New Zealand - Great places to stop on the road to the Bay of Islands

New Zealand - Great places to stop on the road to the Bay of Islands

Most people who visit New Zealand's Bay of Islands drive north out of Auckland for 3 hours, non-stop along Route 1, until they reach their destination. However, in doing so they miss out on some of the interesting sights and activities in the North Auckland area.

So, here are five places to stop off on thatjourney up to the Bay of Islands. Each is only a little way off the main route and adds no more than a couple of hours to the journey time depending on how long you wish to take.

Waipu Cove

A great place for lunch on your way up to the Bay of Islands. Take a detour off Route One along the Bream Bay coast road for a while and pass through the many small coves and hamlets that are dotted along the west coast here. Waipu Cove is a particularly lovely place for lunch with a great caf, long white sandy beach overlooking a turquoise sea and an interesting public building (changing roomsshowers for bathers) with a brightly painted mural telling the story of how Scottish settlers landed there.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

One of the most informal and easiest places to swim among marine life in New Zealand and nobody knows about it! Goat Island is just 50 metres off the beach in Leigh and the whole area is home to many species of fish as fishing has been banned for years and stocks are high. Wetsuits and snorkels are available to hire locally (and advisable as you'll want to be in the water a while to make the most of the experience). Swimming is easy as the sea is calm and only 2m deep in most places.

Leigh Sawmill

With a slightly ramshackle appearance you would be forgiven for not giving Leigh Sawmill a second glance However, it is in fact one of New Zealand's most famous gig venues and has hosted many a big act over the years. It has an awesome reputation for live music in summer months and with its own micro-brewery, and bar

estaurant attached is well worth a detour if you are a music lover.

Matakana

A small community that is fast-becoming a popular weekend haunt for Aucklanders. The surrounding vineyards are developing a growing reputation for the excellence of their wines and there is a thriving farmers market at weekends, a crafts market and a couple of excellent places to eat. There is also a great high-tech cinema.

Kawakawa

As you travel to and from the Bay of Islands be sure to stop off at the famous colourful toilets in the town of Kawakawa. Designed by Austrian architect Frederick Hundertwasser visitors (and users!) liken the experience to being inside a functional art installation. This is the only time you will be forgiven for taking pictures in a public toilet! Well worth the small detour (it's only 2 minutes off the main road) and after 3 hours driving you'll probably need to pay a visit anyway!

For more interesting New Zealand holiday ideas visit http://www.newzealandholidaytravel.com

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