Things to do in the Area
Avalon Resort is located in the beautiful Bay of Islands, part of the “Far North”……
Kerikeri
Kerikeri is ideally placed to explore the stunning Bay of Islands and the Far North. The Bay of Islands Airport is just 5 minutes drive from Avalon Resort and the Kerikeri town centre. Kerikeri is a vibrant town, with a lot of restaurants, cafes and art and craftshops within walking distance. (Kerikeri website) From a sleepy small orchard town, Kerikeri has developed into a town that caters for the better qualities of life.
Well known for its historic places, Kerikeri also offers:
Local Art, Art and craft galleries and Art school, all present in the new Art trail, Wineries, the Chocolate factory, walking tracks, golf, and various boutiques and shops for health and body care.
Paihia & The Bay of Islands
The tourist hub of Paihia is just a 20 minute drive from Avalon where you can enjoy many of the maritime activities such as sailing, boat cruises and fishing charters. It is also the way to get to the historic and charming village of Russell, either by passenger ferry or the vehicle ferry at Opua. For a fantastic overview of the islands try a scenic helicopter flight.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is also next to the township of Paihia where you can experience Maori cultural performances and learn more of New Zealand’s history of european settlement. Kerikeri, Russell and Waitangi were all some of the earliest areas settled by europeans so the history is interesting and relevant for many visitors.
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach
From Kerikeri, it is a nice day trip to visit Ninety Mile Beach, Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the giant sand dunes. There are a number of guided trips you can do by coach, 4WD or a scenic flight/tour option. You can also self-drive right to the top but a guided tour provides a more informative and easy option is you are unfamiliar with the area.
Ask us about these various options to explore the far north get to the top of New Zealand.
Mangonui & Doubtless Bay
Mangonui is the urban centre of Doubtless Bay. It’s a natural harbour and one of the oldest ports in New Zealand. The first whaling ship arrived in Mangonui in 1792, and it soon became a bustling port of call for American whaling ships.
This quaint historic whaling village and port, Mangonui is now a popular tourist area with many boutique shops, restaurants and cafés with local art and crafts, a very popular day spa and other great activities. There are charter fishing and sailing boats available to access the dolphin watching, great fishing, snorkelling, diving and more.
Hokianga & Waipoua Forest
The Hokianga region is steeped in spectacular natural wonders and fascinating cultural heritage. The spectacular entrance features huge sand dunes and remote beaches.
On the southern tip of the Hokianga Harbour is the Waipoua Forest, the home of Tane Mahuta, the country’s largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing.
Continuing north takes in the harbour side twin towns of Omapere and Opononi, the Waiere Boulders are also a unique attraction.
Matauri Bay
Situated 30kms north of KeriKeri, Bay of Islands, Matauri Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Matauri Bay’s sheltered white sand beaches and crystal clear waters have long made this a favourite aquatic playground.
The bay provides fun for the whole family with camping, safe swimming, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, diving and jet skiing.
The sheer magnificence of the oceanic vista and the iconic Cavalli Islands will take your breath away.