Objectives of this module

• Explain the key selling points of the Auckland/Northland regions.
• Build an itinerary including key highlights of the regions.
• Identify the key tourism centres in these regions.
• Link these regions with other parts of New Zealand.

Key selling points

• Significant national historical sites.
• An aquatic playground: safe harbours, islands, and accessibility to extensive picturesque coastline.
• Indulgence: wine areas, gourmet food, world class golf courses and luxury lodges.
• The native Kauri tree: New Zealand’s giant of the forest.

Story

Only 7% of the original native Kauri growing in New Zealand have survived human inhabitation. Firstly the Maori used their timber for boat building, carving and housing and their gum for starting fires and chewing (after it had been soaked in water and mixed with the milk of the puha plant).

The arrival of European settlers last century saw the decimation of these magnificent forests. It was soon realised that the trunks of young kauri were ideal for ships' masts and spars and settlers discovered the unsurpassed quality for building.

The gum from the Kauri tree also became essential in the manufacture of varnishes. Gum was collected through digging and fossicking in treetops, or, more drastically, by bleeding live trees.

Quick overview

• Main centres - Auckland and Whangarei.
• Paihia is the main tourism centre in Northland.
• The drive between Auckland and Paihia takes approximately 3.5 hours

Working through the Module

The module should take you approximately 3 hours. Suggested timings have been recommended for each of the sections.

Look out for important points, listed below, as you read through the module:

		Tasks that you can do as you work through the module to increase your knowledge. These are highly recommended, as they will help you successfully complete the module test.
		Information that will help you up-sell product and demonstrate to your client that you are an expert in selling New Zealand.
		Highlights within the regions

Suggested Task

The suggested task is designed to test your learning and reinforce your skills.

As you work through the module use the information you gather to build an itinerary using the following criteria.

Mode of transport: Rental car
Time available - land: 5-7 days
Starting point: Auckland
Ending point: Auckland

Client Profile: A brother and sister in their late 20’s travelling to New Zealand for a family wedding in Auckland. They have several weeks holiday after the wedding and want to begin their journey following the Twin Coast Discovery touring route to and from Auckland. They are both active and want to make the most of the coastal locations they are visiting.

Take into consideration, travel times between centres and include suggested activities and attractions that fit your clients’ profiles. When you have completed the itinerary check Section Four to see how your itinerary compares or go onto the Tourism New Zealand website to look at suggested itineraries in their Driving Routes section.

Use this module, websites, and any other resources you have in your workplace to include as much pre-bookable product as you can.

Websites

There will be references to the Tourism New Zealand website in this document - newzealand.com and regional websites. Take time to get familiar with these websites, as they are a vital source of information:

Sections within the Module

There are five sections to this module:

Section 1:
Auckland

Section 2:
Northland

Section 3:
Annual Events: Events can be used to add value to a trip to New Zealand or alternatively a starting point for a holiday.

Section 4:
Suggested itineraries

Section 5:
Short Test

You must submit this to successfully complete the module.

© Tourism New Zealand 2006. All rights reserved.
This material is provided for the purpose of educating and training tourism industry professionals only. This material may not be used, copied, distributed or otherwise reproduced for any other purpose without Tourism New Zealand’s express written consent. Please contact us directly by email at traveltrade@tnz.govt.nz if you would like to request our permission to use this material in your business. We will consider all such requests on a case by case basis.

Disclaimer
Any prices are provided as an indication only and these are subject to change. Operator listings are provided as a guide and the list is not exhaustive. Check newzealand.com for more tourism operators. Operator names are provided in these modules for information only and should not be considered as an official recommendation or endorsement.

SECTION ONE: PAGE ONE

Auckland

www.aucklandnz.com

Imagine an urban environment where within 45 minutes visitors can experience beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and water-based activities. Add all the elements required for a great city experience - outstanding food, wine and shopping in a harbour setting - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.

Key Selling Points

• A harbour city: Auckland rests on two harbours and is known as the "City of Sails" because of the huge number of sailing boats located in its marinas.
• Islands of the Hauraki Gulf: within 30 minutes of downtown Auckland, visitors can escape to an island experience.
• A modern evolving city: restaurants and bars, theatre, art and fashion, a host of luxury accommodation and a vibrant waterfront.
• New Zealand's key international arrival point: largest international airport and starting place for many of the touring routes including the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

Climate

Mean daily temperatures - Centigrade/Fahrenheit

SECTION ONE: PAGE TWO

Road - self drive

Driving distances and times to and from the Auckland region

These times are based on driving at 80 to 100 km (50 to 60 miles) per hour on open stretches of road, with a small allowance for traffic delays, petrol stops and refreshments.

Driving Routes

Three signposted touring routes depart from Auckland city:

Twin Coast Discovery: a circular, touring route that starts in Auckland and journeys around Northland’s west and east coasts. Read more in Section Two.

Thermal Explorer Highway: a signposted travelling route through the centre of the North Island into areas Waikato, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Ruapehu, and finishing in the Hawke’s Bay. www.gnztr.com

Pacific Coast Highway: a touring route along some of the most spectacular coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer. From Auckland the route travels through the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Eastland and winds up in the Hawke’s Bay region. www.gnztr.com

Air Services

Auckland is serviced by Auckland International Airport www.auckland-airport.co.nz and also has large numbers of domestic flights linking it with the rest of the country.

Domestic scheduled services to and from Auckland are offered by airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Pacific Blue.

Services to Great Barrier Island are offered by:

• Fly My Sky www.flymysky.co.nz
• Great Barrier Airlines www.greatbarrierairlines.co.nz

Location of Auckland International Airport

Auckland International Airport is south of downtown Auckland and is a 30 to 60 minute drive depending on the time of day.

Approximate costs of travel from airport to the city

Airport to city by:

• Taxi - approximately $50 - $65
• Airport Shuttle - the cost varies depending on which company is used. As a guide the cost is first person $26, thereafter $6.00 per person.
• Air Bus operates a scheduled bus service from the International and Domestic terminals to Auckland city. Adults one way - $16.00. First departure is at 6.00am, then every 15 minutes until 10.00pm, 7 days a week, stopping at a variety of hotels, motels and backpacker establishments. www.airbus.co.nz

For more, view the Transport page on the Auckland Airport website.

Approximate flying times between domestic destinations

These are approximate flying times, including connection times, and will differ depending on the airline and type of aircraft used.

Scheduled Coach Services

Intercity Coachline Services offer a wide range of scheduled services throughout the North Island departing from Auckland. www.intercitycoach.co.nz

Other local companies operate services to and from this region. Visit the Transport section on www.newzealand.com or see this region's website www.aucklandnz.com.

Many coach tours depart from Auckland on short-break trips (one to three days) to destinations such as the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua.

Ferries around the inner harbour and to the islands

Fullers Auckland www.fullers.co.nz

Operates passenger ferry services linking the central city with the North Shore and many of the islands in the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf including:

• Waiheke Island
• Great Barrier Island (seasonally)
• Rangitoto

All ferries depart from the historic Auckland Ferry Buildings located on the waterfront in the downtown area.

Sealink www.sealink.co.nz

Based at Half Moon Bay, Pakuranga (30 minutes from Auckland city) this service offers vehicle and passenger services to Waiheke Island. Vehicle and passenger services also operate from downtown Auckland to Great Barrier Island.

360 Discovery www.360discovery.co.nz

Passenger services to Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary and also to Kawau Island depart from Auckland City (Dec - Easter) and from Sandspit, 1 hour north of Auckland (all year). Also operates services to the Coromandel Peninsula.

Rail Services

To and from Auckland

The Overlander - a daily service from Auckland to Wellington from September to April and part of July. At other times, the service operates Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Journey time: 11 hours www.tranzscenic.co.nz

Around Auckland

City Rail - operates regular services Monday to Saturday, with lines running south, east and west from the city centre.

Auckland City Buses

• Bus About Pass (Stagecoach) - all-day pass; great value for visitors to Auckland. www.stagecoach.co.nz
• The Link - a bus service running both ways in a circuit around the attractions of the inner city rim. www.stagecoach.co.nz
• Auckland Explorer Bus - hop on and hop off all day sightseeing and commentary.www.explorerbus.co.nz

SECTION ONE: PAGE THREE

Things to see and do in the region

Within the city boundaries is a range of activities and attractions that can be accessed and are grouped along the following themes:

• The Islands of the Hauraki Gulf
• On the Water activities
• Outdoor/Adventure Activities
• Auckland city
  History, art and culture
  Family
  Shopping
  Wining and dining out
  Nightlife and entertainment

The islands of the Hauraki Gulf

Auckland has over 50 islands located within 70 kilometres/48 miles from the city centre. Many can be accessed by ferry departing from the downtown waterfront area in Auckland:

Rangitoto Island

A 600-year-old dormant volcano that dominates the local seascape - a visit there is like stepping into another world. The ferry company Fullers Auckland offer guided tours on the island , visitors can walk to the top independently. The guided experience includes a road train journey and 900 metre boardwalk to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf. www.fullers.co.nz

Waiheke Island

Waiheke is renowned for its unique wine industry, unique and exclusive accommodation and for the many prominent New Zealand artists who have chosen to make this island home. For more information, visit www.waihekenz.com.

Waiheke Island can be experienced as a one day trip from Auckland or alternatively visitors may wish to overnight on the Island. For independent travellers car hire is available on the Island, or alternatively the island is serviced with taxis and buses. Accommodation providers are likely to offer a pick-up service from the ferry.

Activities on Waiheke Island

• Guided tours: tours include visits to the island's wineries, art studios and stunning landscape
• Waiheke Island Craft Trail: a self-guided tour that visitors can follow to artists studios and galleries. (brochure available at the Waiheke i-SITE information centre).
• Vineyards: Lunch at one of a selection of vineyards restaurants
• Adventure: From sea kayaking to sailing and windsurfing

Tiritiri Matangi Island

An open wildlife sanctuary with many species of endangered New Zealand birds including the kiwi and takahe. For more information visit www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Great Barrier Island

The furthermost island from Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf known for unspoilt beaches, native forest and several unique plant and bird species. This island provides spectacular day walks and is also a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, bush walking and camping. As well as accessing it by ferry daily scheduled flights are available to the island. www.greatbarriernz.com

On the Water

One of the best ways to appreciate the City of Sails is on the water. Regular ferries service the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, while charter boats are available in every form from classic yachts to speed launches.

• Boat cruises: day or evening crusies available on board motor launches..
• Sailing experiences: opportunities for both beginners and experienced sailors including learn to sail courses on the city's inner harbour and one-day and overnight cruises in the outer Hauraki Gulf..
• Swimming with dolphins: tours from Auckland take passengers out to sea to learn more about dolphin and whale behaviour. Not always guaranteed but there may be opportunities to swim with dolphins.
• Kayaking: paddle tours to Rangitoto Island www.fergskayaks.co.nz

Outdoor/Adventure Activities

Within minutes from downtown Auckland visitors can find themselves an adventure or outdoor activity:

• AJ Hackett Bungy & Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb: adventurers can jump from the specially designed pod on the underside of the Auckland Harbour Bridge or can climb Auckland Harbour Bridge. A full briefing and safety lesson is included as part of the tour. www.ajhackett.com
• Skywalk 360: experience a guided walk on Sky Tower's famous pergola where participants are on a 1.2m walkway with absolutely nothing on either side except a 192m drop off. For more information, visit www.skywalk.co.nz
• Sky Tower Jump: a controlled freefall off the tower. www.skyjump.co.nz : a controlled freefall off the tower.
• Walking and hiking: there are many conservation parks surrounding downtown Auckland www.arc.govt.nz
• Coast to Coast Walkway: a unique walk joining the east and west coasts of Auckland and taking in many of the city's scenic icons. i-SITE visitor information centres in the city have brochures on the walkway
• Wilderness Experience: tours available from downtown accommodation to the west coast of Auckland. Scenic attractions include rainforest, kauri trees, birds,and unspoilt black sand beaches. www.aucklandnz.com

History, Art and Culture

Visitors to Auckland should look before the surface of the cityscape to discover the fascinating history and culture:

• Auckland War Memorial Museum: the Museum holds a fine collection of Maori taonga or treasures. Visitors can gain an insight into Maori history and culture. www.aucklandmuseum.com
• New Zealand National Maritime Museum: learn about New Zealand's maritime history. www.nzmaritime.org.nz
• MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology): a variety of artefacts from New Zealand's transportation history. www.motat.org.nz
• Howick Historical Village: a living museum which recreates the early settlement of Auckland. www.fencible.org.nz
• Auckland City Art Gallery: a comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art. www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz
• Tamaki Hikoi - Maori Guided Walk of Auckland: Guides from the local Ngati Whatua tribe re-tell ancient and sacred legends on the Tamaki Hikoi. For more information, visit www.aucklandnz.com.

Family Activities

• Auckland Zoo: Go behind the scenes with a new backstage pass called Zoom. Come face to face with some of your favourite animals. For information, visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
• Rainbows End Adventure Park: in Manukau City. New Zealand's only theme park. For more information, visit www.rainbowsend.co.nz
• Sheepworld: a farm and nature park featuring live sheep and dog shows everyday. For more information, visit www.sheepworld.co.nz/farm.htm
• Snowplanet: the only indoor snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere. www.snowplanet.co.nz

Shopping

Recommend the following popular shopping areas to your clients:

• Victoria Park Market (within walking distance of most downtown accommodation): see and buy a range of fashion and gifts. www.victoria-park-market.co.nz
• Saturday's Otara market or Sunday's Avondale markets: Experience the tastes and flavours of Auckland's large Polynesian community
• High Street: downtown Auckland's High Street offers 'Chancery Lane', featuring funky and designer label stores. Open seven days
• Ponsonby: a combination of contemporary shopping and cafe dining.
• Newmarket: visit the area with a reputation as Auckland's trendiest shopping precinct, featuring some of New Zealand's top designers. Outdoor cafes dot the sidewalk
• Parnell Village: this historic village close to the city offers boutique shopping and excellent dining

Wining and dining

Auckland’s diverse culture lends itself to being able to offer a huge range of eating out opportunities. There are several restaurant areas that visitors should know about when visiting Auckland:

Viaduct Harbour

The Viaduct Harbour has become the hub for downtown dining in Auckland City and has brought the waterfront of the City of Sails to life. Distance: Walking distance from central city hotels.

Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Slightly west of the central business district, Ponsonby has more than 60 cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from. Distance: Five minutes taxi ride.

Parnell Road, Parnell

Parnell, just east of downtown and attracts a trendy corporate crowd. Distance: Five minutes taxi ride.

Auckland has four wine areas surrounding Auckland city ideal for one-day excursions or overnight stays and offer plenty of eateries and boutique food producers on route. Visitors can either self-guide themselves or go on a guided tours.

• Matakana in the north www.matakanacoast.com. Matakana is a growing wine region with a number of boutique food producers.
• Kumeu/Rodney district in the north west. The birthplace of New Zealand’s commercial wine industry
• Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island is a unique wine experience as it has vineyards in very close proximity to the sea.
• Clevedon/Franklin in the south. Visitors can take a scenic route to this wine region - take the Manukau turnoff driving south out of Auckland and follow Redoubt Road.

Night life and entertainment

After dinner, there are plenty of options for enjoying Auckland’s nightlife. Lively bars and pubs - many of which also serve food - can be found all over the central city, while the big dance clubs are centred on Karangahape Road, known locally as K Rd.

Casino: The city’s casino is located in the Sky City complex, which also has bars, restaurants and a hotel.

Live music and theatre: can be found in large venues such as the Aotea Centre, the Bruce Mason Theatre and Sky City Theatre. The Civic Theatre in Queen St has recently been restored to its art nouveau glory. Another historic venue is The Pumphouse, an old brick water pumphouse constructed in 1894 on the edge of Lake Pupuke on the North Shore. Other smaller theatres are scattered through the central city and outer suburbs.

SECTION ONE: PAGE FOUR

Close to downtown Auckland, visitors can gain an insight into the outdoor experiences and lifestyles which have seen Auckland voted amongst the top lifestyle destinations in the world. These areas include:

West Auckland

45 minutes from downtown Auckland:

• Waitakere Ranges: the perfect environment for mountain biking or walking. The Arataki Visitor Centre in West Auckland provides information about the parks, beaches and walking tracks in the area, 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. www.arc.govt.nz
• Woodhill Forest: 4WD-motorbike adventures over isolated beaches and through pristine forests. www.4trackadventures.co.nz
• Beaches: west coast wild black sandy beaches of Piha, Muriwai and Karekare with waterfalls and native rainforest. Muriwai is also home to a gannet colony.
• Art and craft: 'Art out West' craft trail for a mix of art and craft works.
• Surfing beaches: Muriwai, Bethels, Piha and Karekare.

South-east Auckland

45 minutes from downtown Auckland:

Self-drive visitors can follow the Pacific Coast Highway to Clevedon valley, with a mix of country crafts, gardens and boutique wineries. Upmarket country-style accommodation can also be found here. From Clevedon visitors can continue on to the Coromandel Peninsula along the Pacific Coast Highway, Enroute stops could be made at Miranda where thousands of sea birds migrate each year. www.gnztr.com

North Auckland

There are a number of destinations and attractions north of Auckland that are suitable to include in a day trip from Auckland or alternatively as stopping points enroute to the Northland region. For self-drive visitors that have arrived off long-haul flights suggest some of the following towns north of Auckland as ideal first night stops.

• Gulf Harbour: a coastal settlement that focuses on golf and sailing (40mins from downtown Auckland). www.gulf-harbour.co.nz
• Orewa: a sunny township spread along the edge of a beautiful beach (30 mins from downtown Auckland).
• Waiwera Thermal Resort: hot pools or spa treatments, 35 mins from downtown Auckland. www.waiwera.co.nz
• Puhoi: famous for its selection of innovative cheese blends. Activities also include river canoes down the Puhoi River.
• Goat Island Marine Reserve: an easily accessible marine reserve close to the village of Leigh. www.doc.govt.nz
• Kawau Island: a stately Mansion House, with links to Sir George Grey (one of New Zealand's first Governors). The Island has walking tracks leading to beaches, Maori pa (village) sites and old mines. Kawau Island is only a short ferry ride from Sandspit - a one-hour drive north of Auckland, or ferries depart from downtown Auckland (summer only).
• Horse riding: Pakiri Beach riding holidays and overnight safaris. www.horseride-nz.co.nz

More Information

For more detail on Auckland region and tourism operator’s contact details, visit either www.newzealand.com (designed by Tourism New Zealand) or www.aucklandnz.com - a website designed by Tourism Auckland, the Regional Tourism Organisation that promotes the region.

SECTION TWO: PAGE ONE

Northland

www.northlandnz.com

"New Zealand's First Land" is the regional theme adopted to promote the area. The culture, history and natural maritime beauty of the region are matched with world-class recreational facilities and accommodation, including breathtakingly positioned coastal lodges.

Key Selling Points

• Heritage and culture: Northland is the location for some of the country’s most significant historical events.
• Easy access to marine and coastal experiences: numerous islands, bays and beaches.
• Unique nature: The largest and oldest Kauri* tree specimens still living today can be viewed in Northland.
• Luxury experiences: New Zealand’s premium boutique and luxury lodge accommodation.

Key Centres

• Kerikeri, producer of art and fruit
• Paihia, key tourism centre in the Bay of Islands
• Russell, the first capital of New Zealand
• Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city

Climate

Mean daily temperatures - Centigrade/Fahrenheit

Northland

SECTION TWO: PAGE TWO

Road - Self Drive

Driving distances and times to and from and around Northland.

These times are based on driving at 80 to 100 km (50 to 60 miles) per hour on open stretches of road, with a small allowance for traffic delays, petrol stops and refreshments.

Driving Routes

The Twin Coast Discovery route is a circular touring route that starts in Auckland. The route provides the structure from which to tour Northland’s west coast, east coast and the Far North.

The Twin Coast Discovery route has been themed so that visitors can take in their specific interests:

• Heritage Trail: ideal for history lovers - covers both Maori and European history.
• Art Trail: designed to lead art enthusiasts around the region.
• Golf Trail: some of New Zealand’s best golf courses are gathered together on the Twin Coast Golf Trail.
• Wine Trail: showcases the best the region has to offer and includes farm gate outlets, artisan producers, wineries, guided food experiences and restaurants.

There are many tourist drives that self-drive travelers can follow which detour off the Twin Coast Discovery Route.

Air Services

There are three domestic airports (Whangarei, Kerikeri [Bay of Islands] and Kaitaia) in Northland. Air New Zealand offers scheduled services to and from all of the airports.

Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Getting to/from Airports

Whangarei

• Located approximately 5-10 minutes from city
• Taxi cost approximately $20 - $25 into city
• Shuttle service - $15.00 first person, $5.00 second person

Kerikeri

• Located 5-10 minutes from Kerikeri and 25-30 minutes to Paihia
• Shuttle service - services to Kerikeri and Paihia. Price approximately $25 per person
• Taxi - . price to Paihia approximately $55, VIP services available $65

Kaitaia

• Located 5-10 minutes from Kaitaia
• Shuttle services and taxi services operate - approximate cost $20.00

Approximate flying times between domestic destinations

These are approximate flying times, including connection times, and will differ depending on the airline and type of aircraft used.

Scheduled coach services

Intercity Coachline Services offer a wide range of scheduled services to/from the Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Kaitaia, Dargaville..

InterCity Coachlines www.intercitycoach.co.nz

Other local companies operate services to and from this region. Visit www.newzealand.com and click on Transport or see this region's website www.northlandnz.com

SECTION TWO: PAGE THREE

Heritage and Culture

Significant historical sites and artifacts can be found throughout this region. The great Maori explorer Kupe and his people arrived in Northland over a thousand years ago and became the first people in New Zealand. With the passing of time, other races discovered the region, attracted by the temperate climate, the fertile land and the fortune making potential of kauri logging and kauri gum. It was in the Bay of Islands in 1840 that New Zealand became a nation with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Places of historical/cultural significance

• Waitangi Treaty Grounds: A must see for all visitors to Northland - visit the site where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was drafted, debated and signed in 1840.. www.waitangi.net.nz.
• Russell: an historic spot, 15 minutes ferry journey from Paihia. In the 1830s it was a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. www.russellnz.co.nz
• Cape Reinga: one of the northernmost points of New Zealand, and is a place of great spiritual importance to Maori. It is known as 'the place of leaping', and Maori believed that from here the spirits of the dead took a last rest before beginning the journey back to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiiki.
• Kerikeri: a historic town where Maori welcomed the first European missionaries in 1819 to establish the framework of New Zealand’s bicultural society. The Stone Store and Mission House at Kerikeri is an example of early New Zealand architecture. For more information, visit www.historic.org.nz go to Places to Visit.

Activities and attractions

• Culture North Treaty of Waitangi Night Show: an evening sound and light show tells the story of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi through Maori performance, live drama, sound and light. www.culturenorth.co.nz
• Taiamai Tours: tours include an experience paddling a traditional Maori canoe and an evening trip to Ngawha Mineral Pools to bath in the waters and mud. Tours depart from Paihia. www.taiamaitours.co.nz
• Footprints Waipoua: experience New Zealand’s largest kauri forest on special guided walks with local Maori. Their most compelling tour is a four hour night walk called Twilight Encounter allowing visitors to be in the forest at a unique time.. The tours are run in association with The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga in Omapere. www.omapere.co.nz See Tours
• Guided tours to Cape Reinga: many trips depart daily from Paihia and Kaitaia to Cape Reinga. Some tour commentaries include Maori legends and stories..

Recommended bases for historical and cultural experiences

• On the west side: the towns of Omapere and Opononi in Hokianga harbour are suitable bases. This area is often referred to as the Hokianga.
• On the east side: Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri would all be suitable bases with plenty of accommodation.

A marine and coastal playground

For lovers of anything aquatic Northland’s got it all: it’s the ultimate boating destination, with a huge range of charter yachts, cruises and dolphin encounters, has a good choice of diving spots, and for those wanting to experience fishing there is a large fleet of charter boats available to cater for all kinds of fishing.

Boating experiences in the Bay of Islands

Daily cruises, charter yachts, kayaks and jet boats provide for a huge choice of on the water experiences.

• Cape Brett ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise: the most popular tourist cruises in the Bay of Islands, boats journey from the wharf at Paihia out to the Hole in the Rock - a half day trip. For a different experience clients may wish to travel aboard the Excitor, a racing power boat (seats 54) that speeds out to the Hole in the Rock. For more information about the Excitor visit www.fboi.co.nz
• Dolphin adventures: several operators run dolphin discovery trips with a chance to swim with the dolphins if the situation arises (not always guaranteed).
• The Cream Trip cruise: run by Fullers Bay of Islands takes passengers onboard a boat that delivers supplies to locals scattered around the many bays in the area. www.fboi.co.nz
• Sailing: day and overnight tours or your clients can charter their own sailing boat skippered or bare-boat (clients sail themselves). Check www.northlandnz.com for operator details.

Recommended bases for boating experiences:

• Paihia is the hub for most of Northland’s boating experiences.

Diving

Remnants of ancient volcanoes and sunken ships play host to all kinds of marine species.

• HMNZS Tui and HMNZS Waikato: ex New Zealand navy ships purposely sunk to become dive wrecks. For experienced divers only.
• Rainbow Warrior: a wreck located 22-27 metres/72-89 feet deep, on a sandy bottom in clear water. Trips depart from: Paihia/Kerikeri. For experienced divers only.

Story: The Rainbow Warrior a Greenpeace boat, was the victim of a terrorism act. It was blown up when moored in Auckland in 1985. A hole 3-4 metres wide was opened below the waterline causing the vessel to sink within minutes. A crew member was killed in the incident. It was found after investigation that French Secret Service Agents, employed by the French Government were responsible for the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior. Later in the year the boat was declared unfit for further service and a decision was made to re-sink it north of the Cavalli Islands, in Northland.

• Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve: rated as one of the "World's top ten dive sites" by Jacques Cousteau, the diving here is superb, with very good visibility and marine life. The islands are bathed by a warm subtropical current, and fish include tropical species rarely found elsewhere in New Zealand waters. For divers with any level of experience.

Recommended bases for diving:

• Tutukaka and Whangarei: gateway to the world-famous Poor Knights Islands and naval ship wrecks (Tui and Waikato). Plenty of accommodation in Whangarei.
• Paihia: departure point for trips to the Rainbow Warrior.

Big-game and line fishing:

Northland is well known for game fishing. The best time for big game fishing is during January, February and March. Game fishing involves the charter of a game fishing boat and skipper. In Northland there is a large fleet of charter launches cater for all types of fishing.

Recommended bases for fishing:

• Trips can be joined from Tutukaka wharf, near Whangarei.
• Whangaroa township: go big game fishing or take a boat trip on the harbour.

Unique natural features

Kauri Coast

A large majority of the kauri trees that grow in New Zealand are located on the western side of Northland in area that is referred to as the Kauri Coast. Much of the tourism activities and attractions on this side of Northland are linked with this mighty tree.

• Waipoua Forest: home to ancient kauri trees, including 1400-year-old Tane Mahuta (the God of the Forest) and 2000-year-old Te Matua Ngahere (the Father of the Forest). Options include free walking or guided walks (see Waipoua Footprints above for guided excursions).
• The Kauri Museum, Matakohe: experience excellent working and static displays of the kauri timber and gum heritage of the area. New Zealand's largest themed museum. www.kauri-museum.com
• Trounson Kauri Park: home of the four sisters (four tree trunks from two Kauri trees) and is home to many species of native bush and birdlife, especially noted for its large Kiwi population.

SECTION THREE

January

Sculpture on the Gulf - A biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition placed on a two kilometre long public walkway on Waiheke Island. www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz

ASB Classic & Heineken Open - international men’s and women’s tennis at Stanley St Tennis Centre in Auckland. Visit www.aucklandtennis.co.nz for dates.

Auckland Anniversary Day Harbour Festival - a celebration of the "City of Sails" its anniversary, history, cultures, people and the unique harbour.

Russell Boating Club Tall Ships Race - an annual event for tall ships and classic yachts, visual spectacle for onlookers.

February

Waitangi Day (New Zealand’s National Day) - celebrations of cultural and historical significance at Waitangi, with sporting and cultural events.

March

Parnell Rose Festival - a real New Zealand event set amongst one of the country’s favourite rose gardens with craft stalls, art exhibitions, and performers.

'Round the Bays' Run - thousands of athletes set of on a "fun run" staged for Aucklanders around Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay. www.roundthebays.co.nz

Pasifika - New Zealand's largest Pacific Culture festival - food, arts, crafts, fashion and music.

Auckland Cup Week - week long horse racing carnival at Ellerslie featuring the prestigious Auckland Cup.

April

Waiheke Jazz Festival - world-renowned Jazz musicians in a weekend long festival celebrating Jazz in all its forms. www.waihekejazz.co.nz

May

International Comedy Festival - international and national comedians. www.comedyfestival.co.nz

June

Matariki - activities held in Auckland and the Bay of Islands to celebrate the traditional Maori New Year, Matariki. Visit www.matariki.net.nz for more information.

Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival - a three-day event at a variety of venues in the Bay of Islands featuring international and New Zealand performers.

September

New Zealand Fashion Week - showcases the best of New Zealand fashion. www.nzfashionweek.com

October

Coastal Classic Yacht Race - the Lindauer Coastal Classic - an annual yacht race that departs Auckland for Russell in a race up the eastern coast to the Bay of Islands.

November

NZ Golf Open - the country's premier golf tournament. www.nzgolf.org.nz

December

Christmas in the Park, Auckland - Christmas songs performed by some of New Zealand's leading talents.

Use the following skeleton itinerary suggestions to compare the one you have designed or use them as a starting point to design an itinerary. Visit the Driving Route section of www.newzealand.com or download the Trade Guide on www.northlandnz.com for other self-drive itinerary suggestions.