3 to 4 days: Bay of Islands & Far North
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 - Bay of Islands to Doubtless Bay (approximate driving time 1 hour 30mins)
In the morning depart the Bay of Islands for Mangonui via Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay and Whangaroa. (optional stay overnight)
Activity suggestions:
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Paihia Wharf is the base for scenic cruises to the Hole in the Rock.
Spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay, Taupo Bay, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay or on Karikari Peninsula - Explore the Whangaroa Harbour – perhaps go game fishing
- Fishing, sailing, kayaking, golf
- Explore the township of Mangonui - a great Heritage trail and awesome fish’n’chips
- Visit a Whaling Museum at Butler Point
Accommodation: Doubtless Bay
Day two and three Doubtless Bay to Kaitaia (approximate driving time 30 minutes)
In the morning depart Doubtless Bay for the Far North
Activity suggestions:
- Guided tour to Cape Reinga along 90 Mile Beach
- Cape Reinga - where the two seas meet and departing point for spirits of the dead
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Gum digger
Self drive and further explore the Far North – spend time at Houhora, Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay, Spirits Bay - Fishing – from boat, beach or rocks
- Some of NZ’s best surfing
- Walking – along a beach or through the bush
- Land yachting
- Golf – links course or otherwise – the views will distract!
- Kayaking – harbours and coves
- Guided quad bike tours on 90 Mile Beach
- Sample the wines of New Zealand’s most northern vineyards
- Experience time in a Maori learning house and discover Maori Culture
- Explore the gumdigging remnants of early European pioneers
- Visit a vintage collection and relive yesteryear
- Learn more of early shipwrecks and settlers at the Far North Regional Museum
Accommodation: Far North
Day four Kaitaia via Hokianga to Bay of Islands
(approximate driving time 2 hours)
In the morning depart the Far North for the Hokianga.
Activity suggestions:
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Sand tobogganing
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Explore the historic townships of Kohukohu and Rawene connected by vehicle ferry across the upper Hokianga Harbour - Visit Historic places along the way
- Go tobogganing down the giant sand dunes
- Try your hand at Kauri Gum polishing or visit and amazing maze
- Fishing, cruising, horse riding, pig hunting
- See a natural phenomenon – Wairere Boulders in Horeke. Explore Kaikohe and Waimate North as you make you way back to your destination
Accommodation: Bay of Islands
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