Waikonini

By car -–

• Russell has a visitors centre; museum; Christ Church with a fascinating cemetery; Pompallier House, the site of the first Catholic bindery, now a “hands on” experience in tanning and book binding. There are also craft shops and galleries as well as restaurants and hotels and the Swordfish Club on the waterfront. Deep sea fishing boats berth at the wharf as well as the ferries crossing regularly between Russell and Paihia.

• Paihia is a bustling community across the water from Russell or a ferry trip and short drive from Opua.

• Kerikeri has a Farmers Market on Sundays from 8.30 am to 12.00 noon which sells produce from the area including olive oil, coffee, honey, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, sausages, breads, mussel fritters and other tempting treats.

• Also in Kerikeri are historical sites such as the Stone Store and Kemp House and many art galleries and orchards to visit.

• An excellent gallery and café are a drive away at the top of the Helena Bay Hill, with great views and interesting artworks.

• From the road to Rawhiti you can walk over to Whangamumu Scenic Reserve and see the remains of the historic whaling station or walk over the hill to beautiful Oke Bay for a picnic on the white sand.

By boat -

• There are many historical sites to visit such as Captain Cook’s first landing place in 1769 on Motuarohia Island; the site of the massacre of Du Fresne’s men three years later in Te Hue and the subsequent retaliation on Motorua Island; Marsden Cross where Samuel Marsden preached his first Christian service on Christmas Day in 1814.

• The frigate Canterbury has been sunk in Deep Water Cove making for exciting diving for enthusiasts.

Fishing:

• Inside the bay there are very good fishing spots off the rocks at either end of the beach and also within a short dinghy ride.

• For the more serious fisherman the waters of the Bay of Islands provide exciting sport fishing as well as relaxing family fishing. A mooring is available during your stay.