A holiday in the Bay of Islands is a relaxing and rewarding way of exploring New Zealand’s hidden hideaways. A picturesque drive from Auckland on the twin coast discovery route brings you to New Zealand’s premier seaside resort – the Bay of Islands, with pristine green islands studded throughout its crystal blue waters.
Aptly named by Captain Cook, the Bay of Islands has been adored by generations for its stunning setting. With 144 islands it offers superb sailing, diving and game fishing, and chances to swim with dolphins. It’s so laidback here that no one will question if you simply choose to stretch out on one of Northland’s sandy beaches.
Cruise through big game fishing waters to the Cape Brett lighthouse and the fabulous ‘Hole in the Rock’ aboard a luxury high speed catamaran or experience an amazing day sailing on New Zealand’s fastest commercial catamaran, where you’ll have plenty of time for kayaking, snorkeling or simply enjoying a cool kiwi wine.
Swimming with dolphins in their world is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ll encounter dolphins, whales, sea birds, penguins and other wildlife as expert guides ensure you get the most from your adventure. Take a fun trip on a giant 4WD along ninety mile beach and take the chance to swim and relax on a broad sandy beach. Maybe you’d enjoy a thrilling boogie board ride down the massive sand dunes?
But it’s not all about what’s on the water in the Bay of Islands. A number of picturesque communities contribute to a thriving art and crafts industry with several trails linking vibrant artisan communities and museums celebrating the Maori and early European heritage, and farms and homestays giving fascinating insights into the Northland lifestyle.
Amid the colonial history in the Kawakawa Township you'll find the only building in the Southern hemisphere designed by Austrian artist, Frederick Hundertwasser and the last of his buildings before he died in 1999. Even more curious, it's the public toilet.
Bay of Islands fun facts
The Bay of Islands is in a broader region of NZ known as Northland
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway runs only on Friday to Sunday
The first European to visit the area was Captain James Cook, who also gave its name
A wedding in Paradise - Rarotonga (Cook Islands)
Thursday 14th February 2008
Travel Counsellor: Skye Bennett
Kia Orana,
It has been a passion of mine to organise destination weddings and honeymoons for my friends, family and clients. I was always quite in awe of the beautiful places around the world you could get married. It wasn't until I decided to organise my own wedding/honeymoon in the Cook Islands did I understand the serenity of having a destination wedding.
I chose the beautiful Cook Islands for two reasons. Firstly because I hadn't been there and two, it always seemed to me uninhabited - in a sense it wasn't touristy. So I thought, what a perfect location to get married and have a relaxing honeymoon. It certainly exceeded my expectations.
Flying into Rarotonga, was surreal. We landed about midnight and to greet us was a local man playing his little guitar. We all got "leis" as we left the airport to go to our resort where we were going to get married in 5 days time. The resort “Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa” was amazing and we got upgraded to a beach front villa which was... view full story
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