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Bay
of Islands
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Kerikeri, Paihia and Russell
Accommodation
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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.
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 This historical
document still plays an important part in the lives of New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. |
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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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. |
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Picture above: Pompallier House,
Russell |
Beaches
and walks
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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Above picture: The Stone House at
Kerikeri |
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Above picture: Sunset at Russell, Bay of
Islands |
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Things
to do
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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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