The Winterless North

Experience the timeless charm of Russell, a historic village accessible by a quick ferry ride from Paihia or a scenic coastal drive. Once a notorious whaling hub, New Zealand’s first European settlement, and briefly the country’s first capital, Russell now offers a tranquil escape with a rich past. You’ll love exploring historical sites like the bullet-scarred Christ Church, New Zealand’s oldest church, or the historic Marlborough Hotel, which holds the country’s oldest liquor license. For breathtaking views of the Bay and its islands, a short walk up Flagstaff Hill is a must. This historic site tells the story of Māori chief Hone Heke’s famous protests. Russell is the perfect place to step back in time while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands

The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands normally takes around three and a half hours, but plan to take a little longer for there are many things to see along the way. Stretch your legs in Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian settlement. Go through Warkworth, and Whangarei and see the world famous hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa. Arriving into Russell via the Opua Ferry, you’ll be greeted by lush bush-clad hillsides dropping to golden sandy beaches.

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life, and idyllic climate, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or see the dolphins on an ocean safari. If diving is your thing, take the morning to descend the Rainbow Warrior - The Greenpeace flagship sunk by French saboteurs in 1985. Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843. Learn about our culture in historic Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Māori and Europeans. Alternatively, you may like to take a day tour to Cape Reinga, the very top of the North Island.

Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known as the Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you have time to relax, take a walk, have a swim, or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café.

Kemp House also known as Kerikeri Mission House is New Zealand’s oldest European building. Built by the London-based Church Missionary Society in 1821 to 1822 with the help of local Maori, it was situated under Ngapuhi Pa and was under the protection of the local tribal chief Hongi Hika. The 2 storey Georgian designed building was built primarily from Kauri. You can visit Kemp House on guided tours, highlights include the garden which has been cultivated since 1820 and is in a similar style to the original garden, as well as furnishings and personal wares from the last missionary family to live here, James Kemp and his wife Charlotte, who went on to purchase Kemp House after the missionary closed and ran a Kauri gum business out of the historic Stone Store. Guided tours operate daily 10am - 5pm Nov - April and 10am - 4pm May - Oct. Closed Christmas Day. Pay on entry and for more information visit The New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Take the short drive north to Kerikeri. Kerikeri was one of the first settled areas of New Zealand and the Stone Store and Kemp House, two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings still stand and are open to visitors. Kerikeri is the fruit basket of the north and also home to crafts people and producers of artisan food produce, so the farmers market and craft markets are great places to explore. There are also numerous green spaces and forests to wander through, including two 'Gardens of National Significance': Palmco and Wharepuke Gardens which are open daily and fabulous examples of sub-tropical gardens.

Waitangi is one of New Zealand’s most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Māori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi and the haka - a war dance Aotearoa-New Zealand is well known for.

Paihia, an oceanside gem, played a pivotal role in Aotearoa-New Zealand’s history. A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers a profound look into the signing of the Waitangi Treaty, where 43 Māori chiefs and 39 Crown representatives shaped the nation’s future. Beyond its rich history, Paihia is a haven for water-based activities. From sailing through the Hole in the Rock and dolphin spotting to kayaking or fishing, or perhaps a day relaxing on the beach, this picturesque coastal town is the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Islands.

Enjoy a scenic journey from historic Russell across the tranquil waters of the Bay of Islands. Enjoy a short, scenic crossing between Ōkiato and Opua. Tickets are paid on board using EFTPOS or credit card, no booking needed. Once in Opua, continue the quick drive into Paihia, your gateway to golden beaches, ocean adventures, and vibrant waterfront dining.

Cape Reinga, at the northwestern tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, is often mistaken for New Zealand’s northernmost point, but that title belongs to Surville Cliffs, 30 km to the east. Here, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet, creating dramatic tides. The Cape’s lighthouse, built in 1941 and automated in 1987, stands as a beacon of this iconic location. In Māori mythology, Cape Reinga, or Te Rerenga Wairua, is the "leaping off place of spirits" on their journey to Hawaiiki. Nearby Tapotupoto Bay and Spirits Bay offer beautiful beaches and are ideal for short rest stops or exploring more of the area’s cultural significance.

Situated on the west coast of Northland, Ninety Mile Beach runs from Ahipara in the south to near Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand. Interestingly, it’s accurate length is about 30 miles shorter than its name would have us believe. At low tide 4WD vehicles can drive the length of the beach with many access points along the coastline. At the northern end the Te Paki stream is the most popular access point.

The Kauri Coast, stretching from Kaiwaka to Waipoua Forest, offers a journey through dramatic landscapes and rich history in the Kaipara District. Begin at Kaiwaka, the "little town of lights," before exploring rural settlements like Paparoa and the tranquil Pahi. Further north, the renowned Kauri Museum at Matakohe tells the story of the region’s past. For the adventurous, Tokatoka Peak and Maungaraho Rock offer rewarding climbs with spectacular views. The heart of the region is Dargaville, the "Kumara Capital." This historic town, set beside the Northern Wairoa River, is a hub for history, events, and unique crafts. Just a short drive away is Ripiro Beach, a magnificent 100km stretch of sand perfect for 4WD adventures and exploring shipwreck history at Pouto Point. For a swim, the pristine Kai Iwi Lakes are a favourite holiday spot. Continuing north, you’ll discover stunning swamp kauri exhibits before entering the ancient Waipoua Forest. Here, stand in awe of Tāne Mahuta, the world’s largest kauri tree, and explore a network of walks through this magnificent, 2000-year-old forest. The Kauri Coast is a true outdoor and historical retreat

Heading west from Kerikeri you leave the Bay of Islands behind and soon and travel through rural Northland before arriving into the Hokianga and the wilder seas of the Tasman. The small townships of Omapere and Opononi have a great seaside feel and the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route now heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. Make sure you allow time to take one of the short walks that are signposted as you pass through the forest. Not to be missed is the 5 minute loop to view the largest of all the trees Tane Mahuta.

Experience the Waipoua Forest at night on this spectacular 4 hour tour. Learn about the rich birdlife and fauna that inhabit the forest, including the carnivorous kauri snail. You’ll also get to experience the deep spiritual respect the Maori people have for this place. Your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit and you once formal greetings have been made you will be allowed to meet the giant Tane Mahuta, or Lord of the Forest - the oldest Kauri tree in the world.

Heading back across country the Matakohe Kauri Museum is an award winning museum and has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. Just a short drive from Warkworth towards the coast is the small township of Matakana and a little further you will find the often deserted beaches of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve. The final leg of the journey takes you back along State Highway 1 and the North Shore suburbs before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and into the city.

The Kauri Museum is located approximately 90 minutes drive north of Auckland, in the rural backdrop of Matakohe. Offering insight into the region’s pioneering history, It charts the rise and fall of the great Kauri forests with stunning displays and detailed exhibitions including: The largest collection of Kauri Gum in the world, a fully furnished 1900's era Kauri house, the largest collection of Kauri furniture in the world, a huge 22 metre long Kauri slab and a magnificent collection of original photographs and pioneering memorabilia.