Pawhaoa Bay Lodge , Whangaruru Harbour, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Suggested Itinerary ONE - Travel by road to see the Scenic Attractions of the Bay of Islands.

Depart Pawhaoa after an early breakfast, drive 45 minutes to Russell via the spectacular coastal scenic road with magnificent views over deserted pristine white sandy beaches, rocky coves and the tourquoise blue waters of the Pacific ocean.

Having arrived in Russell drive to the top of Flag Staff Hill, for a 360 ° panoramic view of the Bay of Islands and the town of Russell. Drive back down into Russell, park and explore this pretty historic town by foot, taking in the oldest wooden church in NZ (complete with bullet holes (from earlier turbulent times), Pompellier House (French Catholic Mission House), and the Russell Museum with the first printing press in NZ. Have morning tea on one of the many water front cafes while watching the boats coming and going.

From Russell drive back to the Opua car Ferry (this is a drive on car ferry which goes every 10minutes and takes 10 minutes to cross to Opua ) - get a return ticket -aprox NZ$20.

From Opua head towards Paihia , but follow the signs to Kawakawa to visit the unique and world famous Hunderwasser Ceramic and Glass sculpted toilets in the main street. These are public toilets so you can view them (and use them) at no cost. Hunderwasser moved to NZ in the last 15 years of his life and fell in love with NZ , Kataia and it's people. This was his “gift” to a town who had embraced him.

From Kawakawa head north to Kerikeri (45 minutes drive). This is another delightful town situated in the middle of fertile groves of citrus orchards, avocado farms, and vineyards renowned for it's food and wine. Visit the old Stone Store (oldest stone building in NZ) and lunch at one of the several vineyards . We recommend Marsden Vineyard on the road towards Kerikeri airport less than 10 minutes from the centre of town. There are many award winning cafes in the Kerikeri area.

After lunch take the road back to Paihia , turn left just before you get to Paihia at the roundabout and head to Waitangi, across the wooden bridge, and 5 more minutes.

Visit Waitangi (Scene of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, birth of NZ) and view the Maori war canoe, Meeting House and first Governers House all beautifully restored and watch the interactive display at the centre. This is a must for anyone interested in NZ and Maori History

Return through Paihia to Opua, cross on the ferry and drive back towards Russell, but turn left onto Old Russell Road (the road you came in on earlier in the morning from Pawhaoa).

Look out for the turn off onto the alternative route back to Bland Bay (sign posted Whangarei via Old Russell Road & Twin Bole Kauri ).

This road is a narrow windy rough gravel road but very scenic and pretty, taking you through mature virgin native forest . Stop and view the Twin Bole Kauri (sign posted , 50 metres walk off the road)

Carry onto the end of the metal road and turn left at the junction where the road meets the tarseal again (we have a Pawhaoa Bay Lodge sign at this junction).