Kaitaia - Wellington - Christchurch

Day 1: Kaitaia to Paihia

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Kaitaia - Kerikeri 1.25 hrs  99/62 Kerikeri - Paihia 0.5 hr  23/14   Totals for Day 1.75 hrs  122/76

Kaitaia - Kerikeri - Paihia

Kaitaia is the main centre for the ‘winterless north’. From here you can catch a bus tour along Ninety Mile Beach. Other local attractions include Ahipara Beach, the Far North Regional Museum and the nocturnal park.

Begin your journey to Kerikeri with a jaunt to the Cape Reinga lighthouse and back, then browse the beautiful beaches of Doubtless Bay, Matauri Bay (the final resting place of the Rainbow Warrior) and Tauranga Bay. Nearby Whangaroa Harbour is a game fishing mecca. Sailing, sea kayaking, horse treks and golf are some of the other activities available in this district. As you approach Kerikeri you’ll notice stalls selling seasonal fruit and homemade goodies. Look also for signs showing the way to artists’ studios.

Kerikeri is a town of things to do. You’ll find galleries, cafes and vineyards, gourmet food shops, golf courses and historic sites such as the Stone Store and the Mission House. There are superb bush walks in the area – Rainbow Falls is a perfect picnic spot.

Scenic Highlights

Ninety Mile Beach
A world of forest, sand and ocean waves, 90 Mile Beach is an almost neverending paradise.

Arai Te Uru Reserve and Signal Hill
According to local legend, the north and south heads of the Hokianga Harbour were once giant taniwha (sea monsters).

Historic sites in Kerikeri
Kerikeri isn’t all cafés and galleries; there are many significant historic sites in the area, including New Zealand's oldest standing European building.

Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay
The Cavilli Islands, one of the top dive sights in Northland.

Activities

Northland
Diving (10), Sailing (14), Wineries (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Sailing (1), Wineries (2)

Kaitaia - Kerikeri - Paihia

Kerikeri is a town of things to do. You’ll find galleries, cafes and vineyards, gourmet food shops, several golf courses and historic sites such as the Stone Store and the Mission House. There are superb bush walks in the area – Rainbow Falls is a perfect picnic spot.

The road leading out of Kerikeri is bordered by orchards. Roadside stalls offer the chance to buy seasonal fruit. Look also for signs showing the way to artists’ studios – resident potters and painters have given this district a creative personality.

Just before Paihia you’ll have to chance to visit Haruru Falls. These falls tumble down in a perfect horseshoe. A walking track runs from the falls all the way to Waitangi and includes a board walk through mangrove forest.

Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Scenic Highlights

Kawiti Caves (Waiomio Caves)
Just before you reach Kawakawa, detour to Kawiti Caves. Discover stalactites, glow worms and Maori history.

The Bay of Islands
When you arrive in Paihia, find yourself a cruise or a charter boat and embark on a voyage of discovery around the islands.

Ruapekapeka Pa
The struggle between British troops and Maori in Northland led to the creation of this ingenious pa (fort).

Historic sites in Kerikeri
Kerikeri isn’t all cafés and galleries; there are many significant historic sites in the area, including New Zealand's oldest standing European building.

Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay
The Cavilli Islands, one of the top dive sights in Northland.

Activities

Northland
Arts & Crafts (13), Boat Cruises (19), Fishing – Salt Water (22)

Tour and Sightseeing

Northland
Arts & Crafts (2), Boat Cruises (2), Fishing – Salt Water (3)