Northland & Bay of Islands
Best time to be there
Summer on the north island (December to February) is ideal for outdoor pursuits with mild temperatures and hours of sunshine. Venture to the numerous ski slopes and warm up close to a crackling fire during the winter months in June to August.
Fly to
Auckland (Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, daily)
flying time
26 hours, one stop
time difference
GMT +12 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
Classic New Zealand
Classic New Zealand highlights * Cruise Auckland harbour * Explore the town of Rotunda * Experience Maori culture on Mokoia Island Read more ...
Follow the Spirit of the Maori
Follow the Spirit of the Maori highlights * Helicopter excursion to White Island * Mokoia Island Read more ...
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From ancient forests to a coastline etched with quiet coves and white-sand beaches, Northland is a place of contrasts. It's tranquil and unhurried - a place where you can spend days sailing amidst unpopulated islands and then dine at a marina restaurant.
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations, with sheltered coves, glorious white-sand beaches and dozens of islands, all in mild tropical climate, make this the ultimate maritime playground, perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, dolphin spotting and swimming. It is also the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation; the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
The Bay of Islands includes Kerikeri where you can find the Kerikeri Mission Station, home to New Zealand's oldest standing European buildings the Stone Store and Kerikeri Mission House which were built in the first half of the 1800s. Paihia, the main tourist town, is where you can swim with dolphins or take a trip to the spectacular Cape Brett and the "Hole in the Rock" on Piercy Island.
The historic town of Russell was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand, it was also briefly the country's capital. Russell had a rowdy reputation during colonial times as the "Hell hole of the Pacific" and one of the southernmost whaling stations in the world - hard to imagine today when visiting this quaint seaside village.
Suggested Bay of Islands and Northland Accommodation
Bay of Islands Lodge
Bay of Islands Lodge sits above one of the area's few remaining un-milled coastal rainforests. Surrounded by a native bush reserve, every major room enjoys uninterrupted views...
Flagstaff Lodge & Day Spa
Flagstaff Lodge & Day Spa offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Set within the peaceful village of Russell and The Bay of Islands...
Kauri Cliffs
Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Guest Testimonial
First experience with A&K. Intended to ask various travel companies for quotes but Vicky (Agnew) was so good with her suggestions that we did not seek alternative quotations the suggested itinerary was excellent and helped us decide on a balanced and interesting holiday.
- GD, Windermere
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Kiwi Encounter
Offers the opportunity to sponsor the hatching and raising of kiwi chicks and tour the facility that is helping to increase the numbers of this beloved and endangered icon.
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