Archives for North Island category
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The largest of the inner islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island has gradually become a commutable, residential “suburb” of Auckland for those people wanting to combine the best of city and island lifestyles. Just a short 35 minute ferry ride out of the inner harbour and past Rangitoto Island, Waiheke is surprisingly close to the city.
Another attraction of the island is that it is typically 4 degrees warmer than the mainland and has less rainfall, a fact that residents are quick to point out to their city bound counterparts.
Like most of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke has an amazing array of stunning, golden sand beaches predominantly found on the northern shores. Oneroa, Onetangi and Palm Beach to name but a few all offer gorgeous stretches of sandy coastline just waiting to be stretched out on for a day of total relaxation.
But there’s more to the island than just beaches. Waiheke is home to a plethora of art and craft studios, cafes and restaurants and shops as well as a number of quality wineries.
A good idea is to hire a car, scooter or bicycle to explore the island at your leisure and stop off at some of the interesting points en route. Alternatively there are buses from the Ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay which will to take you on various tours of the island including an excellent wine tour.
Waiheke is home to an ever increasing variety of boutique vineyards. Not having the availability of extensive tracts of land, winemakers on the island have concentrated on quality rather than quantity. Often the only way to get a vintage wine is by being on the vineyard’s mailing list.
Its not just the wines that provide the attraction but also the wineries themselves. Waiheke’s pleasant climate lends itself well to spending an afternoon on the verandah or terrace of a winery overlooking the olive trees and vineyards and letting the flavours of the wine paint your thoughts.
Stonyridge Vineyard is a perfect example of such a winery and also offers self contained accommodation with panoramic views of the vineyard.
The Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant in Church Bay combines spectacular views of the Gulf with interesting architecture. The restaurant is one of several buildings on the island that is, as the name suggests, made from mud bricks. These richly coloured bricks are not fired in a kiln but baked by Waiheke’s plentiful sun. It offers quality cuisine incorporating home grown produce, a six acre vineyard and surrounding native bush are additional reasons to visit this popular Waiheke attraction.
Some of the many other the activities available on Waiheke include Kayaking, golf, and fishing. There’s also a wide range of Waiheke Island accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
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Just a short distance from Auckland lies the incredibly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a region of New Zealand which was, until recently, largely undiscovered by international visitors. Whilst The Coromandel is perhaps best known nationally for its numerous sandy beaches including Pauanui Beach and Matarangi Beach. It has much to offer those wishing to get closer to nature. Inland there are crystal clear rivers and streams, kauri forest, glow worms and an extensive range of walks in the Coromandel Ranges and Forest Park. Not to be missed is the famous Hot Water Beach, where all one has to do is dig a hole to be rewarded with the appearance of a natural ‘jacuzzi’.
For a different view of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline, board one of the many full or part day cruises from Whitianga. There are many options for fishing and diving if that’s more your thing.
The region’s beauty has been a source of inspiration for many local artists and craftspeople. Art galleries and craft trails exist here in abundance. Often, even the smallest of villages has an art studio or pottery. You’ll also find sculptures, hand blown glass and hand crafted local timber, as well as Maori crafts including carved bone, woven flax and ceramic work.
Coromandel accommodation is available though out the region, and includes a range of bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, lodges, holiday houses, and resorts.
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How often have you wished you could travel one of life’s great journeys? The Orient Express? Route 66? A safari through India, or Africa? Or perhaps better still, New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of THE great trails waiting to be discovered. From sophisticated city to tranquil seascapes where time stands still… and in between? Some of the world’s finest cuisine and wine, magnificent coastal scenery, unique flora, fauna, and a vibrant and artistic culture. All linked by 420 kilometres of smooth, lightly-used road, laced with an intriguing history.
The Pacific Coast Highway begins in the twin harboured city of Auckland, the main arrival point for international visitors. It links such regions as The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Whakatane and Eastland in the north, and Hawke’s Bay in the south, offering activities as diverse, as they are enjoyable. Whale watching and swimming with dolphins, walking on an active volcano, deep sea and fresh water fishing, scuba diving, golf, wine trails and whitewater rafting. These are just some of the many activities you can enjoy as you travel this fascinating route.
An advantage of the Pacific Coast Highway is that the journey can be whatever you would like it to be. Whether a romantic step back in time, a culinary adventure, a journey into a natural wilderness, or simply the most fun-filled vacation you’ve ever had, you can be assured of a journey you will always remember.
One thing is certain, whatever you choose to do and see, you are about to embark on one of life’s great journey’s, New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway.
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Perhaps the most identifiable of all islands in the Hauraki Gulf due to its almost symmetrical cone, is Rangitoto Island. Just a short 40 minute ferry ride from downtown, Rangitoto is unique amongst the islands due to its formation by volcanic activity which created its distinctive conical shape. The other unique feature of Rangitoto, again due to its volcanic origins, is the jagged, basalt rock surface covering much of the island. This is the remnant lava outflow from the eruptions which caused the birth of the island creating a mountain of lava rising out of the sea.
The Maori, who were believed to be present at the formation of the island, named it “Bleeding Sky” due to the stunning effects of sunrise and sunset on the ash filled sky. Although Rangitoto has a violent past scientists do not believe that it will blow again.
Incredibly, amongst the harshness of this environment, flora has adapted and today flourishes with excellent examples of Pohutukawa (New Zealand’s native “Christmas Tree”), orchids, ferns and mosses. Although not abundant, birdlife, mainly sea birds, does exist on the island with a notable colony of Black Back Gulls on the western shore.
Today Rangitoto Island is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Gulf and facilities have developed to keep pace with this popularity. Excellent walking tracks exists over much of the island although, especially on hot summer days, the climb can be challenging. The return trip to the summit takes around 2 hours.
A recent development on the island has been the introduction of a guided safari by tractor driven carriage. This trip takes some of the leg work out of the journey to the summit and allows you to enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the mainland, the city of Auckland, the North Shore, Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the outer islands in the Gulf.
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Great Barrier Island is paradise. Just a short hop away from Auckland, why stop off at Hawaii, Fiji or Tahiti en route to New Zealand - it’s all here! Miles of deserted, golden sand beaches, crystal clear water, pristine wilderness, plentiful food from the land and sea and only a handful of people to share all of this with - now that’s my idea of paradise.
Lying 90 kilometres north east of Auckland, Great Barrier Island is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and is around two hours ferry journey or 35 minutes flying time from Auckland. Auckland is the main point for departures to the island although a ferry service does operate from the Coromandel Peninsula.
Great Barrier Island was originally home to a large Maori population, however few remained after European settlers arrived to farm the land, mine gold and mill the wood of the Kauri tree. Vast tracts of land were cleared of native bush to make way for pasture and it is only today, after extensive efforts by the Department of Conservation, that the native bush is regenerating. Now over 60% of the island is under the Department’s protection.
For relaxation the Great Barrier Island is hard to beat. Seclusion, tranquility, miles of empty beaches. Many people come here to spend their entire vacation doing nothing more strenuous than reading their favourite book whilst sipping on a long, cool drink. Great Barrier is perfect for this and there are literally hundreds of spots where you can slip away to be by yourself.
The enjoyment of the natural environment can take many forms. Walking on one of the many tracks that dissect the island and take in large tracts of native bush is a popular pastime and can be undertaken either independently or with the services of a local guide. The services of a guide are especially recommended if your time is limited and you don’t want to spend it wandering around the less interesting parts of the island.
The local tour guides will show you the best spots on the island as well as impart a bit of local knowledge in the process. They are well versed in island history and I’m sure will have many stories about some of the islands more colourful past residents.
The best beaches on the island are generally found on the “outer” or eastern side facing the Pacific Ocean. Medlands, Kaitoke and Whangapoua Beaches are just three “picture-postcard” beaches, consisting of seemingly endless golden sand and crystal clear waters. Walks abound with over 100 kilometres of well maintained tracks through dense native forest, amongst native birdlife, along picturesque streams and waterfalls and around tree lined bays and inlets.
Great Barrier Island accommodation is available on the island, and includes a range of holiday houses, lodges, and motels. You will be sure to find accommodation which is suitable.
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When it’s time to discover the rest of New Zealand, many visitors head over the harbour bridge to Northland and the Bay of Islands, an historical and big game fishing centre.
Whangarei, sometimes described as the gateway to Northland, faces a picturesque, extensive harbour. There are many bushwalks and at the A.H. Reed Memorial Park, several fine stands of kauri, some up to 500 years old. Whangarei Falls, dropping 25 metres into a bush clad pool, makes an ideal picnic spot. The numerous viewing platforms provide excellent photo opportunities.
Russell in the Bay of Islands was New Zealand’s first capital and many of its Victorian buildings have been well preserved. Christ Church built in 1836 is the country’s oldest surviving church, Pompalier House was built in 1842 from mud and clay for use as a Roman Catholic mission and the recently revamped Duke of Marlborough was New Zealand’s first pub.
Paihia, a picturesque seaside resort offers good access to the many islands in the Bay of Islands. There’s a wide range of accommodation, from backpackers’ hostels and camping grounds to luxurious retreats and an almost endless choice of restaurants specialising in fresh seafood. Activities available here include windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and big game fishing as well as cruises to the islands.
The Waitangi National Reserve offers the chance to learn more about the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty between the Maori and the (British) Crown. The Treaty house is now a national museum.
Kerikeri is an ideal base for backpackers wanting to explore the far north of New Zealand. There is a good range of Kerikeri accommodation to stay at for a few nights, including shops and other services. A visit to the Stone Store is a must.
Ninety Mile Beach (actually about 90 kilometres long) doubles as a road and it’s possible to travel along its sands aboard a specially designed coach bound for Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point. According to Maori belief Cape Reinga is the departure point for spirits of the recently deceased. Here you can see where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea turbulently meet, walk to the famous lighthouse and send a postcard from the country’s northern most post box.
Having reached the northern most point there’s no need to see it all again as you head back south. Why not return to Auckland via the west coast. This part of Northland is sometimes referred to as the Kauri Coast, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it home to the country’s oldest and largest trees, but you’ll also find a number of interesting kauri buildings such as the Pouto Lighthouse. You can learn more about these giant trees and their fascinating history at the Matakohe Kauri Museum near Dargaville. Don’t miss the emerald-blue Kai Iwi Lakes and the Kaipara harbour, New Zealand’s largest.
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This town in the Bay of Islands area was once known as “the hell hole of the southwest Pacific” because of the pirates who prowled the area. Today, the looting and plundering have been replaced by game fishing (some of the world’s largest marlins have been pulled out of the bay).
Russell accommodation includes a range of Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Parks, Lodges, and Motels.
The Strand, Russell’s main street, runs north-south along the bay. In the middle of the Strand is a pier, with a Tourist Information Office and fishing tours. After stopping by for information, go south along the Strand to see the Captain Cook Museum and the Pompallier House (one of the oldest houses in New Zealand). East of the museum is Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand still pockmarked with bullet holes from the Pakeha-Maori wars of the 1830s). North of town is Flagstaff Hill, which affords a nice view. It’s also notable for having been the cause of battles. Maori chiefs chopped down the flagpole (along with its British flag) on the hill four times, upsetting the settlers. The current, fifth pole has stood since 1840. A 15-minute walk east of town brings you across the peninsula to beautiful Long Beach on Waitata Bay (the north end has a nudist beach).
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The site of New Zealand’s first European settlement, the Bay of Islands consists of 144 scattered islands. This region merits a four-day visit, spending less time here wouldn’t be doing the place justice. You will be sure to like the area’s fabulous beaches, sport fishing, scuba diving and kauri trees (they’re enormous, often growing to 120 ft/36 m). The village of Waitangi (not to be confused with the town on the Chatham Islands) has a carved Maori meeting lodge, a shipwreck museum, the world’s largest war canoe (made from the trunks of two kauri trees) and Treaty House, where the British and Maoris signed a peace treaty in 1840, creating the modern state of New Zealand.
The nearby town of Paihia has first-rate beaches and great opportunities for sea kayaking. Several villages in the vicinity can be explored. Russell and Kerikeri are two of the nicest. From Russell you can take a good tour of the northern countryside (lots of citrus and subtropical fruits). Paihia accommodation includes a range of comfortable Backpackers, Apartments, Hotels, Motels, and Bed and Breakfasts.
The island cruises are highly recommended. Take a cruise on the famous ‘Cream Trip’, which used to pick up dairy products from the island (hence the name) but now is mostly for sightseeing and mail delivery. It takes a full day but is well worth it. At the very least, take a half-day cruise, which should visit fishing grounds and the lighthouse and pass by unique rock formations.
If your schedule permits, take a day tour to Cape Reinga (the northernmost tip of North Island, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea merge). The route passes Mangonui (a picturesque fishing village) and Taipa (where, according to legend, the Polynesians first discovered New Zealand). Buses leave from Kaitaia for ‘90-mile Beach’, a vast beach preserve, smaller than its name indicates, but still impressive (private cars are not allowed). Equally impressive are the sights along the walking trail through the Te Paki Reserve. The Bay of Islands is located 195 km north of Auckland.
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Rotorua in central North Island New Zealand, is a fishermen’s paradise consisting of 11 main lakes and numerous other rivers and springs which are perfect for trout fishing. The lakes are an integral part of the Rotorua district. Even the township is built on the shores of the largest lake - Lake Rotorua. All the lakes and rivers are easily accessible by car and it’s only about a 30 minute drive from the city.
Fishing in Lake Rotorua is suitable for both beginner and experienced anglers. Many get out there to enjoy the myriad of fishing opportunities available. If you want to be completely immersed in the trout fishing experience, stay at one of Rotorua’s exclusive lakeside lodges or resorts, with the focus very much being a fishing holiday.
Professional fishing guides live in and around Lake Rotorua and are dedicated to providing an unforgettable fishing experience by personally tailoring each adventure to suit the needs of the angler. The guides will let you know about all the best fishing spots and will provide all of the gear. They may even offer the guarantee that you will not leave the lake empty handed, as Lake Rotorua would have to be one of the easiest places in New Zealand to catch a fish.
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In a country renowned for its trout fishing, the Lake Taupo region is the best of the best, and that’s saying something. This is trout heaven. At last count, around a million trout live here.
Wild trout are trout that breed naturally. Unlike most trout fisheries around the world, no artificial stocking takes place in the Lake Taupo district. The fish here don’t hatch in sheltered nursery tanks. They hatch far upstream in deep cold pools above thundering rapids. Only the strongest survive, and strong they are.
Anglers flock from around the world to fish for “rainbows” and “browns” - so big, the locals reckon when you catch one the lake level drops. A slight exaggeration maybe but most average between 2 and 3 kg and the current record is a little over 8kg (nearly 18 pounds)
Lake Taupo itself is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Millions of trout live in the lake, gorging themselves on so many fresh water crayfish (koura) their flesh turns pink like a salmon.
Lake Taupo has many rivers and streams flowing into it but the grand daddy of them all is the Tongariro at the southern end. Tongariro River trout are legendary for their condition and size. The township of Turangi on its banks modestly bills itself as “the trout fishing capital of the world” - understandable when you consider an estimated 750,000 trout swim past the town every winter to spawn.
On the Tongariro you can fly fish famous pools with such grand names as the Breakaway, Admirals, Major Jones or The Duchess (named after the Queen Mum who fished here back in the 1930s).
Other famous trout filled rivers flowing into the lake include the Waikato, Waitahanui, Tauranga Taupo and Hinemaiaia.
If your pockets are a little deeper you could also take a helicopter into one of the many back county streams and fish a stretch of crystal clear water that quite possibly has never been fished before.
But one of the beauties of Lake Taupo fishing is that you don’t need to be an expert. An almost guaranteed way for anyone to catch a trout is to hire a local guide. They know the many lakes, rivers and streams like the back of their hands and many actually guarantee you will catch a trout.
Keep in mind that you need a special licence to fish the Lake Taupo district.