3 to 4 days: Northland Explorer
An extra couple of days gives you time to relax and explore the diversity of Northland’s twin coasts which comes to the fore with your own vehicle and a little time.
Day one - Auckland to Whangarei (approximate driving time 2 hours 30 minutes)
In the morning depart Auckland for Whangarei on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway via the beautiful beaches of Mangawhai, Langs Beach and Waipu.
Whangarei.
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Allow time for:
- Swimming, surfing
- Fishing, golf
- Exploring historic Waipu
- Visiting cafes and galleries in the area
In the afternoon arrive in Whangarei.
Allow time for:
- Diving, fishing
- Wine tasting
- Bush walking, visiting Whangarei Falls
- Personalised kayaking tour, horse riding
- Visit Quayside at the Town Basin in the heart of Whangarei for specialty shops, cafes, restaurants, famous Claphams Clocks Museum and art studios that line the waterfront
- Be awed by the rare white tigers at Zion Wildlife Gardens
Accommodation: Whangarei district
Day two - Whangarei to Tutakaka, Bay of Islands (approximate driving time 30 minutes)
Tutukaka Cafe.
Arrive Tutukaka, gateway to world-renowned Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Dine in a trendy café beside the marina. To experience a days diving, big game or line fishing, an overnight stay is recommended.
Tutukaka day experiences – kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, native or subtropical plants nurseries, walking tracks.
Depart Tutukaka for Paihia following the scenic route via Matapouri Bay and Hikurangi (approximate driving time 1hour 30 minutes). En route, visit the famous Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa, or nearby Kawiti Glow Worm Caves.
Bay of Islands suggestions:
- Take a cruise or a fast ride out on ‘The Bay’ to the ‘Hole in the Rock’
- Take some time to explore Romantic Russell – near to NZ’s first Capital
- Spend a day visiting Kerikeri wineries, boutique chocolate factory and art & craft galleries
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Hole in the Rock Cruise.
Luxuriate at a Spa Resort - Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Take a tour and view the magnificent Maori war canoe, Maori meeting house and the Treaty House
- Take a dusk fishing trip, or play twilight golf
- Go sailing, kayaking amongst the mangroves, diving, parasailing
- Experience an evening cultural performance - Northland style
- Tour the Far North and Bay of Islands by air - breathtaking
Accommodation: Bay of Islands
Day three - Bay of Islands to Hokianga (approximate driving time 1 hour)
In the morning, have an aquatic adventure with dolphins.
In the afternoon depart the Bay of Islands for the Hokianga
Activity suggestions:
- Explore the Hokianga Harbour townships of Rawene and Kohukohu
- See a natural phenomenon – Wairere Boulders in Horeke
- Go tobogganing down the giant sand dunes
- Take a guided night tour into Waipoua Forest
- Try your hand at Kauri Gum polishing or visit and amazing maze
- Fishing, cruising, horse riding, pig hunting
Accommodation: Hokianga
Day 4 Hokianga to Auckland (approximate driving time 4 hours)
Visit the giant Kauri trees
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In the morning depart the Hokianga for Trounson Kauri Park, Kai Iwi Lakes or Baylys Beach. Stop at Waipoua Forest and the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ on the way south, enjoying the various walks and forests.
Arrive at the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes, a stunning recreational reserve that provides a playground for swimming, boating, windsurfing, water skiing and trout fishing.
Or:
Arrive at Baylys Beach. After a coffee (or lunch) at the Funky Fish café, explore the beach and view towering sand dunes by horseback or quad bike.
In the afternoon depart Kai Iwi Lakes or Baylys Beach for Dargaville
Lunch in one of Dargaville’s trendy cafes. To experience a 4WD trip along Ripiro Beach, visit the Kaipara Lighthouse and the valley of the Shipwrecks - allow an extra night in Dargaville.
Depart Dargaville for Matakohe
Arrive at Matakohe and visit the Kauri Museum – you will discover the story of the magnificent kauri tree, its timber, gum, and the early pioneers to the district.
Depart Matakohe
Arrive Auckland
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