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Old Feb 16, 2005, 7:26 pm
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Kiwi Flyer
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Northland & Bay of Islands

Intro to Northland and Bay of Islands

Northland is the only part of New Zealand approaching a subtropical climate. It is a large peninsular north of Auckland and as such, no places are far from the sea. Many small extinct volcanoes dot the landscape, but there are no true mountains.

Many of the oldest Maori and european settlements in New Zealand are found in Northland, and in particular in and near the Bay of Islands. The founding document of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi, was mainly signed at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. Apart from the city of Whangarei, most of Northland is rural with lots of small towns. The area closest to Auckland is heavily populated, while the far north (around Hokianga and between Kataia and Cape Reinga) is lightly peopled and has few services.

What to see?

The main attraction is the Bay of Islands, especially in summer. Thousands of bays and inlets dotted with beaches and islands (hence the name!). Game fishing and boat cruises (eg to the Hole in the Rock) in and near the Bay of Islands are popular. There are also historic and picturesque villages such as Waitangi (where the Treaty was signed), Kerikeri (oldest store in New Zealand), Paihia, Russell. Bay of Islands is easily reached in several hours drive from Auckland, on a hilly road most of the way. On the main public holidays the traffic for the first 75km or so into/out of Auckland can be very bad.

Cape Reinga is very near the northernmost point of New Zealand and has spiritual significance for Maori. The road there is long but if tides are right you can drive along Ninety Mile Beach for part of the way (some great dunes and fishing).

On the west coast of the peninsular, Waipoua Forest has the largest trees in New Zealand - think similar scale to Seqioua or Giant Redwoods and you get the idea. Nearby Hokianga district is like going back in time. A slow pace of life and great people, coupled with nice scenery. The main "towns" on the shores of Hokianga Harbour are Opononi and Rawene. If there is time, it is quite good to do the loop of the southern part of the peninsular, between Auckland and Bay of Islands - one way along the east coast (through Whangarei) and one way along the west coast (through Dargaville, Waipoua Forest & Hokianga).

The town of Kawakawa on the main road north has 2 worthwhile sights. One is the train tracks running through the middle of the main street, which is very wide (as in many rural towns in New Zealand) dating back to the days of bullock "train" (need to turn them around). The other are the colourful, work of art, public toilets designed by Hundertwasser [need a bit more info here].

[need to find more details of Kiwi sanctuary near Whangarei]

What to do?

Go fishing - on the beach at Ninety Mile Beach, or off a launch in the Bay of Islands.

Hug the massive kauri in Waipoua Forest.

Spend a few days lazing on a beach by a small rural town.

Enjoy the thermal springs at Ngawha.

If you're into golf, Kauri Cliffs golf course and resort has a stunning location and scenery, plus a lot of pampering.

Where to stay?

No major chains in Northland. There are some local chains eg Scenic Circle, but for the most part accommodation is locally owned hotels, b&bs, backpackers, motels or homestays. The smallest towns wont have any accommodation, but plenty in Whangarei and Bay of Islands, and some in the larger towns (eg Kaitaia, Kaikohe).

How to get around?

Best to have a rental car. The train referred to above is freight only. Tourist buses run regularly between Auckland, Whangarei, Bay of Islands, Kaitaia and Cape Reinga. Local buses connect the smaller towns but service is infrequent.

Kaitaia, Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) and Whangarei all have airports with flights to/from Auckland.

Major events

Mainly around New Years, unless there is a major golf competition at Kauri Cliffs.

Some game fishing tournaments - both Ninety Mile Beach and also Bay of Islands.

Auckland to Russel boat race.

Tips & tricks


Links


When is the best time to visit?

Best weather - summer (except on very rare occassions when tropical storms threaten)
Best music and public events - xxx
Least crowded - winter

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 11, 2006 at 10:19 pm
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