Just across the bay by quick ferry ride is the charming township of Russell. The first capital and totally steeped in history, it was the cradle for the multi-cultural nation that New Zealand has become. A little further north is Waitangi, New Zealand's premier historic site where Maori and European joined in signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The site has been preserved along with the first Governor's residence.

Kerikeri is just a couple of minutes away. One of New Zealand's largest fruit producing areas and the home of a thriving art community with roadside signs denoting potters, painters, leadlight artists and sculptors. Don't miss the old Stone Store and Kemp house - New Zealand's oldest home. Escorts.

A stay in the Bay of Islands wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one or more of the islands in the Bay. Urupukapuka is the largest and close by are Moturua and Roberton Islands. Just north of the Bay are the Cavali Islands, a haven for the diving and fishing enthusiasts. Dive on the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, the original flagship of the Greenpeace organisation which was sunk by the French military because they were upset at Greenpeace drawing attention to the French nuclear testing in Muroroa.

Further north is Doubtless Bay which centres on the quaint fishing village of Mangonui where a Heritage Trail, a leisurely one-hour stroll takes in some 22 of the more significant pre and post European sites of historical importance.
There is an abundance of superb safe beaches in only minutes away. Coopers Beach, Cable Bay with its yellow sand and Taipa are each separate with their own distinct flavour. Take a side trip up the Karikari Peninsula and visit Tokerau Beach and Whatuwhiwhi with pristine white sands and miles and miles of continuous beach and sand dunes.

Kaitaia, the most northern service centre in New Zealand has a good shopping centre with cafes, restaurants, museum and Visitor Information Centre. It boasts the most northern award winning vineyard in New Zealand, one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, the worlds biggest snapper surf-fishing contest and the best tours to Cape Reinga. It is also rich in Maori and European history. Don’t miss the Tutu Trail in a four wheel drive vehicle taking you up over the sand dunes to the historic gum digging area which once supported a tent and shanty 'city' of over 100,000 gumdiggers from all over the world. Escorts

Beyond Kaitaia is a stretch of almost boundless sand flanked by the Tasman Sea in the west and by forests in the east before the land drops into the Pacific on the other side of the Aupouri Peninsula. To the west lies the gateway to 90 Mile Beach, Ahipara, with Historic Gum Fields, gigantic sand dunes, Golf Course, surfing and fishing. To the east are the beautiful beaches of the Karikari Peninsula and Doubtless Bay. To the North is the Aupouri Peninsula, home of Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, North Cape, the Three Kings and three splendid harbours; Parengarenga Harbour, Houhora Harbour and Rangaunu harbour and to the south are the historic areas of the Hokianga and Dargaville where imposing Kauri forests and the fresh water lakes of Kai Iwi draw both locals and visitors.

What ever your choice, you can soak up the sunshine in a sub-tropical climate, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, the water is pure, the air is clear, the beauty is seductive and everywhere is uncrowded.  Escorts.

Places To See
Tutukaka, Kawakawa, Opua, Paihia, Haruru Falls, Russell, Waitangi, Kerikeri, Mangonui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi, Awanui, Kaitaia, Houhora, Cape Reinga, Ahipara, Hokianga, Dargaville

Accommodation