RUSSELL
A 30-minute drive to Opua, catch the car ferry to Russell and enjoy a drive around the township and various bays, or take a 20-minute drive to Paihia and catch the passenger ferry. A peaceful and picturesque town renowned for its major historical significance, Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and one of the first European settlements. Its presentday tranquility belies the frantic activity of the early days when, as the centre of fledgling European activity, Russell was known as the “hell-hole of the Pacific”, with a reputation as a lawless frontier town.
The old-time charm is not spoilt by the variety of modern shops and services. Hours can be enjoyed in Russell tracing the town’s history at the Museum or enjoying a wine on the deck at the famous Duke of Marlborough Hotel, or eating at the variety of cafes along the waterfront. The wharf is a hive of activity, with passenger ferries operating continuously to and from Paihia across the water.
PAIHIA
A 30-minute drive from Kerikeri and worth the effort, Paihia offers its own unique attractions. Enjoy PAIHIA WHARF the wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars lining the waterfront, or potter around the shops. Book an excusion, swim with dolphins, visit Urupukapuka Island or cruise to the Hole in the Rock, take a helicopter ride, do a parasail or catch a ferry to “Romantic ussell”. For the adventurous: hire a bike for the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park or explore the coastline by kayak.
WAITANGI
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds and recently-built Museum of Waitangi are a major attraction for both locals and overseas visitors. Just 30 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri, it’s a perfect day trip. Venture afterwards into Paihia township for an afternoon drink on the waterfront. Also nearby is the Waitangi Bike Park in the Waitangi Endowment Forest. A perfect introduction to mountain biking, with 30 trails of varying levels of difficulty and great flow and features: introductory downhill riding, jump trails, cross-country and beginner trails. If you have more time available, play a game of golf at the Waitangi Golf Course.
HOKIANGA HARBOUR
Offers many beautiful , interesting attractions and activities. You can just lie back and enjoy the peace, tranquility and stunning views, take a leisurely walk along the water’s edge or swim in the sea. If you’re feeling more energetic, go kayaking or catch the water taxi from Opononi to the sand hills and try sand-boarding. Go for a nighttime forest encounter amongst thegiant kauri trees at Waipoua. Drive out to the west coast at Waimamaku Beach Road or South Head and feel the mood change from the tranquility of the harbour – here large breakers crash in from the open sea.
CAPE REINGA AND 90 MILE BEACH
The historic Cape Reinga Lighthouse, built in 1941, marks the extreme north-western point of New Zealand. Take a day for this outing – book an organised tour to Cape Reinga and the lighthouse, experiencing the isolation and wilderness of the drive along 90 Mile Beach and tobogganing down giant sand dunes on the way. Travel alongside Aupouri Forest, which runs parallel to 90 Mile Beach. Enjoy the walkway from the Cape carpark to where the iconic lighthouse perches atop a steep headland, looking out to where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.
KAEO
The characterful village of Kaeo is 20 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri. The informative Museum in the centre is a great way to appreciate the history of the Whangaroa area. Open 10.30am-2pm weekdays.
WHANGAROA HARBOUR
A local jewel, set amongst the many beautiful bays and beaches fringing the surrounding coastline. The area is steeped in history, from the times of the first Māori settlement to whaling, kauri gum digging, logging, milling and boat building.
WHANGAROA TOWNSHIP
A 30-minute drive from Kerikeri and known as “The Marlin Capital of New Zealand”. Fishing is almost a religion in these parts!
Game fishing dates back to 1925, when Capt. L.D. Mitchell and Zane Grey weighed in fish and were founding members of the Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club. The Marlin Hotel, Boyd Gallery and Luke’s Cafe are a great base for fishing charters and exploring the area on land and water.
TOTARA NORTH
A 35-minute drive from Kerikeri,on the northern side of Whangaroa Harbour. The abundant history is apparent, with one of New Zealand’s oldest boat-building yards and kauri mills still standing. The Gumstore Bar is well worth a visit for its laid-back rural atmosphere and vast array of historical memorabilia. The popular Wairakau Stream walking track, which gives foot access to the beautiful and unspoilt Western Arm of the harbour, begins at the end of Campbell Road.
MANGONUI
This fishing village is the main centre for Doubtless Bay. Once a busy whaling and trading town, Mangonui has an excellent Heritage Trail walk, starting and finishing at the historic Courthouse. The 3km trail passes characterful buildings,dating back to the 1860s and now housing cafés, art and craft shops and the famous fish and chip shop. Sailing, fishing and dive trips operate from Mangonui. There is a fascinating selection of seafaring relics at the Whaling Museum at Butler Point. A short drive to the north-west lies the small, pretty seaside town of Coopers Beach, fringed by shady pohutukawa trees.
KAWAKAWA
30km and approximately 25 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri. Visit the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, 5km further on, and return to Kerikeri via Paihia. Kawakawa remains unique in having the railway running through the main street and the famous Hundertwasser Toilets with their ceramic columns, curves and garden roof. Colourful exuberance has put this Northland town on the international tourist route. The toilets were designed and built by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the world renowned architect and ecologist who, delighted by the invitation, emerged from his reclusive lifestyle nearby to oversee the project. The Kawakawa public toilets were Hundertwasser’s final creation and are regarded as an important memorial to him.
NGAWHA HOT SPRINGS
27km from Kerikeri on the road to Kaikohe are these hot mineral baths, well known for their medicinal qualities. The water contains mercury and soda and is used to treat skin conditions and rheumatism. With temperatures varying from near-boiling to tepid, there’s a pool for everyone. Basic changing and shower facilities; bring your own towel.
Ph 09 405 2245.
WAIRERE BOULDERS
Wairere Boulders is a private nature reserve with fascinating rocks. A unique geological phenomenon with beautiful bush walks which lead you under and over and around the Boulders.
Take the kids and let them hunt for rock animals and fairy houses, have coffee and cake at the café or hire a kayak and paddle down the Boulder river to the Hokianga harbour.
Walks from 40 minutes to 3 hours; open every day during daylight hours.
www.wairereboulders.co.nz Ph 09 401 9935
KAWITI GLOW WORM CAVES WAIOMIO
A 35-minute drive from Kerikeri via the township of Kawakawa,these remarkable caves offer 30-40 minute guided tours. Discovered early in the 17th century, the caves are 200m long and up to 20m high. Wooden boardwalks with handrails allow you to walk through caves and get up close to the sparkling glow worms with their stunning blue-green tail lights. Marvel at limestone formations throughout the caves, listening to your guide explain their history. A memorable experience.
www.kawiticaves.co.nz Ph 09 404 0583
