Northland

Make a weekend of it in Paihia & the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a solid 3 hours north via the smooth toll road north so head out early and make the most of the day, or plan to make it an overnighter. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to open up the throttle, and to enjoy the windy coastal roads that lead you to through Waipu, Whangarei, and eventually Paihia.

The gateway to the Bay of Islands and a jewel in its own right, Paihia is not to be missed. Relatively quiet through the winter months, the township comes alive in summer. Dolphin swimming, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking are all favourite local activities, or check out the annual Waitangi Day celebrations going on just up the road if you’re there in Feb. Get there before the day heats up and refuel with a coffee and a bite on the wharf.

It’d be easy to spend the day relaxing in the sun or checking out the shops, but there’s a lot to do in the Bay so you’ll want to keep moving. Double back slightly to Opua and take a yacht on the crystalline waters with Great Escape Sailing School and Yacht Charter (they offer two day and overnight yachting experiences that are well worth the stay). Or take the ferry across the crystalline waters to Russell and check out some of Aotearoa’s earliest history.