A1 Motel

BIG trees

by margaretvn

On your way up from Auckland to The Bay of Islands do take time to visit the Giant Kauri trees at Waipoua Forest in Northland. The "God of the Forest" is reached by an easy 5 minute walk from the parking area. It is called Tane Mahuta by the Maori's. It is 51 metres tall and has a girth of 14 metres. It is estimated to be 1,500 years old.
At the parking area is a caravan where a lady serves tea and coffee and lovely biscuits to refresh you during the trip!
There is also a Kauri Museum at Dargaville. This museum shows the role these huge trees have played in NZ history. It is the Matakohe Kauri Museum.

the highway...

by dragontml

Te-Oneroa-o-Tohe, 'the long beach of Tohe', arches in a magnificent unbroken stretch of white sand for some 103 kilometres (64 miles), from west of Kaitaia almost to Cape Maria Van Diemen. The beach features in the enchanting Maori legend of the spirits, which fascinates visitors to Cape Reinga.

Yes, the bus goes on the 90 mile beach. quite an interesting ride and we had a chance to get down to have a view.

Paihia

by stevezero

Our stay at Paihia was at the delightful Bay Kabinz. Here we rented a fully furnished cedar log cabin, set on a hillside, with a beautiful view over the Bay of Islands

"Paihia"

Paihia, 240 km North of Auckland, was an early missionary centre and site New Zealand's first church, made of reeds. It's stone replacement, the church of St Paul is still used for worship. The town is a popular holiday centre with many attractions.

"church of St Paul"