Activities

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Russell
Paihia
Fishing
Canterbury Dive

 

 

Tapeka Del Mar Luxury Beach House is the perfect base to explore all the water or land based activities and attractions found in the Bay of Islands and Northland region. This is the gateway to Northland and the perfect base to explore the many unique places and activities to be found in this area. Below are some of the local options and many great day trip destinations, most no more than an hours drive

Scroll down for photos of the region's attractions

 

       Waitangi Golf Course with views to Tapeka Point on the right                                 Cape Reinga - the northern tip of New Zealand

The Waitangi golf course across the water from Russell has one of the most panoramic courses in the country and welcomes visiting players. 20 minutes further north is the world top 100 Kauri Cliffs championship golf course and retreat (refer below)

 

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Kayaking - Tapeka Del Mar have Kayaks and a dinghy for guest use. Commercial operators also provide guided coastal tours in sea kayaks

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Cruises through the Bay of Islands to the "Hole in the Rock" by slow or very fast boat (see below) All stop at the Russell wharf

Walking Tracks - a track from Tapeka leads through the bush to the Flagstaff and back down to the sea shore next to Russell. This area is frequented by Kiwi. Another winds through native forest to a secluded beach. Other excellent well sign posted heritage trails originate from Russell or simply climb the 15 min track behind the house past the Maori Pa (fortress) site and to the top of Tapeka Point and the amazing 360 degree views that await

Wineries - Omata Estate is located nearby on the road from the  Opua car ferry. The wine shop provides tasting and purchase of Omata and other fine New Zealand wines. It includes a fine restaurant with views down the vines and across the bay to Paihia. Others including Marsden Estate Winery and restaurant (lunch only), Ake Ake Vineyard and restaurant, Stonybrook Estate and Cottle Hill Winery in Kerikeri. Bishops Wood Estate just north of Kerikeri is a boutique distillery specialising in Schnapps, liquors and spirits.

Restaurants and Bars - Russell has many including the old Duke of Marlborough hotel, the swordfish club, bars, cafes, ice cream parlour, bistros, Fish & Chips, Pizza and more. 10 minutes to Paihia on the passenger ferry and there are many options within easy waling distance of the wharf.
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Historic Places - Russell Museum, NZ's oldest Church, NZ's first police station, Pompallier House and other Historic Buildings. Learn about the fascinating history from the days of whalers and when Russell was the first capital of New Zealand

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Arts and Crafts - Russell has pottery, gifts, antiques, art galleries, photo galleries and more

 Tapeka is the perfect base for surfcasting, boat or game fishing. A number of world famous game fishing charter boats operate out of Russell. The Bay of Islands game fishing club is located on the waterfront in Russell. See our Fishing page

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Yacht / Launch charters - bareboat or with skipper

  Diving - including tuition and gear rental available from Paihia Dive. Other charters are available to take out diving parties. Dive tank refills next to the wharf. Dive the Canterbury - the last of NZ's steam powered Leander class frigates in Deep Dater Cove as a diving attraction - sunk October  2007

  Dolphin Encounters - swim with the dolphins on several cruise options departing Russell wharf

  Tall Ship Sailing - day cruises on the R. Tucker Thomson
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Oyster Farm - located Orongo Bay on the road from the car ferry. Open to the public

  Public tennis courts are located near Russell town centre

  Bowls - the local bowling club welcomes visitors
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Scenic Flights / Parachuting - Salt Air operates from an airfield on the road from Paihia to Kerikeri

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Coach Tours - Russell Mini Tours depart from the wharf for an interesting tour of the highlights of the Russell area. Others leave from Paihia to Kauri forests, Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach

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Parasailing - operates from Paihia with launching from the boat

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Chocolate Factory - located in Kerikeri

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Paihia Duck - amphibious journey that starts in Paihia, crosses the bay, explores Russell and returns to Paihia via the car Ferry ramp at Opus

Day Trip Destinations many have web site links on the links page

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Urapukapuka Island /  Cape Brett - and other day boat trips and private charters departing Russell wharf

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Paihia - by car ferry or passenger ferry from Russell. More shops and attractions. See Paihia

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Waitangi - national reserve, Treaty house, Maori meeting house, war canoe and native grounds

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Haruru Falls - scenic water falls on the Kerikeri road out of Paihia

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Kerikeri - historic stone store, shopping, supermarkets, cafes, orchards, chocolate factory, wine tasting, vineyard lunch

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Steam Railway - Operates to Kawakawa near the famous restrooms during the summer months

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Giant Kauri Trees in the Dargaville forest

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Wairere Boulder Valley - Hokianga

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Glow Worm Caves near Opua on SH1 south of Kawakawa

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4 x 4 Safaris and Horse Riding - quad bike tours operate from the Kawakawa to Opua road

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Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga

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Fish and Chips - at the famous shop in Manganui

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East coast surf beaches - take Old Russell Road to the east coast surf beaches south of Cape Brett

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Whangarei - the largest city in Northland 45 minutes drive south of the car ferry. Great cafes and lots of larger shops

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Cape Brett Walk - a wonderful track (optional ECO tour guided) to the Bay of Islands entrance

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Zion Wildlife Gardens Whangarei - meet the Lion Man and take personal or group tours. NZ's answer to Australia Zoo and a must see

         

Kauri Cliffs World Top 100 Golf Course was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,125 yards/6,412 meters and offers four sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. The golf complex includes a world class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well stocked golf shop. Voted the best new golf course in the world

         
   

Tall Ships Race - held every January departing Russell and passing Tapeka Beach

  Fullers Excitor fast bay tour   Mac Attack Hole in the Rock trip
   
  Swim with the Dolphins   Whale Watching  

Paihia Duck amphibious entering the water at the Russell boat ramp

Hundertwasser Toilets    
Kawakawa's world famous Hundertwasser public toilets (restrooms) Amazing tile designs and not a straight wall to been found !   Kawiti Glow Worm Caves - Kawakawa  

Vintage steam railway operating from Kawakawa

   
90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga by coach or "Dunerider" from Paihia   Ninety Mile Beach   Cruise to the famous "Hole in the Rock" off Cape Brett at the entrance to the Bay of Islands
  Undersea Bay of Islands  
Dive the Canterbury at Deep Water Cove  

  Diving Charters from Dive HQ  

  Two in One - sky dive and snorkel dive !

View from top

 

 

Wairere Boulder Valley - Hokianga

 

Salt Air scenic flight over Roberton Island

 

Another Marlin weigh in at the Russell wharf

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  Sea Kayaking tours from Tapeka Beach

Eco walking tour to Deep Water Cove

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Manginangina Boardwalk

Hug a Kauri Tree near Dargaville

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Waka (war canoe) in Waitangi Reserve near Paihia

Maori Meeting House at Waitangi

Russell Mini Tours - informative local tour taking in all the local highlights and local history including Tapeka and Long Beach. Departs from Russell Wharf. An ideal way to get a quick familiarisation of the area

Makana Chocolate Factory - Kerikeri

Where you can sample the goods before you buy

Marsden Winery Kerikeri - great weekend wine tasting and lunch

near the Kerikeri turn off

 

Omata Estate vineyard and Restaurant near Tapeka

Just go wine tasting or book a table at the first class restaurant with commanding views down the vines and across to Paihia

Historic Stone Store Kerikeri -  north of Paihia

Haruru Falls on the Paihia Kerikeri road

 

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Opua Marina with berths available for visiting yachts Meet Craig Busche from the Lion Man TV shows and tour the expansive wildlife gardens. Just west a Whangarei. Lions, Tigers, Cats and many more animal species in their natural environment. This is no zoo

 

Tapeka Del Mar is the perfect base to explore the northern tip of New Zealand. Cape Reinga, the west coast Kauri forests and the city of Whangarei are all easy day trips from Tapeka

Links to the attractions listed above and other local activities can be found on the Links page. Attraction information is provided at the house and there is an information centre and attraction booking offices in Russell

 

"This is one place you will never get bored"

 

   

                 

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