Top Bay of Islands Hotels

The Bay of Islands encompasses a considerable piece of coastline together with the townships of Paihia, Russell and the larger Kerikeri. Paihia and Russell are coastal towns and sit facing each other separated by a natural harbour and a short ferry journey.

Russell was the first European settlement in New Zealand and is a quaint town with numerous historic timber dwellings and a very laid-back feel. "Romantic Russell" is, as it is promoted, swells with visitors in the summer and boasts a number of lovely beaches including Long Beach. Popular visitor stops include Pompallier House, one of the oldest homes in New Zealand, and Flagstaff Hill which offers superb views of the surrounding Bay of Islands.

Paihia is larger and is known more as the centre of the Bay of Islands. Paihia is the start point for a number of organised trips including those enroute to the "Hole in the Rock" at Cape Brett. Dolphin watching and swimming adventures allow visitors the chance to see these lovely creatures up close and charter boats can be arranged for sailing, deep sea fishing and diving trips.

Just a couple of minutes drive from Paihia is the historical Treaty Grounds at Waitangi where the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place in 1840. Visitors can enjoy a short movie at the visitor centre and walk the short track to the Maori war canoe and Treaty House. There are some excellent views from the Treaty Grounds and dolphins and the occasional pod of whales can be seen entering the harbour.

Kerikeri just 25 minutes drive from Paihia, is the fruit growing centre of the north whilst formerly an agricultural town. Kerikeri today has an increasing permanent population together with an expanding number of vineyards and artist enclaves. Points of interest include the Stone Store and Kemp House which are two of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. Both are open to visitors.

The Bay of Islands has a collection of cafes, bars and restaurants in each of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. With plenty of fishing in the north, seafood features on many a menu and visitors can enjoy fish and chips on the beach or perhaps lunch in a local winery, washed down with a glass or two of wine. Although great restaurants are not abundant, there are still some good eateries to be found, with something for most budgets. Wine buffs can enjoy tastings and dining at the Cottle Hill and Marsden Estate wineries in Kerikeri, Omata Estate on the Russell Peninsula and the Karikari Estate winery further north on the Karikari Peninsula.

Kerikeri is becoming known for chocolate and cheese production together with avocado oil. An interesting afternoon can be spent tasting the local delights, particularly on the main road as you enter Kerikeri.

Those looking for all-night clubbing and parties are in the wrong part of the country although Paihia has a reasonably steady flow of backpackers who help to prop up a few of the local bars at night. There are a few beach side bars which hum along after dark and night owls can certainly enjoy a bit of fun here.

Shops, banks and post office facilities are available in Paihia and Kerikeri and to a lesser extent in Russell. There is the usual collection of souvenirs in Paihia, and Kerikeri has some interesting art and craft stores with pottery, native timber products, paintings, glass and leather products. Wine enthusiasts can taste and buy in the wineries and many visitors will find something to take home from this part of the country.

Both Paihia and Kerikeri have internet cafes as do a number of the hotels in the region.

Due to the spread-out nature of the area, getting around does require some thought. A vehicle certainly opens up many possibilities and allows visitors access to those more out of the way places including some fantastic Northland beaches. Once in the town, walking is the best way to get around.

Russell is served by two ferry services, one a passenger-only service running directly from Paihia, and the other a combined car and passenger service which operates from the little wharf at Opua just 5 minutes drive out of Paihia . The passenger ferry arrives at the wharf in the Russell township, with the car/passenger ferry requiring a further 15 minutes drive to get to Russell The Bay of Islands airport (also known as Kerikeri airport) is located just out of Kerikeri and flights to/from Auckland take just 40 minutes. Car hire can be arranged at the Bay of Islands airport or in the larger townships of Paihia and Kerikeri.

Intercity buses operate daily services between major Northland towns and shuttle buses service the Kerikeri to Paihia route. Taxis are infrequent and not really a practical transport method due to the local distances, but could get you from the Bay of Islands airport to the Kerikeri township.

There are plenty of organised trips in and around the Bay of Islands. Charter boats and days trips on the water are popular and operate daily out of both Paihia and Russell.

Days trips from the Bay of Islands offer much to see around the Northland region. Whether independently travelling or going as part of an organised tour, visiting the northern most tip of New Zealand (Cape Reinga) is a well known day out. There are ancient Kauri tree forests and many stunning Northland beaches to visit. The small township of Mangonui is known for its fish and chips shops, and the adventurous can enjoy hiking trails, 4WD trips, horse trekking and more.

Paihia has a very helpful tourist information centre located adjacent to the wharf, and the Northland tourism website is a good start point in planning tours and activities in the region – see www.northlandnz.com

Each year Northland hosts a number of events including the Waipu Highland Games, surf carnivals, fishing contests and a rodeo. Waitangi Day celebrations are held each year in Waitangi on February 6th.

See www.northlandnz.com for further details.