Bay of Islands & Paihia

The Bay of Islands is Northland's headline act — warm swimming, dolphins, island-hopping and the colonial history around Waitangi and Russell. Paihia is the base for boat trips, and beach-side campsites make an easy run north from Auckland.

Days here are for the water: sailing, kayaking and lazing on the sand. It's the warmest corner of the country and busiest over the summer holidays, so plan your nights ahead.

Paihia is the base, Russell across the water is the prettier village, and the passenger ferry between them runs every twenty minutes — leave the camper parked and take the boat. Boat trips out to the Hole in the Rock and the outer islands leave from the Paihia wharf. Half an hour north, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are the most significant historical site in the country and worth half a day.