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...]
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...]
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...]
Kayaking the Kerikeri Inlet
A great way to explore Kerikeri is by kayak, on the Kerikeri Inlet - and it looks very different from the water than from the land! We launched our kayaks at Waipapa Landing - this is a good all-tide launching spot, with a concrete boat ramp, plenty of parking and also a toilet block. Map of Waipapa Landing boat ramp: The pin below shows the location of the boat ramp … [Read more...]
Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club
Did you know that sailing is a cheap and very accessible sport? I kid you not - it's true - certainly for crew. (It's a bit pricey if you're a boatowner, but you don't need to be a boat owner to sail in the Bay of Islands.) How to go sailing at Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands when you don't have a boat Kerikeri Cruising Club runs a packed schedule of sailboat races … [Read more...]
Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse
The Old Packhouse market on Saturdays is one of my top 'Must Do' things in Kerikeri. Partially undercover, it's a great place to buy yummy fresh, local, seasonal produce and also have a bite to eat. There are a good number of stalls selling food to be enjoyed on the premises: my current favourites include the mussel fritters, pies and hangi. The Old Packhouse Market … [Read more...]
