Intro

Bay of Islands

Highlights

• Swimming with Dolphins
• The hole in the rock
• Chilling on the beach
• Romantic Russell
• Early NZ history
  

Get out of town! 

Basically there are two ways of getting to the Bay of Islands; via the West Coast (see the Kauri Coast section) or via the East Coast. The West Coast route is longer and slower (due to the crazy roads) while the East Coast way is faster and more straight forward. We recommend that you do a loop. Go up the more scenic West Coast and then come back via the East Coast. This loop is known as the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

Both options involve you driving North over the Harbour Bridge on SH1. If you want to go west then turn left when onto SH12 when you get to the Brynderwyn hill. Otherwise SH1 takes you straight to the Bay of Islands.

Travel times

It will take you 4.5 hours at least to get to the Bay of Islands via the West Coast (and that is just driving time). It is approximately 3 hours to the Bay of Islands straight up SH1.

Stay/Eat/Drink

Away from it all

Accommodation

Paihia is the main tourist centre in the Bay of Islands. There are a number of backpacker hostels close to the action. We always try to stay at the Saltwater - which is a good option, handy to everything and run by friendly people.

Another option would be to stay across the water in Russell - this is a lot quieter so won't suit party types.

There are a number of camping grounds in the area but none very close to town. One good option is to camp at Aroha Island near Kerikeri - this is place has kiwis and if you are quiet there is a good chance you might see one at night.

Food and drink

When you get to Paihia you will find a host of cafes and restaurants. The major towns all have supermarkets. Paihia also has some pretty good nightlife – your hostel will probably give you free drink vouchers and point out the best places to go. Paihia also has a big supermarket although it is on the outskirts of town and is a reasonable walk.

The whole way up the East coast to Paihia you will pass through sizable towns with shops etc.

Don’t forget

• Sunscreen – Northland is known as the “winterless north” so chances are you will find some sun.
• If you want to spot a kiwi take a torch and cover it with red cellophane (this is a real possibility if you go to Aroha Island.

What to DO

GO (further)

Rawhiti

• This tiny coastal town is a short drive from Russell (via the Opua car ferry).
• Here you will find the Whangamumu Scenic Reserve which has a good walk to an old historic whaling station.
• Further north is beautiful Oke Bay and the start of an overnight hike to Cape Brett. Here you can stay in an old lighthouse keepers house. It is an excellent walk but you do have to pay to do it as it crosses private land.
• The beaches out here are beautiful. Elliots Bay can have good surf.

Between Auckland and the Bay of Islands there is lots to do and see. Here are a few suggestions for things to do along the way. This section is presented going north from Whangarei.

• Just south of Whangarei there are some cool little caves (Waipu caves) and Uretiti beach (signposted) provides a fantastic place to take a break. It is close to the main highway and has endless white sand, good swimming and toilets. Be warned this is a nudist beach so don’t be surprised or alarmed if some folks don’t have their clothes on. 
• In Whangarei stop and check out the town basin and Whangarei Falls.
• If you have time do trip out to Whangarei Heads. Ocean Beach is just that – a wild beautiful ocean beach, the walk to Smugglers cove is sweet and climbing Mt Mania provides great views over the surrounding area.
• Tutukaka has a nice marina and is the centre for diving and fishing in the area. The diving here is particularly good and the Poor Knights are said to be one of the top ten spots in the world. Dive! Tutukaka are a well known and reputable operator.
• Check out the famous Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa.

Alternative route North

• Just north of Whangarei, at Whakapara, you can turn off to the right and follow the road out towards Helena Bay.
• This is a spectaculour (albeit much slower drive) which takes in some great coastline, including Mimiwhangata Coastal Park (to the south) and Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve (to the north) which has camping.
• You can follow the road all the way north to Rawhiti and from there head to Russell.
  {tab=GOOT Deals}

The following appear in this GOOT Route offering great deals to GOOT Passport holders. Open links to view details.   Saltwater Lodge - Paihia Sportsfish NZ - Paihia

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