The Paihia to Opua walk is a really lovely way to take in the sights of the Bay of Islands. It is…read morea coastal walk that goes from the beach in Paihia and follows along the coastline to Opua. From Opua you can catch a taxi back to Paihia or a Ferry to carry on the walk to Russell. The walk is not too strenuous and has plenty of opportunities to stop for a quick dip. You'll walk through some house's back yards and b/c the track is maintained locally it isn't always clearly marked but you can't really get lost off the track either. We parked at Stockyard bay b/c the tide was high and couldn't start it from Paihia beach. Beautiful and free, just like all the great things in NZ.

What a great way to spend a day out on the water! Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures takes you…read moreout on the water for about 6 hours exploring the Bay of Islands and they are actually licensed to interact with the wild dolphins. For only $120 per person ( from Paihia docks), you board this family run business catamaran and sail out to sea. At lunch time, they drop anchor at one of the islands where you can swim, hike, snorkel or just relax. A BBQ lunch is served on board and then you return to the docks. Tours begin around 9:30 and return to the dock at 3:30. There are only about 20 people on board and the staff goes out of their way to make you more knowledgeable about not only the area, but also the wildlife that you see along the way. On the day I went, the Dolphins were not cooperating so we didn't get to swim with them but that is more the exception than the norm. We did see a shark ( didn't swim with THAT!), a penguin and a variety of local birds. But I have it on good authority that they see Dolphins about 95% of the time and that you actually get into the water with wild Dolphins! How cool is that?? You do need to be a good swimmer if you plan to swim with the Dolphins so you are asked about your swimming level when you board and on some paperwork you fill out. Also, bring a range of clothing as the weather changes quickly out there. For sure you will need a swim suit, towel, sunblock, and a warm jacket like a windbreaker. A hat is probably a good idea too although the winds are strong so being one that stays on your head! All in all a great way to spend the day when you are in the Bay of Islands!

We would highly recommend Carino Sailing. Even though the morning weather did not promise a good…read more5-6 hour sail, Captain Vanessa's knowledge of the Bay of Islands along with her sailing experience, our day turned out to be quite memorable! There was only only one dolphin sited that day and only by our boat! Vanessa and her crew, Rhonda and Phil did a great job making us feel welcome spending the time to sit and casually chat. They were a wealth of information about the bay and its islands along with the marine and bird life. After stopping at bay midway through our sail and short hike, we were treated to delicious bbq lunch. All in all it was a great time making our first trip to New Zealand extra special. Mahalo Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures! Ken & Carolyn, Maui

The location and view are absolutely unsurpassed. Balcony opened right onto the beach, fully…read moreequipped everything in the suite, really a fully equipped apartment with 2bd/2ba, full kitchen and laundry, etc. Because we stayed for NYE (mister's birthday) and into early January, we got the last 'room,' but my god....location. Unreal. Just freaking unreal. Gorgeous weather all the time, gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, and perfect location to walk throughout Paihia and to the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi. It was spendy, but an experience we'll never forget. Completely gorgeous. Only 2 reasons I can't give this a fifth star, because everything else was dreamy: 1. Second worst bed I've ever had the misfortune to sleep on. The same thing is all over tripadvisor for this place, and they are not wrong. As cozy and restful as a tatami on a slab of hot concrete. For the love of all the world's bursitis, stop upgrading the towel heaters and GET PROPER MATTRESSES. 2. Front desk attendant was a bit lackadaisical with the instructions on getting into the underground parking. "Waving the fob in front of the white plate" is a touch vague. No white plate, and fob just laughed at us as I waved it frantically in front of everything on the wall. Panic set in as a handful of little zippy cars pulled in behind me on the downward slope. Into a locked grate. That wouldn't open. Few things I dislike more than inconveniencing strangers, and thankfully a staffer hopped out of his truck and punched a code into the tiny keypad, but not until I tried to back up a bit and scraped the fender of my tiny absolutely brand new rental against the barrier not 3" from the driver's door. Ugh. Other front desk attendant apologized later as the panel/fob things were not always working right, unlike the lady working when it happened, who offered a cheerful 'Sorry!' Thankfully the whole trip made up for that unfortunate first day scrape, and the view and calm of the place led us to wave off the fender after a few days. Kayaking around the islands, swimming and being lazy, sauntering into town, a terrific tex-Mexico cafe around done corner.... No trade off for the location of this place. Seriously, this was an incredible spot for a vacation and Paihia is completely gorgeous.

Auckland is spoilt for choice when it comes to great beaches, but some days you feel like leaving…read morethe city and going on a little adventure. Mangawhai is a great option. Only one hour north of Auckland, it is perfect for a day trip, weekend or long weekend away. From the moment you enter Mangawhai you feel instantly relaxed - the whole place oozes the beach vibe. Mangawhai beach is a very popular beach and for good reason. The sea is a lovely teal colour, there is great surf and the sand is soft and white. It is pretty large too, so there is plenty of space no matter how hot the day is. The sea can get a bit rough but there is generally always a calm spot for the kiddies somewhere. It is a cool place with rocks to explore and whatnot. Parking can be a bit tricky on really busy days, but give the surf club a go because you might get lucky. Even if it is super stormy, it is a cool beach to walk along and watch the crazy people kite surfing of surfing the waves. There is a great fish and chip shop nearby too, so grab some post a beach day out to top off your very Kiwi day. And awesome place to go for the day, and the drive is nice too!

This place is over the top amazing!! Can I just move in here permanently? Please?…read more I recently stayed at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and was blown away by the luxury that surrounded me during my stay. First of all, this location, while it seems way out there, is only a 4 hour drive from Auckland. Its location is a bit hidden so look for the discrete signs along the way. Once you announce yourself at the front gate, the gates swing open and you find yourself driving through beautiful farmland with the Bay of Islands coming up on the horizon. By the time you get to the main house, someone will be out on the sweeping porch to greet you and bring you inside. A glass of bubbly is handed to you as you are escorted out to the back porch to see the beautiful vistas and to be told about all the Lodge has to offer. Finally, you are escorted to one of only 22 rooms (more like little cottages) that are placed along a wooded path that is oh so private and a portent of wonderful things to come! As I pulled open the door of my cottage, I felt instantly relaxed. On the left was a spacious bathroom with a huge windowed tub, large shower and two sinks stocked with plush towels on warming bars and plenty of scented bath and body products. To my right, a large walk in closet with tons of hangars, a safe and drawer space rivaling that which I have at home. There is also a complimentary bar area that is stocked with food for your enjoyment. Beer and soda are free, you only pay for wine and alcohol. And then the main room. A beautiful King bed piled high with plush linens. A gas fireplace with chairs surrounding it and warm throws for those chilly nights. And a beautiful porch with chaises for just relaxing and taking in the beautiful vista beyond. I think I was in heaven! And while cell service is spotty at best, the Internet worked great and kept me in touch with the outside world. Meals are included in your room rate with 3 meals prepared by an excellent chef as well as daily cocktails and canapés served at 6pm each day allowing you to meet the other guests at the Lodge. While this is primarily a golf resort ( rated in the top 100 golf courses in the world) there is also a spa, an outdoor pool and lounge area as well as 3 gorgeous beaches to picnic on , ride horses, or just to swim and enjoy the great weather. A couple of shout outs have to go to some of the incredible staff members that I met during my stay. To Tanya at the front desk, your smile and enthusiasm and warm welcome made every day I saw you a little more special. Thanks for always having the "buggy" ready to go! And to Jack and Michael in the restaurant, I thank you for always keeping my wine glass full of the best wine and my plate filled with amazing food. You three staffers alone are worth a return visit! Of course all of this comes at a steep price but with meals included and the beauty of the place it is well worth every penny! Wonderful resort, with great staff and top end service all the way. I'll ask again. . . . .can I just move in permanently?