Auckland and The Bay of Islands

Welcome to Auckland, The city of sails. Start by taking in the views from the iconic sky tower – the tallest structure in the Southern hemisphere. Discover Viaduct Harbour with its waterfront dining and nightlife, or for city escape take a ferry across the water to historic Davenport. This village within a city has a fascinating maritime history and stunning views of the city. If you are feeling active climb Mount Eden, an extinct Volcano that offers fabulous views, set sail on an Americas Cup Yacht, or take a bridge climb tour on the harbour bridge. There’s no shortage of shops, museums, and galleries in Auckland, so however you spend your time here you will not be bored!

Pick up your hire car and travel North to Russell. Your journey involves a short but beautiful ferry crossing between Opua and Okiato.

Once known as ‘the hell hole of the Pacific’, Russell is a far cry from its days as a whaling port, where riotous sailors would wreak havoc on the shores of this idyllic seafront. New Zealand’s oldest European settlement is now a genteel town, with enough waterfront bars and restaurants to make this worth a stopover on your visit to the Bay of Islands. Climb up Flag Staff Hill, for beautiful views over the town and surrounding bay –once the site of a battle between local Māori’s and early British colonials – you may even hear a Weka or a kiwi. Head to Long Beach for warm shallow waters and golden sands – this family friendly beach is just a short walk from Russell. The nearby Omata winery offers wine tastings accompanied by a stunning views of the vineyards and ocean.

Travel North to Mangonui. You may wish to stop in Keri Keri en-route to stock up on a picnic from the weekly farmers market.

Sat on a natural harbour in the heart of Doubtless Bay, Mangonui is a historic fishing village that is best known for its famous fish and chip shop. For a village of its size it packs a historical punch – this one-time whaling town is home to18 heritage buildings, that date back over 150 years, as well as a historic Māori fort. These are now home to an assortment of boutique art and craft shops, cafes and of course the Mangonui Fish Shop! You can take a sailing or dive trip from the harbour, or relax on nearby Coopers Beach, a gorgeous expanse of sand.

Take a day trip to Cape Reinga today before returning to Mangonui.

Cape Reinga, located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, is a place of profound natural beauty and deep spiritual significance. Known as Te Rerenga Wairua in Māori, it is believed to be the point where the spirits of the dead depart for their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. At the cape, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean dramatically meet, creating visible swirling currents that symbolize the coming together of masculine and feminine elements in Māori tradition.

A solitary lighthouse stands watch over the rugged coastline, offering panoramic views and a sense of serene isolation. The surrounding landscape—windswept hills, ancient pohutukawa trees, and untouched beaches—adds to the mystique. Visiting Cape Reinga is more than a sightseeing trip; it’s an experience that connects visitors to the spiritual roots and wild heart of Aotearoa.

Travel South to Paihia, taking time to enjoy the scenic Matauri loop. This 40km scenic drive offers stunning views and access to beautiful beaches.

Enjoying a sub-tropical climate, glorious beaches and spectacular coastal scenery, the Bay of Islands has long been a popular destination for NZ holidaymakers. Pahia makes the perfect base to explore this region from, with a good mix of accommodation and restaurants. There are plentiful boat cruises into the bay where you can swim with dolphins or see the hole in the rock. The nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the ‘birthplace’ of New Zealand – it was here that Māori chiefs reached an agreement with the UK. Take a ferry across the water to the historic village of Russell or visit nearby Kerikeri and pick up a picnic, fresh from the farmer’s market. Haruru Falls and Opua Forest, are two natural wonders that showcase the beauty of this area. Haruru, meaning Big Noise is a tumbling horseshoe shaped waterfall, whereas as Opua offers walking trails through giant Kauri Forests. No matter how long you spend in the Bay of Islands, you won’t want to leave.