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Bay of Islands Activities
Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Walking, Diving, and plenty of history and culture!
Water plays a big part in Bay of Island Activities. Walks, historic sites, beaches,and you start to see a picture unfolding. The Bay of Islands is about fun and relaxation in the subtropical sun!Paihia is the centre of the Bay of Islands, and a one hour drive north of Whangarei. A major tourist destination you will find plenty of accommodation, activities, tours and restaurants.
Day Tours for Bay of Islands Activities
There are many day tours you can do. Look at the list of Bay of Islands activities here. The Tourist Information Centre which has accommodation and tours is on the wharf.Kerikeri –This is a 20-30 minute drive from Paihia. For all the activities of interest go to Kerikeri. Matauri Bay - north of Kerikeri you can detour to Matauri Bay. – Climb the hill for a fantastic view over the Poor Knights Islands . The camping ground is a nice place to stay, and the Fish and Chips from the camp shop( if they have them – they tend to be seasonal) are excellent.Monganui – This old town is a picturesque old town with rambling timber buildings, and a fisherman’s wharf feel.There are some nice art and craft galleries in the town.Based in Paihia there is plenty of activities for outdoor people. Here are some suggestions:
Family Bay of Islands Activities
Russell – take the boat from Paihia wharf or drive to Opua and take the ferry. Russell is one of New Zealand’s historic towns. Pompellier House is open to the public for a small fee. Haruru Falls Walk – a mix of boardwalk across the mangrove swamp, and bush walk you end up above the Falls. It is not a difficult walk, and very picturesque.Visit Historic Waitangi – The Treaty House where New Zealand’ s founding document the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between the British Crown and many Maori Chiefs. There is a genuine Maori meeting house , wonderful views over the harbour, and a waka ( Maori canoe) is housed down by the restaurant. I can highly recommend Waikokopu Cafe.It serves delicious meals, enjoyed in a bush setting.Waka – See the Waka down by the cafe. If you are lucky you might see it being used – a spectacular sight. Visit the Glowworm caves near OpuaKawakawa steam train will delight any child – it is the nearest to Thomas the Tank Engine they will ever get! Kayaking out from Paihia – you can hire kayaks, and paddle around the bay, up the river to Haruru Falls, and into some of the inlets. You will need to check tides so you are not left high and dry on the mud flats!
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Bay of Islands Accommodation
- Once you drive down the hill into Paihia, you will find a lively small town with a good selection of accommodation in every pricerange
- Camping grounds
- Backpackers
- Hostels
- Bed and Breakfast
- Motels
- Moter Inns
You can look and book accommodation here.
Recommended Paihia Restaurants
Paihia has everything from takeaways to excellent top class award winning restaurants. The most unique being the boat moored by the Waitangi Bridge, which is a more expensive restaurant, but a very memorable experience.Here are a few of the restaurants I can recommend, from the many choices available to you.- 35 Degrees South is the hexagonal restaurant over the water, by the wharf.Built originally as an aquarium, I can vouch for the excellent coffee here! Meals are also apparently very good.with a lovely outlook across to Russell.
- Bistro 40 in a large waterfront historic house is for those wanting to spend more than average on a better than average meal. This is an award winning restaurant.
- Waikokopu Cafe at Waitangi is very pleasant, with a beautiful bush outlook. You feel you are really sitting in the bush........ and the food is delicious.
- Swiss Cafe and Grill is just across the road from the beach and one of the most popular restaurants in the Bay. Highly recommended.
MORE NORTHLAND LINKS
Whangarei
Hokianga
Matakana
North Island Hot Springs
New Zealand Tours
Northland New Zealand
Bay of Islands Activities to Holidays in New Zealand - Home
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