Bay of Islands Would you like to find out more about travelling around New Zealand with your family? Then why not subscribe to our free e-newsletter and each month we will send you an email about great deals and family-friendly places to visit in New Zealand. Click here to subscribe Kerikeri, Paihia and Russell Accommodation   |   Beaches and Walks   |   Things to do Spoil yourself in the peacefulness of this area. Whether it's getting to Russell via a car ferry or tasting the fresh orange juice of Kerikeri, you will find a reason to come back again and again to the wonderful Bay Of Islands. Above picture: The Stone House at Kerikeri Russell is located in the Kororareka Bay across from Paihia. Once known as the 'hell-hole of the Pacific' , it is now better known for its peacefully laid-back lifestyle. The children will enjoy the ride on the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell or on the car ferry from Opua. Alternatively, you can drive the Coastal Road, taking the Old Russell Road north of Whangarei to Russell. However, it is a very long drive in comparison to going through Whangarei and Kawakawa. While visiting Paihia, it is worth taking the two kilometre drive up to Waitangi. It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between 45 Maori chiefs and the New Zealand government. This historical document still plays an important part in the lives of New Zealanders today.

Pitched at both New Zealand families and those visiting from overseas, the book gives tips to parents embarking on road trips, camping trips, campervan holidays and flights to different parts of the country. Including suggestions for hassle-free transportation, where to find the local information centre, public toilets with changing facilities and much more. Due out in November 2008, just in time for the school holidays. Pre-order now and receive free postage anywhere in New Zealand. This travel guide is expected in stock throughout New Zealand and at our online shop, by early November 2008 and will ship upon arrival. Just NZ $29.99 1st Edition / November 2008 ISBN: 978 1 86966 220 2 208 pp  / 16 pp colour  / 210 x 148 mm / Paperback

The Waitangi National Reserve, which is where the treaty was signed is home of the Treaty House, a Georgian-style home and Whare Runanga, a magnificent Maori meeting house.

There are a lot of different activities to do in the region, including dolphin-watching and trips out to the Hole in the Rock. The Hole in the Rock is an impressive natural arch at the tip of Cape Brett and is only accessible by boat. If any of the family suffer from sea-sickness then we suggest that you take something for it, if there is a mild to moderate swill, as the boat trip is a full day out on the water.

Accommodation
We have a wide range of accommodation for the Bay of Islands, that is all family-friendly. Click here to find your holiday accommodation.

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Beaches and walks
Russell
You will enjoy walking around Russell and taking in its history. Pompallier House is a great visit and is at the southern end of The Strand. The guided tour at Pompallier House, which takes about an hour, is great. If you can get into a small group then the children can have some hands on time, helping to clean a skin which will later be used for the cover of a book, to help binding a book.

On your walk take a look at New Zealand's oldest church on the corner of Robertson Road and Church Street - bullet holes are still visible from fighting between Pakehea and Maori at the end of 1800's.

A walk up Flagstaff Hill and lookout is more suitable for older children as it is rather steep, but a wonderful view awaits you at the top. Acess is available from Wellington Street.  The Strand offers you a stony beach to swim at, but if you prefer a bit of sand then a drive or walk to Long Beach(access from Longbeach Road) is a better choice.  However, with so many islands around this beautiful area, take the time to find out what tours are available - you may just find your own secret beach to enjoy!

 

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Things to do

Makana Confections
Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri. 
Ph: 09 407 6800 Web: www.makana.co.nz

Here is a treat for mum and dad. These gift quality chocolates are delicious and well worth a stop to see how they are made and buy a few for yourself.

Rewa's Village
Just off Landings Road at Kerikeri.
Ph: 09 407 6454

A reconstruction of a Maori fishing village using native materials. The Discoverers' Gardens are next to Rewa's Village and are free to enter. This is a small botanical garden and contains many of the plants discovered in this area.

Kawakawa toilet stop

A stop at the Kawakawa toilets is a must, The small town is south of the Bay of Islands and these toilets were the last piece of architecture designed by the Fridensrich Hundertwasser. Hundertwasser was an eccentric Austrian architect and painter who retired to Kawakawa.

Dolphin Discoveries
Cnr Marsden and Williams Road, Paihia.
Ph: 09 402 8234 Web: www.dolphinz.co.nz
Welcome to the Bay of Islands and nature's playground. See our wonderful dolphins and many more beautiful sights.

Dune-Rider 4X4 Tours
Paihia, Bay of Islands. Ph: 09 402 8681 www.dunerider.co.nz
A unique, full, fun day tour to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach on small, luxury, 20 seater 4WD coaches.

Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
Waiomio Caves Road, Kawakawa. (20 minutes south of Paihia)
Ph: 09 404 0583
Take the children on an underground adventure through these glow worm caves.

Lily Pond Farm Park
Puketona Junction, just 5 minutes from Paihia.
Ph: 09 402 6099
Hours: Open 7 days a week during all school holidays. Closed between April and June school holidays and only open daily from 10am - 4pm (except Wednesday) other times of the year.
For nature lovers of all ages - meet the animals and relax with our beautiful setting.

Cape Adventures

14 Kings Road, Paihia.

Ph: 09 409 8445 www.capereingaadventures.co.nz

Enjoy the outdoors and take the family along for fishing paddling in the sea and surf the dunes. Suitable for children over 5 years.
 

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