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NORTHLANDS The area immediately to the North of Auckland is known as Northlands. In our opinion you should allow several days to fully cover Northlands, you will not be disappointed. Because of the warm and frequently hot climate it lacks the snow slopes of the South but holds great historical interest as the cradle of European settlement, it also boasts countless sandy beaches and bays, clear water and good scenery. The two main roads from Auckland to the North heading off via the Auckland Bridge are the Hwys A1 and A12. The A12 takes you via Dargaville and the Northlands Conservation Park (South and North). If you want to fully cover this area you can stop over at Whangarei known as “the Northlands Best kept secret”. However if on the outward journey you would prefer to proceed from Auckland direct to Paihia on the Hwy A1 you can make the return journey from Ahipara to Auckland via the Rawene Ferry and Dargaville. Perhaps you might consider a day trip (up early/ home late!) from Auckland to the Whangarei area via the Kauri Forest as follows. Taking the Hwy A1 from Auckland pass through Warkworth and in approx 48 Km - 30 Miles turn left onto the A12 at Brynderwyn and follow this road to Dargaville . Continue on the A12 and pass through the Waipoua Kauri Forest area (within the Northland Conservation Area) and stop off to view “Tane Mahuta”, God of Forest – over 51 metres tall. This is about 84 Kms or 60 miles . Continue on the A12 for 60 kms – 37 miles and join Hwy A.1 for the 75 km - 46 mile journey to Whangarei. “Whangarei Harbour” is a delightful spot where after exploring the town and locality you can take a drive to overlook the harbour. Take the A15 from Whangarei and look for an unclassified side road into Marsden or One Tree Point to witness the beauty of Whangarei Heads and Bream Bay. Re-join the A1 or continue on this minor road to Ruakaka where, if time permits, you can stop off to visit New Zealand’s only Oil refinery and see the interesting scale model display before re-joining the Hwy A1 and continuing back to Auckland. This section is around 180 Kms – 112 miles. The round trip is approx 450 Kms – 281 miles which allowing for sightseeing/photo’s/comfort stops and lunch will take you around 11/12 hours……….. A long day. Auckland to Paihai. (149 Miles – Driving time 4 hours, 30 mins allowing for two 20 minute “comfort station” stop offs.) Take Hwy.A1 - Auckland Bridge and head out of the City. Continue on Hwy 1 and after 35 miles at Warkworth. The visitors Centre is in Baxter Street and they will point you in the direction of Mahurangi Honey Centre which is in Perry Road. There you will find the largest Bee Observatory in the World (we believe) where you can watch tens of thousands of bees hard at work making honey. There are some interesting gifts in the gift shop and naturally there is a café.
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Out and About Elsewhere |
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Another stop off is around Whangarei some 68 miles further on (see separate section for Whangarei highlights). After passing through Whangarei you might wish to consider a coastal detour to see Sandy Bay to view from a distance Poor Knight Island. A very pretty area. You leave Whangarei on A1 then take a right towards Glenbervie and continue past Kiripaka, Ngungura, Tutukaka, Matapouri to Wooleys Bay. You can get back to the A1 via Waipaipai and Marua but be warned THIS WAS a metalled unsealed road! The final leisurely final stage to Paihia (70 miles) on the A1 /A11 should take you approx an hour and a half. Paihia (Bay of Islands) is only a short drive away from Waitangi where a visit to the Treaty Grounds is educational, you can also photograph a genuine preserved War Canoe and amaze at it’s length. Waitangi also houses Kelly Tarlton’s famous “Tui” museum of shipwrecks and if you are into Kayaks, Coastal Kayakers— Tel: 09-402 8105—offer half or full day tours of the Mangrove forest and Hururu Falls. They were based opposite the tall ship “Waitangi”. The next day, the less adventurous can take an all weather boat trip which departs Paihia daily at 10.00 am and returns at 4pm (remember to take your own picnic lunch) for “ the Cream Trip and Hole in the Rock” . You cruise through the natural beauty and peacefulness of Bay of Islands and on some trips Dolphins and other wild life can be sighted. The Hole in the Rock through which you pass and Cathedral Cave will doubtless be the highlights of this trip. You will also find Bird Island fascinating and the Skipper will stop over at one of the islands to allow you to stretch your legs. It is not necessary to proceed further North by car as you may take a coach from Paihia to cover the famous ninety mile beach and Cape Reinga area. Being so close to the famous beach you can enjoy the area to the full. The local booked day excursions are less expensive than those from Paihia. “Wood Crafts” can be purchased from the factory at Kaitaia which is the cheapest in New Zealand. Splendid Maori and other Wood Crafts cost less then the price charged at the main tourist spots elsewhere. If you decide to stay in Ahipara/Kaitaia proceed back to Auckland by either Hwy A1 via Kaitaia (202 Miles) or if you prefer to visit the Waipura Kauri Forest then from Ahipara take the inner road via Manukau, Herekina. Aworoa, Te Karea, Kohukohu. Cross on the Ferry to Rawene and drive a short distance to Omanaia to link up with Hwy A12 towards Dargaville . Useful Sites Fullers Bay of Islands Dune Rider—90 Mile Beach 90 Mile Beach Tours by Coach All about Nelson A touch of Whangarei Dargaville South Island It would be folly not to mention, other than Queenstown and Fiordland other interesting spots on the South Island, but time and space has to be taken into consideration but a mention of the following will wet the appetite for this delightful area of New Zealand. The ABEL TASMAN & MARLBOROUGH SOUND region is delightful. Cruise around the Abel Tasman Peninsula with Abel Tasman Enterprises from Kaiteriteri /Motueka departing around 8.30am and returning at 2.30pm approx. This trip is undertaken by a fast sea catamaran ferry boat which is also used to deliver goods and newspapers to places en-route. Some Passengers will disembark at various points and other embark. You will remain onboard and are advised to take food with you. You will marvel at the skill of the Captain and crew. Deliveries and passenger transfers are made using a towed inflatable fast speed LAUNCH, which is handled superbly in all types of weather conditions. On this Cruise you can expect to see lots of marine life, dolphins, seals and maybe even a whale. The peninsular is not accessible by car so everyone arrives by boat and then walks the National Park area. Similar type cruises can be taken from Nelson and Havelock. For information on Dunedin , Timaru and Invercargill — Visit their websites by clicking on the names below. TIMARU— Is worth a visit perhaps after leaving Dunedin and having seen the famous Muraki Boulders en-route you can stop off before heading off to Lake Tekapo or Christchurch. Places of Interest include the Aigantighe Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden; You can watch a blacksmith demonstration at the port or unwind on Shakespeare Walk at the Botanic Gardens; Perhaps a visit to the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden on Caroline Bay or the South Canterbury Museum or just tour the Brewery and sample the excellent local Brew.
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Around the North and the South Islands |
