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Bay of Islands Itinerary
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 Day 1
- Arrive in Paihia. Head across to Russell by ferry for the morning and explore the township's numerous historic buildings, including Christ's Church, Pompallier House and the Russell Museum.
- Walk up Flagstaff (Maiki) Hill and read of the flagstaff's history and the exploits of Maori chief Hone Heke, who cut the previous four down in protest.
- Return to the waterfront for lunch.
- Cross again to Paihia and take a stroll along the beachfront to Waitangi. Here you'll find the Shipwreck Museum, which is also a café.
- Continue to the Waitangi Treaty House Reserve and explore the marae (meeting house), waka (canoe) and grounds.
- Either have dinner in Paihia or take the ferry to Russell and dine at the atmospheric Duke of Marlborough - the first hotel in New Zealand to receive a licence.
- Stay overnight in Paihia with Host Accommodation.
Day 2
- Spend a half or full day on the water. Operators include Dolphin Encounters, the Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' cruise, the Cream Trip, the tall ship R Tucker Thomson and Dolphin Discoveries.
- Lunch is often included during an island stopover.
- If on a half-day outing, return to Paihia for an afternoon of shopping at the Cabbage Tree - an award-winning outlet. Try one of the centre's numerous restaurants in the evening.
- Stay overnight in Paihia with Host Accommodation.
Day 3
- Take a fishing, diving or kayaking adventure with Tornado, Coastal Kayakers or Dive North - Rainbow Warrior. Alternatively, take to the skies with Flying Kiwi Parasail for a bird's eye view over Paihia.
- Drive to Kerikeri.
- Stay overnight in Paihia with Host Accommodation.
Day 4
- Pick up an arts and craft trail brochure while in Kerikeri and visit the Kerikeri Historic Basin, which incorporates Kemp House, New Zealand's oldest house; the Stone Store and Rewa's Village.
- Take a walk to the 20m Kerikeri (Rainbow) Falls two kilometres upstream from the Basin.
- For lunch either return to Kerikeri or find an eatery along the arts and craft trail.
- Spend the rest of the afternoon tailoring visits to the various arts and craft outlets and call at some of numerous roadside fruit stalls to sample the region's produce.
- Stay overnight in Kerikeri with Host Accommodation.
Day 5
- Head inland towards Kaikohe along SH12.
- Call at Monument Hill, which has a Memorial to Maori chief Hone Heke (1869-1909).
- Visit the Pioneer Village with its 19th century buildings, sawmill and fire station.
- Have morning tea before rejoining State Highway 1 and heading towards Kaitaia for lunch.
- Head west to Ahipara, the gateway to Ninety Mile Beach. Visit the beach (famous for its fishing) and call at Ahipara Hill, four kilometres south-east of Ahipara township. The land at the base of the 150m high hill is a former kauri gum field, now a historic reserve.
- Alternatively, visit New Zealand's northernmost winery, three kilometres out of town at Okahu Estate.
- Return to Kaitaia and continue along State Highway 1 to Awanui, seven kilometres north. Call at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom and Café for afternoon tea and view the kauri furniture and arts and craft.
- Returning to Kaitaia, call at the Nocturnal Park, which features kiwis, glow-worms, short-fin eels and bush walks. Night tours start at dark.
- Stay overnight in Kaitaia with Host Accommodation.
Day 6
- Drive or take a tour to New Zealand's most northerly point, Cape Reinga. Operators include Sand Safaris, Harrisons Cape Runner and Tua Tua Tours. Pack a picnic lunch if driving yourself.
- Call at Wagener Park & Museum at Houhora Heads, 40km north of Kaitaia, and take morning tea at its beachfront licensed cafe.
- Continue northwards to Cape Reinga (114km north-west of Kaitaia). See the famous lighthouse, Spirits Bay and the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
- Return to Te Paki with its impressive sand dunes. There are many tour companies supplying toboggans and all supply lunch.
- Stay overnight in Kaitaia with Host Accommodation.
Day 7
- Drive to Whangarei and start explorations at the Town Basin with its waterfront mix of shops, eateries, art galleries and museums such as Claphams Clocks. Morning tea and lunch could also be taken here and cruises organised.
- Walk to Cafler Park in the heart of the city on First Avenue. Stroll through the Fernery Filmy Fernhouse Conservatory and Cactus House. Afterwards, take in the Whangarei Art Museum displaying heritage and contemporary works.
- A short walk away is the Strand, which has a mix of gift shops and food and fashion outlets. Enjoy afternoon tea and a browse around the shops.
- Stay overnight in Whangarei with Host Accommodation.
Bay of Islands accommodation
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