Bay of Islands | New Zealand

Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Kerikeri (the home of Heliops Heliport) was home ground for the fearsome Hongi Hika, a Maori chief who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Yet he was kind to missionaries - allowing Samuel Marsden to establish New Zealand's second mission station here.

Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwi fruit and avocados. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans. Visit the wineries, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafés, indulge in delicious handmade chocolates or locally made macadamia liqueur. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafés and restaurants.

Bay of Islands...World Destination

Secluded pohutukawa-fringed bays, cosmopolitan marinas and anchorages with full chandlery, lively cafes and bars fill the coastal run from Auckland to Northland. For New Zealand boaties, the whole region is a boating and fishing mecca with areas like the Bay of Islands holding iconic status.

Each year from late December until June, Marlin and other billfish swarm here in their thousands. Yellowfin are taken from December to March, sharks from November to May and yellowtail kingfish all year round. The number of fish and different species are internationally renowned.

And beneath the waters lie many other attractions. Some of the world’s top and most easily accessed dive and snorkeling sites exist in Northland. Spectacular reefs, walls, pinnacles, archways and tunnels provide a unique marine habitat not seen anywhere else in the world. Magnificent mixtures of subtropical and temperate marine species inhabit the local reefs, with great wreckdives on sunken warships and the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior. The warm waters of Northland make this New Zealand’s natural playground.

What better way to see the sights from the Bay of Islands right up to Cape Reinga than on a Heliops Scenic Flight.

For more information on the Bay of Islands such as activities, accommodation, entertainment and dining out visit: www.northlandnz.com and view their interactive map of Northland, from Auckland to Cape Reinga, New Zealand View Map.

Paihia - Jewel of the Bay of Islands

With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches Paihia is a good place to be based for your Bay of Islands water activities. Paihia is the place of friendly locals, happy cafés and people enjoying life. Whether it is swimming with delightful dolphins, taking in a spot of retail therapy or just lazing under a tree, Paihia is the place for it.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Birthplace of New Zealand

Just a short drive from Kerikeri is Waitangi Treaty Grounds, truly one of New Zealand's most historic sites, being the place where both Maori and European joined in signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty House is located amongst a vast peaceful estate which includes a fully carved Maori Meeting House, one of the largest Maori War Canoes and a Visitor Centre and Gallery. The estate is a must see for any visitor interested in New Zealand's history and culture. Visit www.waitangi.net.nz