The Bay of Islands, New Zealand has got to be one of my most favourite places on this planet and one I seriously recommend you all put on your bucket lists 😉
Having just taken my Mum there for a couple of days this January, I can promise you this is the most up to date info!
7 Must See & Do in Bay of Islands, NZ:
1) Get a room with a view – it’s certainly worth being able to wake up to this view:
There are plenty of lovely places in Paihia but my favourite place to stay is The Waterfront Suites – great especially if travelling with a larger group of people / family.
2) Take the Ferry from Paihia to Russell
Once in Russell visit Pompallier House – built in 1842 this house is now open to the public – there’s a mystic air about the place and you’ll find yourself being brought back to times of pioneer missionaries. Learn how they bound books and all about the British treaty making and war between the Maori and European settlers.
Stop off at the Duke of Marlborough, NZ’s first licensed Bar and Restaurant, for a glass of Chardonnay before taking the ferry back to Paihia.
3) Take the ferry to Urupukapuka
In the past you always had to do an expensive day cruise through the Islands in order to get here but now you can visit this wonderful sanctuary by ferry for a mere $25 return – fabulous for a fun days hiking, canoeing, swimming.
There’s a lovely cafe on the island now and I love buying hot chips to feed the seagulls – smile.
4) Splash out on a Sailing Trip to see the Dolphins
This promises to be a true once in a life time experience – especially if you get the dolphins on a good day and they decide to give you one of their amazing shows!
5) Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the Maori chiefs and British crown first signed their peace treaty. See the Treaty House, the Maori meeting house and Ceremonial War Canoe – feel the mystery behind this beautiful spot!
6) Kerikeri
Famous for its citrus fruit farms, also the home of the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building. Just up the road from the Stone Store and definitely worth a visit are the Wharepuke sub tropical garden. Not knowing what to expect we were pleasantly surprised by the fab art works hidden in the tropical gardens, not to mention scrumptious cafe!
7) Ninety Mile Beach
No trip to the North of NZ is complete without a visit to the Ninety Mile Beach, NZ’s longest beach. There are two roads leading there from Paihia, one going through the center of the island and the other a coastal route – unless you can stomach curvy roads I strongly suggest the coastal road – super pretty too!
Try out Ahipara Holiday Adventures for some great fun – highlight for me was a spot of Blow Kiting – smile.
So that’s it for today, as I close off it’s all I can do to stop myself from jumping into the next plane down to NZ!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend – stay tuned by subscribing to FunkyForty in the pink box below – it’s super easy.
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