TRIP 2 Whangārei to Paihia Kororipo Heritage Park LEFT: Buying seafood, Bay of Islands BOTH © Northland Tourism
TRIP 2
Head off to
Bay of Islands
SIDE TRIP
Whangārei to Hikurangi via SH 1 23min, 23.7km Whangārei to Tutukākā loop towards the coast to Tutukākā, then Matapōuri, then to the main route at Hikurangi 1hr 13min, 62.7km
SIDE TRIP
Hikurangi to Kawakawa Inland via Hukerenui and Kawiti Glow Worm Caves in Waiomio 30min, 38.6km Kawakawa to Russell via Waikare Rd, Russell Forest and Waikare Inlet 53min, 40.5km or by ferry via Ōpua 47min, 21.7km
Kawakawa to Paihia via the port of Ōpua 20min, 16.8km
W
hether you’re staying in Whangārei for a few days or passing through on your way further north, a detour from the city centre out to the east coast is essential. Be warned: spectacular views and beaches designed for walking, swimming and relaxed picnics may slow your progress. Once you leave the coast and swing inland for the trip up to the Bay of Islands, the landscape changes. Farmland, forests and a scattering of small towns dot the route, along with intriguing historic sites. Stop in Kawakawa for a stroll among the shops and a visit to the famous Hundertwasser-inspired public toilets before taking the last 16km to Paihia, where the scenery changes again – and dramatically. Welcome to the Bay of Islands.
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