Bay of Islands

We picked up our Jucy van in Auckland and drove 275km north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The drive was very scenic with very hilly country, sweeping beaches and rocky headlands. We stopped at Orewa Beach for lunch and supplies.
The little HiAce van struggled with the hills at times but was easy to drive. We used the Campermate app to find the Seaview Campervan Park in Paihia but at $50 a night it was pretty bad.
Next day we drove the short distance to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We didn't have time to do the tour but enjoyed a coffee and scone instead. Then it was on to a 3 hour tour of the Bay of Plenty and the Hole in the Rock. What a wonderful trip. We had a comfortable boat, good skipper, clear commentary and amazing scenery.
Overnight was at the Waitangi Holiday Park, basic but clean and comfortable at $42.Read more