of Rawene. In the afternoon we visit the historic home of pioneer James Clendon – ship’s captain turned merchant & magistrate. Then it’s on to Opononi and our accommodation for tonight.
Day 9: Hokianga to Auckland Today we begin our journey home down the west coast stopping in the Waipoua Forest to visit the venerable giant Kauri, Tāne Mahuta. Then it’s on to Kaiwaka for lunch and down to Auckland and a return to the Waipuna Hotel with time to relax or perhaps a gentle walk around the Panmure Basin.
Day 10: Auckland to Hawke’s Bay Today we return home to Hawke’s Bay with wonderful memories of an amazing time in the North and perhaps a tan as well.
The Bay of Islands and the Far North can rightfully be considered foundational to our nation. It is where the New Zealand of today began to take shape. Add to this the wonderful sub-tropical climate of the region and the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Islands and it’s obvious why this part of New Zealand is such a magnet for visitors.
Join us for the most comprehensive visit to the region that we’ve ever undertaken, giving you the time to enjoy and savour the pace, the people and the beauty that is New Zealand’s Far North.
