Page 51 - Flipbook

weekenders BAY oF ISLANDS, NZ
A yacht moors at roberton Island.
With the warmest water in New Zealand and the friendliest dolphin species (Bottlenose), the Bay of Islands is the best place to experience swimming with dolphins.
Besides the dolphins, there is an abundance of other birdlife including Blue Penguins, Gannets, Grey Warblers, Tui, Pukeko and the New Zealand Dotterel. You can also visit the Poor Knights Islands which Jacques Cousteau rated as amongst the very best diving spots in the world. There you will get the chance to see a variety of marine wildlife including manta rays and killer whales.
There are over 100 great dive sites in the Bay of Islands region, with shipwrecks, coral and rocky coastlines to dive around. Big Game fishing at the Bay of Islands is as good as it gets, with marlin, snapper and kingfish fishing available.
Play a game of golf at Waitangi National Reserve on the 18 hole course that takes in spectacular elevated views. The region also offers many tracks where you can go hiking, mountain biking or horse riding.
STAY
ExCHANGE OR RENT
7 nights from AU$589/NZ$639
Club Paihia 1374
As well as the breathtaking views Club Paihia has every amenity and service
to pamper and please. Enjoy multiple swimming pools, spa pools, sauna, fitness centre, a gymnasium, tennis courts, super- sized outdoor chess sets, barbecues and a bushwalking track. Take time to relax in the library or play a game of pool and enjoy delicious meals in Club Paihia’s
own restaurant.
Busby Manor 1479
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway then Busby Manor is the place for you. Located on the beachfront it offers accommodation for families as well as couples wanting to relax.
The Bishop Selwyn 3966
The Bishop Selwyn is the perfect place
for that idyllic holiday and is an easy walk to everything Pahia has to offer. Situated on a prime site overlooking the town,
The Bishop Selwyn is within easy walking distance to the beach, many boutique stores of the town of Paihia and a selection of excellent restaurants.
For additional resort listings, visit RCI.com or call 1300 368 800 AU or 0800 368 800 NZ
EAT
weekenders BAY oF ISLANDS, NZ
The Waitangi Golf Course
_____
Gannets Restaurant T: +64 9403 7990. Russell Corner Of Chapel & York St, Russell. Gannets is the best spot for seafood in the Bay of Islands. Watch the chefs prepare dinner in an open kitchen and relax with a glass of wine. Try the homemade breads and dips and treat yourself to some of the great local wines from around the Bay.
35 South Aquarium and Restaurant Bar
T: +64 9402 6220.
69 Marsden Rd, Paihia.
35 South has a 60,000 litre saltwater aquarium filled with local fish. The restaurant specialises in delicious fresh seafood and supreme service. Beautifully situated over the water in the centre of Paihia, 35 South has spectacular views
of the Bay of Islands. Dine inside the restaurant around the aquarium or alfresco on seaside decks. A great Paihia venue 35 South offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. open 7 days from early till late. www.35south.co.nz/
Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant
T: +64 9407 8230.
Rd 3 165 Waimate North Rd, Kerikeri.
Dining at Ake Ake is an excellent way to sample the best The Bay of Islands has to offer, whilst being perfectly complemented by Ake Ake’s fabulous award winning wines. The restaurant uses fresh local produce
in their lunch and dinner menus that
are wholesome and full of flavour. Many ingredients are sourced locally including wild mushrooms, fresh vegetables, meats and seafood.
akeakevineyard.co.nz/
T: +64 9402 8207.
Tau Henare Dr, Paihia, Northland.
With its well groomed greens and fairways the Waitangi Golf Course provides an exciting challenge, combined with a great panorama of views over the Bay of Islands and russell as well as Waitangi, opua and Mount Bledisloe. The course is surrounded by flowering native trees, which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. www.waitangigolf.co.nz/
EXPLORE
____________
The Russell Museum T: +64 9403 7701.
2 York St, Russell.
The museum tells the story of the development of russell/Kororareka from a small Maori fishing village to a port of call for visiting ships and today’s tourist town. See the one-fifth scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour and the Maori taonga including a small waka (canoe). Open every day January (10am - 5pm) and February - December (10am - 4pm) www.russellmuseum.org.nz
Kerikeri Half Day Tour - Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands T: +64 9402 7422. Uncover the history of the picturesque settlement of Kerikeri. Discover some of Kerikeri’s best keep secrets in this popular afternoon tour. Adults $55 www.newzealand.com/au
Hokianga & Tane Mahuta Day Tour -
Fullers GreatSights T: +64 9402 7422. Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of the Hokianga. visit Tane Mahuta and learn local stories and legends. A unique and authentic insight into early Maori history. Adults $100 www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours
Bay of Islands Day Tour + Dolphin Watching Cruise T: 0800 744 487
or outside NZ +64 9583 5790.
Explore the Bay of Islands with a full day coach tour departing Auckland combined with a Fullers GreatSights $208 www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours
RELAX
________
Makana Confections T: +64 9407 6800. 504 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri.
Check out some of New Zealand’s finest chocolate and confectionery at this boutique chocolate factory in Kerikeri. Watch how chocolates are made, taste
a few samples and shop for delicious chocolates. Makana specialises in quality handmade confectionery, all made with the freshest natural ingredients. www.makana.co.nz/
ENDLESS HoLIDAY 49