West of the Bay of Islands is Kaikohe, a welcoming stopover for shopping and refreshment. Monument Hill offers excellent views and is a beautiful place for a picnic. The main local attraction in Kaikohe is the pioneer village, which includes several restored historic buildings – New Zealand’s oldest courthouse, an 1875 cottage, a jail, a school and more. You’ll also see Maori artefacts, gum-digging equipment and a blacksmith’s shop. Not far from Kaikohe is Ngawha Springs, the most northern of New Zealand’s geothermal sites. Functional facts: Approx. population 4000, full range of shops and services, information centre.