Northland, New Zealand where teachers invite you to holiday by swapping homes or staying a night or two on your next vacation. Northland New Zealand... what can we say, but come and see for yourself.
Often you will see New Zealand advertised as the Pacific Island with beautiful snowy mountains and scenery. In Northland you will have to think again...No snow, no mountains, temperatures seldom lower than 12C° in winter. Here you will find glorious beaches with hardly anyone to share them with, clean clear water for sea kayaking, fishing, swimming and all the water sports and virgin forests that are fully protected and yet you can still walk into them!

Day trips around Northland

Waipoua Forest | Sea kayaking in the Bay of Islands | Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach | Kerikeri|Whangarei

Seakayaking in the Bay of Islands
The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed.

It’s an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. Every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell.Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it’s impossible to escape the lure of the sea.There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach.
If you love being part of nature and want to enjoy this martime resort we recommend you join a small group seakayaking for 3,6 or 10 day adventures!
New Zealand Sea Kayak Adventures , who have been leading exciting and memorable sea kayaking tours for paddlers of all abilities and interests since 1986. Their attention to detail,whether it is meals, care of the environment, instruction in paddling and safety skills are all backed by many years of experience.

Recent teacherstravelweb members staying with us spent 3 days with New Zealand Sea Kayak Adventures and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They even had a hot dinner and delicious dessert delivered to their tent when the rain came down! Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett
The 10 day tour departs from Paihia in the Bay of Islands through all seven of the major islands as well as out to the ends of two unforgetable peninsulas, Cape Wiwiki and Cape Brett. Three separate camp sites are established as you explore your way from one end of the Bay to the other, and then return to Paihia.
Protected kayaking amongst the closely spaced islands, exhilirating paddling through the Hole in the Rock, sea caves for those interested in an extra challenge, the variety is there for you to enjoy.
Also offered are tours along the outer coast north of the Bay of Islands. Exploring the Cavalli Islands and Whangaroa harbour are among the highlights

If you are over 50 and like the idea of paddling with your age group peers on a relaxed agenda with lots of stops for beach combing and walks to scenic lookouts, and then pampering yourself in the comfort of a beach cabin and civilised amenities then you will want the 5 day Master's Kayak Tour

During May to November, the offseason in New zealand customized tours mean a private trip of any duration, for an individual or group of any size can be arranged.

To find out more visit the website of New Zealand Sea Kayak Adventures here or email them at nzakayak@clear.net.nz

Kerikeri
The township and environs of Kerikeri glory in the production of fruit and art. Kerikeri is 3 hours from Auckland, and only 20 minutes from the Bay of Islands resort.All along the side of the road, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. And every so often you’ll see a sign that indicates the presence of a potter, painter, leadlight artist or sculptor. Follow the art and craft trail and you’ll get to know some of the
artisans. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities, including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafes and restaurants.

Historical highlights of Kerikeri include Kemp House, the country’s oldest house built by John Butler in 1822. The Stone Store followed and by 1836 was in use as the mission store. These wonderful buildings, together with the replica Maori village Rewa’s village, on the opposite bank are regarded as the “Cradle of the Nation” and are a must for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.

Within minutes by car or an hour’s walk from the Basin carpark through an easy bush track beside the river , is the 27 metre Rainbow Falls. Thirty minutes away by car lies the Puketi Forest, an ideal place to tramp and view kauri trees.

Cape Reinga and 90 mile Beach

The Far North boasts the most northern award winning vineyard in New Zealand, one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, the worlds biggest snapper surf-fishing contest and tours to Cape Reinga. The Far North is also rich in Maori and European history.

To the North is the Aupouri Peninsula, home of Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, North Cape, the Three Kings and three magnificent harbours; Parengarenga Harbour, Houhora Harbour and Rangaunu harbour.

The Far North is the home of fishing. Try the thrill of deep sea fishing from both the east and the west coast. Take on the famous 90 Mile Beach, one of the most famous surfcasting beaches in the world. With north, east and west facing coastlines, the weather is always good for fishing or simply dig your toes into the sand taking a peaceful walk on one of the beautiful beaches. Some of the northern beaches are clothed in sparkling white silica sand.

The Far North can be reached by car - a four to five hour drive from Auckland, by air - Air NZ Link flies daily to Kaitaia, or by coach - a daily express service is available to and from Auckland. Several companies offer a day tour out of the Bay of Islands and Kerikeri to Cape Reinga. One part of the journey is along the 90 mile beach which is a spectacular experience! The coaches leave every day from the Bay of Islands at approximately 7.30am returning just after 6 pm Some companies add a visit to a maori marae (meeting place) as part of the experience, and a stop at a forest park.

Whangarei
A 2 hour drive or short flight from Auckland, the city sits at the western end of a large, harbour. In and around the houses and buildings are pockets of native bush and beautifully landscaped parks.

Translated from Maori, Whangarei means “cherished harbour”. It certainly is cherished – by the keen fisherman and sailors who use the town basin marina as a base for their expeditions, by the surfers who can put themselves on a drop-dead-gorgeous surf beach within half an hour, and by TTW member Cindy who loves to swim, kayak and surf along its shores.

If you have a car there’s plenty of opportunity for exploration. After the Whangarei Falls, meander your way through stone wall country at Glenbervie before reaching the coastal settlements of Ngunguru and Tutukaka. The stone walls were built by early Dalmation and European settlers. Stop for lunch at a café before continuing on to the fabulous beaches of Matapouri and Whale Bay.

Another scenic drive can be found to the south. Drive to the historic township of Waipu, full to the brim with Scottish heritage, then follow the coast to Waipu Cove, Langs Beach and Mangawhai Heads. All the way you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Hen and Chickens Islands and an endless parade of perfect waves breaking on clean white sand.

Waipoua Forest:

Just over three hours drive north of Auckland on State Highway 12, or 1 hour by car from the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri, or Whangarei ,the giant kauri of the Waipoua Kauri Forest act as sentinels for the undiscovered jewel of Northland's west coast, the historic Hokianga Harbour.
Well maintained tracks give access to the well known tree giants like the 1400 year old Kauri named,"Tane Mahuta" and 2000 year old kauri tree, "Te Matua Ngahere" Other forest walks include Yakas Track, Lookout walk and the Waiotemarama Kauri and waterfall walks. Then discover several fabulous coastal walks, including the Signal Station walk with awesome sand dune views.