The Kaipara District ended up surprising us in the best possible way. For years, it had mostly been somewhere we drove through on the way north or heading back toward Auckland. This time though, we slowed down, stayed longer, and finally experienced the area properly. What we found was a region full of quiet coastal […]
Kaipara District: Kauri Forests, Harbour Life & Hidden Coastal Roads Read More »
There is something different about the Far North. The pace softens, the roads become quieter, and life begins to revolve around tides, weather, fishing and the coastline. Te Tai Tokerau is not a place that feels rushed. It feels lived in. Rooted. Connected to both land and sea in a way that is hard to
Exploring Te Tai Tokerau: The Far North of Aotearoa – New Zealand Read More »
The Karikari Peninsula in Te Tai Tokerau – Northland feels wonderfully removed from the busier parts of Aotearoa – New Zealand. Long stretches of coastline, quiet settlements, sheltered bays, and slow beach days shape the rhythm out here. It is the kind of place where plans soften quickly and the ocean naturally becomes the centre
Karikari Peninsula: Coastal Calm in the Far North of Aotearoa – New Zealand Read More »
Doubtless Bay is one of those places in Te Tai Tokerau – Northland that quietly pulls people in. Stretching across a series of small coastal settlements including Mangōnui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipā and Hihi, the region is known for calm beaches, fishing spots, coastal walks and a slower pace of life that feels deeply
Doubtless Bay: Coastal Towns, Fishing Spots & Relaxed Travel in Northland Read More »
The Hokianga Harbour feels different from anywhere else in Aotearoa – New Zealand. The roads become slower, the towns feel quieter and the harbour itself shapes almost every part of life here. Fishing boats move with the tides, locals gather along wharves at sunset, and the small settlements scattered around the harbour still feel deeply
Exploring the Hokianga Harbour: Soulful Coastal Towns in Te Tai Tokerau Read More »
If you’re exploring beyond Kerikeri, this coastal loop is a great way to see a quieter part of Northland without overthinking it. There are a couple of ways to drive it, depending on how you want to break up your stay. The full loop starts by turning off at Matauri Bay Road before you reach
Coastal Loop from Matauri Bay to Whangaroa Harbour Read More »
Kerikeri was one of those places we didn’t overthink. We had a loose plan to get out for a walk and see a few spots around town and just let the day unfold from there. The weather wasn’t playing ball, but it still turned into a really good stop. 🌿 Rainbow Falls Walk We had
Kerikeri: River Walks, History & Easy Stops Read More »
We based ourselves in Paihia for a week and used it as our hub to explore around Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands. Easy to get around, plenty to see and a good mix of quick stops and places to slow down. Kawakawa State Highway 1 runs straight through Kawakawa and most people pass right through
Our Time in the Bay of Islands: Real Travel Experience NZ Read More »
Ngatea isn’t somewhere we stay but it’s somewhere we always stop. If you’re heading through this part of the country, it’s one of those places that just makes life on the road easier. What we did For us, Ngatea is all about resetting. We’ll pull in, stretch the legs, top up supplies and tick off
Ngatea: A Handy Stop That Just Makes Travel Easier Read More »
Kaiaua is one of those places we keep coming back to. No matter where we’re heading, we’ll usually find a reason to divert through here. It’s easy, relaxed and just works for the way we travel. What we did We pulled into our usual spot, a Park Over Property just before Kaiaua near Waharau Regional
Kaiaua: One of Our Go-To Coastal Stops Read More »