Three days in the Northland

The Fullers bus trip to Cape Reinga is a must do and is the only way to go. Driving yourself would make the trip work. For those interested in history of the area, the Waitanga treaty house is a great place to visit with a video explaining some of the history which took place there. In summer, this is the resort area New Zealanders go for their beach break. There are also several other excursions by boat and bus available in Pahia which looked interesting, but we did not have the time.

Quick Tips:

If you are renting a vehicle, which we recommend, rent from a local company. We rented from "About New Zealand" and paid about 2/3 the price quoted by the internationals. Drive slowly until used to driving on the left, and be especially careful in the morning to drive on the correct side of the road!

Best Way To Get Around:

Unless you just plan to relax on the beach, you have two choices. Either rent a car or take various day and 1/2 day bus excursions offered. There is no central area to the Northland, thus if you want to see the area, transportation is needed. A rental car is the best way to see this area.

Above price is in $NZ. This was a split level suite with a nice view of the gardens outside. We had a full bathroom (with tub). The room was clean and was stocked with tea and coffee. A small fridge was in the room. Breakfast was not included but was available if desired. The location is one block from the beach and about a dozen good restaurants. The desk clerk was very helpful in assisting us book our bus trip to Cape Reinga and in giving us information about other sites in the area. Excellent location if you plan on spending time on the beach.

The location is across the street from the main beach in Pahia and thus if you have a seat with a view, the view is gorgeous. The building itself was previously a residence which has been made into two restaurants. There is a bistro on the main floor and Only Seafood is upstairs on the second floor. (better view) The restaurant does not accept reservations so you take your chances if there during the busy season (Dec. -- Feb) Not a big risk though as there are a half-dozen decent restaurants in the area. The attitude of the restaurant is casual including the decor, furniture, and the staff. Staff was friendly and efficient. The only real reason to go however is the food. Sushi and raw fish salads are available as well as a selection of about 8 to 10 entrees, almost all seafood. I had scallops with bacon served in a puff pastry and my spouse had their fish of the day special (hacupah) served with rice and a salad. The price quoted above is in US dollars. In NZ $s between $20 - $30. Credit cards are accepted. It was a pleasant dining experience with good food, but did not have anything special that would necessarily say we just have to go back there again.

This is a full day (12 hour) trip which includes a hot lunch and several stops en route. We have a bus driver and a Maori guide who obviously have made the trip often together. Their banter and information made the trip more interesting. Our first stop was at a Maori Marae, which is a sacred building in a Maori village. Our driver explained the welcoming procedures which the elders put us through and we all learned a little Maori culture. Warning - if you are in the country you will find various activities include one of these visits. The first one is interesting, the second time, not as interesting. Soft drinks were served before we got back on the bus.

Our next stop was at the Wagoner Museum, a small museum of antique items such as pianos, telephone systems and Kauri wood furniture and polished Kauri gum. Also, the original family home is now a heritage house and can be toured. Ticket is included in your bus package for the museum and the house. We also had lunch here.

On to Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea at the Northern tip of the island. The waters are travelling in opposite directions until they meet and their is continuous white water at that spot. Their is a lighthouse at the point as well as a signpost telling you where you are from various points in the world. Great photo opportunities here. Next we drove down to a creek bed and in the creek bed for a mile or so to Ninety mile beach. (actually about 60 miles long) After a short trip we came to a series of large sand dunes and stopped. Our driver and guide got down snow boards and we slid down the dunes. The bus then drives down along the edge of the beach for sixty miles before turning in and making our way back to our starting point. We stop a couple of times on the beach for photo ops and to stretch. Personal vehicles are not allowed on the beach so this is the only way to make the trip.

The estate is over 1200 acres and seems to be like the Vatican in Rome as it is controlled by the Maori people. The treaty house is the building where the federation of Maori chiefs signed their treaty with the British government. Included on the site is a large war canoe that would hold 100 warriors and another about 1/2 that size. Apparently it is put in the water on Fe. 6th of each year in an annual ceremony. The treaty house was the former residence of governor James Busby and was used for the formal signing. There were large reproductions of the treaty written in both Maori and English. There is still some questions being argued about the treaty today. Apparently, it didn't say the same thing in Maori as it did in English. There is also a large Maori meeting house on the grounds. The grounds are immaculately and beautifully maintained. Large flower gardens surround the treaty house. There is a film offered in the entry building to inform you of the history of the place. Well worth an hour or two of your time. Cost was $9 NZ per person.

Keri Keri is a small town of about 5000 people. The down town area is mostly on the main drag and their are various shops of interest and small unique restaurants. While in Kerkeri we visited the Rewa Village at a cost of $2.50NZ per person. It is worth the price, but not a lot more. It is a replica of a maori village. You walk along a pathway and see about a dozen huts. The huts are in a forested area and dozens of different types of native plant life are exhibited. Kerikeri also offers Riverboat cruises and a few other places which may be of interest to tourists. A nice clean small town where it would be easy to spend a pleasant and worthwhile day