New Zealand’s a long way from anywhere, so when you’re coming to New Zealand for your holidays you’ll no doubt have high expectations and hoping for a fabulous time. New Zealand’s a wonderful place, but I remember when I first arrived in 2003 there were a few weird quirks that had me scratching my head. To save you from some of this confusion, here are my insider tips for … [Read more...]
Eat: Getting fruity in Kerikeri
The Bay of Islands is blessed with a climate (and soil) that makes it a wonderful area for growing produce. Kerikeri, in particular, is known as a horticultural area, with numerous kiwi fruit, mandarin and orange orchards. Kerikeri fruit is delicious! Home gardening is popular here too - it's the perfect place for it, after all! On our own property, we have over 50 fruit … [Read more...]
Bay of Islands transport: How to get to (and around) the Bay of Islands
How to get to the Bay of Islands: your transport options Car Most people get to the Bay of Islands by car (or campervan). If there are good driving conditions on State Highway 1, here are indicative travel times from Auckland Harbour Bridge: 3 hours to Paihia 3 1/4 hours to Kerikeri 3 1/2 hours to Russell. However, there are often hold ups, so it is wise to … [Read more...]
Paradise for dogs: Roland’s Wood dog park in Kerikeri
As beautiful as it is in the Bay of Islands, it's not so easy exploring it with your dog because dogs are banned from so many places. However, here's one beautiful place that both you and your dog will enjoy: Roland's Wood, which is just outside Kerikeri. What is Roland's Wood? Roland's Wood is a 4 hectare (10 acre) piece of land that was gifted by local man, Roland … [Read more...]
NZ food: What are feijoas?
Have you seen this green fruit for sale in the Bay of Islands and wondered what it is? No, it's not a naked kiwi fruit ?; it's a feijoa (pronounced: FEE-joer). ? So what are feijoas? Although fiejoas originally come from South America, New Zealanders have embraced them as their own. Feijoas (Acca sellowiana) are popular in home gardens throughout New Zealand, and are … [Read more...]
The Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce
The Bay of Islands Farmers' Market is the original growers' market in the area. You'll find it in the car park outside the Post Office, off Hobson Avenue in Kerikeri. (It's just across the road from Cathay Cinemas.) The market is there every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8.30am to 12 noon. (There's also a market run by the same organisers in Paihia, on the Village Green, on … [Read more...]
Kayaking in Paihia, Bay of Islands
Kayaking in Paihia is a very tranquil way to experience the Bay of Islands: just you (and maybe a friend) on the kayak, away from the busy crowds. Best of all, there are a number of different options available: you can either hire a kayak on the beach and paddle around; you can go on a kayak tour; or you can bring your own kayak and launch it (there are a number of … [Read more...]
Kerikeri beaches: where are they?
When friends come and stay, they often ask, "Where are the beaches like in Kerikeri?" Or: "What are the beaches in Kerikeri like?" Um, there aren't any beaches in central Kerikeri: although the town has a waterfront location, and yes it's a part of the Bay of Islands, the setting is a tidal inlet rather than beaches. In other words, a number of rivers and streams … [Read more...]
Bay of Islands weather: what to expect
The Bay of Islands weather is described as being sub-tropical: that generally means warm and humid summers, and heavy rainfall (with high humidity) in winter. The “winterless north” it is not! Northland and Bay of Islands weather is often described as being the “winterless north” – whoever came up with that, I don’t know, because it isn’t quite true! Although we don’t get … [Read more...]
3 must-bring items for your vacation in the Bay of Islands
These are the things I can’t live without, as a resident in the Bay of Islands! I’d highly recommend you bring these 3 items on holiday with you (or be prepared to buy them here in the Bay of Islands): 1. Wet weather jacket I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it rains a lot in the Bay of Islands, all year round. I remember on my first visit, I was even in tears … [Read more...]
