Comments on: The Bay of Islands

By: Wandering Steph

Wandering Steph — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:45:25 +0000

I spent nearly three months living and working in Paihia a few years back, over the holidays and high tourist season. The lack of options does get old–especially since the nearest bookstores and movie theaters are in Whangarei!–but still a phenomenal place to spend some time, working and chilling. The joke during holiday time is that you’ll never be waited on by a kiwi, but by one of the plethora of Argentinians, Canadians, Germans or one of the very few Americans (like me). Is it a international experience? Definitely. Will you feel like you’ve “seen” New Zealand? Not necesarily.
It’s a great place where you can have a New Years Eve you won’t remember, or take an hour’s walk that runs you through the sea shore, farmland, a wooded hike, and a brilliant waterfall.
I wouldn’t say it’s an essential stop if your time in NZ is limited, but if time is on your side, definitely head up for a spell.

By: Genevieve

Genevieve — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:03:46 +0000

Akaroa, Banks Peninsula “Swimming With Dolphins”. Go there, the litttel Hector’s dolphins: endangered, smallest dolphins in the world, very accessible and curious, like smoke in the water and they smile right at you. Get out of the NI and head south, better island, more beautiful place, fewer people. Try Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki if you like Taupo so much. They will utterly blow your mind.

Cheers,
Genevieve, in Auckland right now.

By: lakshmi

lakshmi — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:08:46 +0000

Swimming with the dolphins is showcased as one of the to-dos..many times tourists come to Indian beaches and ask specifically for dolphins…been to NZ many many years ago..was literally counting sheep then

By: Ric Garrido

Ric Garrido — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:32:03 +0000

I posted an album of photos from Bay of Islands on my Loyalty Traveler Facebook page a few weeks ago. Several pictures from Paihia and Russell.
I was there in August 2005.

I could have stayed there for weeks. Then again, the stars were enough nightlife for me.

Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:10:04 +0000

Thanks for the tips and lowdown on The Bay of Islands. I’ll be in Auckland in Feb, spending a few days there with my aunt & uncle and am looking into trips I can do from my “home” base.
I’m still laughing at the idea of the dolphins getting some of the extra money. It does seem rather ridiculous to tack the additional fee on.

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:10:35 +0000

The Sharks have a huge protection racket!

By: Wendy-Escape NY

Wendy-Escape NY — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:46:57 +0000

Looks very appealing especially since it bitter, evil cold in NYC right now.

By: Aaron Happytime Bradford

Aaron Happytime Bradford — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:21:24 +0000

Ha I love the idea that the dolphins are taking a cut of the cash… I wonder what they would buy if it was the case?? Maybe a human walking tour?

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:46:22 +0000

Nice to hear your take on the Bay of Islands. I didn’t venture north of Auckland. Interested to see how you’re finding Kiwi Experience – I’ve always shied away from bus tours. Hopefully it’s sunnier up north than it is on the West Coast!