Originally Posted by
jarinzfin
Definitely go to BoI, it is very scenic and there's heaps of dolphins around!
We've never done the swim-with-dolphins cruise but even on the scenic day cruises they always stop for them and you can have a swim (for a few extra dollars!). There's a few cruise operators around, they're pretty much the same AFAIK, just check what you get when booking.
I'd stay in AKL first, then take the bus to Paihia and fly back if the schedule fits.
Have a look at
www.nakedbus.com for the cheapest fares.
In BoI, I'd stay in Russell rather than Paihia. January is peak season and Paihia will be full of families/kids. We've stayed at a couple of motels there and never had any issues. Have a look at
www.wotif.com and also
www.gayinthebay.co.nz if you want to stay a gay place.
Russell has some nice restaurants and shops and tends to be a bit more upmarket than Paihia.
Thanks for the info and links!
The airport is in Kerikeri -- what's the relationship between Kerikeri, Russell, Paihia, and Bay of Islands? Is BofI a general name for the area, with Kerikeri, Russell, and Paihia small towns within the area? Would these make any difference for proximity to the dolphin tour and interesting areas to walk around in?
Where is the 88 Lodge that
edinv recommended? Are there other recommended places? (We usually stay at Hiltons to take advantage of the Diamond status, but absent any, a gay place sounds nice.) We won't have a car -- is it easy to get around, or should we try and find a place to stay that is walking distance of stuff to do?
I'd stay there longer than in AKL unless you want to do something specific here?
Well, I am fond of St. Leonard's Beach and Little Palm Beach (a short but expensive ferry ride to Waiheke Island)
