Bay of Islands
Especially the region around Kerikeri has a lot of citrus orchards and during the season you can buy oranges from many stalls along the road. You'll find some more than 140 Islands around the Bay.
Kerikeri
A good place to refill the fridge if you are travelling with your own kitchen. After all there are nice Cafes and a fine bakery.
Waitangi - birthplace of the nation
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 between Maori and the British Crown.
Some of the things to see at the Treaty Grounds:
The Treaty House, built for the first British resident, James Busby and his family.
Te Whare Ruanga, a Maori Meeting House, which is representative of all Iwi (Maori tribes) in New Zealand.
Ngatoki Matawhaoura, an Maori war canoe, powered by 80 paddlers.
The flagstaff marks the place where New Zealand's founding document was signed.
There is an audio visual show about the history of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands.
Paihia
At the southern end of the town Kings Road is popular for backpackers. Internet cafés and a laundromat, restaurants and cafés.
The Visitor Centre is located at the wharf. From here you can book a cruise to the Hole in the Rock or take the passenger ferry to Russel. Note that there is no ferry for cars.
Pahia - Opua Track
2,5 hours - one way
Start: southern end of Paihia Beach
A costal track with views over the Bay towards Russel.
Haruru Falls
The fall is located 3 km from Paihia. "Haruru" means big noise.
Kawakawa - famous Hundertwasser Toilets
If you'll take the car ferry from Opua to Russel and continue on the old Russel Road to Oakura, you maybe consider visiting Kawakawa before leaving.
Kawakawa on the junction of SH 1 and SH11 has a history of ups and downs. 1865 coal was discovered and the city became the main centre with hotels, shops and banks. A fire destroyed the town completely in 1899. The people rebuilt the city along the railwaytrack but after 1913 the coal mines closed and the Kawakawa declined. In the 1920's the situation improved as a dairy factory and a freezing works were built in nearby Morewa. Between 1980 and the 1990's the town struggled again because the dairy factory closed and the freezing works was down-sized.
Back again in 1999 as the Austrian artist Hundertwasser designed the famous public toilets which are the major tourist attraction today.
Opua
The car ferry to Okiato Point on the Russel Peninsula leaves from here to the 5 min trip which saves plenty of time on your way to Russel.
If you want to do a sailing trip or visit the 'Hole in a Rock' you can book tours here.
Russel
You can arrive by car ferry from Opua or passenger ferry from Pahia.
The road to Russel across the peninsula is long and winding but you'll be compensated with great views and plenty of beaches if you won't take the ferry twice.
Well preserved buildings are lined up along the water and on the main road. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel has the oldest licence to serve alkohol in New Zealand.
The DOC Visitor Centre shows an audiovisual presentation about the area.
Russel Museum
2 York St
The recently restored museum has a 1:5 replica of James Cook's Endeavour.
Flagstaff Hill Walk
30 minutes return
Start: half way up Wellington Street
At low tide you can also start at the boat ramp of the Strand.
