Make the most of your Northland Holiday
An endless choice of things to do in the Bay of Islands
Make your base at our place and explore the best of Northland at your leisure. At Te Awa Lodge, we understand that rest and recreation are relative terms. Some may prefer to relax by the pool accompanied by bird song and the flowing river. But if you wish to broaden your frontiers, the North offers a host of fantastic sights, tastes, activities and adventures.
We can advise you on all things to do Bay of Islands and take care of the bookings for you in-house. In some instances, you can be picked up from our gates. Feel free to let us know your plans and ask us any questions you may have, as we would love to help and ensure that you get the most from your vacation in this stunning part of New Zealand. Let’s start planning your unforgettable Bay of Islands adventure!
A drop of culture
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are considered the birthplace of contemporary Aotearoa, New Zealand. The breathtakingly gorgeous location, state-of-the-art museum and the historic Treaty House are absolute must-sees for both Kiwis and International guests alike.
No visit to the Bay of Islands is complete without a trip to the delightfully compact, picture-perfect seaside town of Russell, also known as Kororāreka. This is one of Aotearoa’s oldest settlements and the scene of some the most dramatic events in our history. Check out the excellent museum, wander through New Zealand’s oldest standing church and if you’re feeling fit, take a walk up to the flagstaff. Ferries leave every half hour from the Paihia Wharf.
Take a hike
Thanks to its incredible surroundings and pristine natural scenery, the Bay of Islands is a great place for walking and hiking. Take your pick, from an easy stroll to a longer walking trail or a challenging multi-day hike. There are Bay of Islands walks for every fitness level.
Te Awa is just a three-minute drive away from the beautiful Haruru Falls. You can stop to take photos at the falls or continue along the bush clad riverside walk to Waitangi, which is only about 6 kilometres one way. This hike is suitable for walkers with a moderate level of fitness.
Bike the best cycle tracks
There are forest trails aplenty for mountain bikers of all levels at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. One of our favourite things to do in the Bay of Islands is the Pou Herenga Tai/Twin Coast Cycle Trail, a gentle journey of discovery that spans the north, following a former rail route into some of Aotearoa’s early history, through small towns and ever changing back country scenery.
Play a round of more of Golf
If you are looking for an epic 18 holes where the sea meets the tee, go no further than the spectacular Waitangi Golf Course. Located just 15 minutes from Te Awa Lodge, this par 70, 5,360-meter length course provides an exciting challenge for golfers as well as incredible panoramic views of the sea, the forest, Mount Bledisloe and Russell.
See the sights and wildlife
Dolphin Cruises at Paihia Wharf is the place to be for ocean tours of the 144 Islands in the Bay of Islands. They also offer a great range of road tours including trips to Cape Reinga at the top of the country and the Kauri giants in the west.
The best way to enjoy the north’s finest vintages is to let someone else do the driving. We highly recommend the team at Total Tours. If you would like to take a fun and relaxed wine & beer tasting adventure with excellent commentary.
Take a guided journey deep into the hidden chambers of the Kawiti Caves with the descendants of the great chief Kawiti. Here in the beautiful Waiomio Valley, history and mystery collide under the vivid spectacle of glow worm constellations.
A fisherman and woman’s paradise
American writer and game fisherman Zane Grey put the Bay of Islands on the international map as a deep-sea fishing destination in the 1920s. There are a host of local captains that know where to go to get you where the fish are biting. A few fishing operators we happily recommend are Bay of Island Fishing Charters, Big Fish Bay of Islands, and Captain Darren Knapping of Days Out Fishing Charters.
The Bay of Islands from above with a scenic flight
Get above it all and see this stunning region from a spectacular angle in a helicopter or fixed wing plane. Journey to the fringes of our beautiful country with Salt Air. You can even fly with them to enjoy wine tasting at three different Far North locations, with helicopter transfers between the wineries.
Stay with us and explore the sights of Northland any way you choose.