Auckland - New Zealand - Rugby - Accommodation and Rugby Matches

Things to Do

• Bay of Islands Maritime Park.  One of New Zealand's most beautiful areas, encompassing 144 islands and offering world-class fishing and diving, and a range of scenic cruises and wildlife tours.
• Hole in the Rock.  This impressive natural rock arch can be visited by boat from Paihia.
• Waitangi National Trust (ph 09 402 7437)Enjoying beautiful views of the bay, the 506ha Waitangi Reserve is home to the Treaty House, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.There is also a Maori meeting house and a carved waka (war canoe).
• Swimming with the Dolphins.  Experience the thrill of swimming with bottle-nosed and common dolphins, which frequent the bay year-round.
• Fishing. The NZ Big Game Fishing Nationals are held in the Bay of Islands during February, with catches including marlin, shark and kingfish.
• Kerikeri Arts and Crafts Trail.  A circuit of artisans in and around Kerikeri from potters to chocolate and wine makers.
• Kemp House, Kerikeri.  Once part of a missionary post, New Zealand's oldest European building was built between 1821-22.
• The Stone Store, Kerikeri.  Set in the scenic Kerikeri Basin, New Zealand's oldest European stone building houses a shop and small museum.
• Kerikeri or Rainbow Falls.  Surrounded by native bush, the 20km high Rainbow Falls can be reached via a short track from Waipapa Rd.
• Haruru Falls.  Just 4km west of Paihia, this spectacular cascade falls in a rare horseshoe shape.
• Russell.  Once known as the 'hellhole of the South Pacific', today Russell is a quaint fishing village and a base for deep sea fishing trips. Popular attractions include Christ's Church and Pompallier House.
• Long Beach.  Russell's sandy beach is a popular destination for fishing and swimming during the summer.
• Christ's Church.  Built in 1836, this is the country's oldest surviving church. Its facade shows sign of bullet holes dating from conflicts between local Maori and European settlers.
• Pompallier House.  New Zealand's oldest surviving Roman Catholic building.