Stay in a peaceful B&B north of Auckland and unwind …..

For many, Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with a multi-cultural population of more than a million people. Surrounded by expansive parklands and water, accessible to beaches and forests, adventure sports and leisure activities, Auckland offers something for everyone.

Auckland sprawls for 30 miles/48 km over the narrow isthmus that separates its two harbours – the Waitemata to the east and the Manukau to the west. Auckland offers both sheltered and rugged surf beaches, a harbor scattered with islands, large farm-like parks, reserves and bush-clad ranges and a skyline clearly showing the remains of many of the 48 extinct volcanoes on which Auckland was built.

However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little more peaceful to stay within 45 minutes of the hustle and bustle of downtown Auckland (on  good day) our B&B north of Auckland might be the answer. We are easy travelling distance from the airport and many of our international guest stay with us either a the beginning or the end of their New Zealand holiday. They love the peace, quite and chance to relax and unwind.

Auckland to Mahurangi West

At the beginning of your journey, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland.

Driving north, you’ll pass through Orewa, then Hatfield’s Beach before coming across Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village. Over the hil for another 5 kms or so, you’ll see the turnoff to Mahurangi Regoinal park on your right hand side. A futher 5kms down that beautully scenic road, you’ll come to our quiet B&B north of Auckland where you’ll be our only guests.

But where to from Mahurangi West?

Going north from the Matakana Coast, the Bay of Islands has much to offer. However, try not to restrict yourselves to the Bay of Islands alone.

A drive through the Dome Forest will lead you into the rural service town of Wellsford. From here you can take a side trip to Pakiri – a great beach for surfing and horse treks. Kaiwaka is the next town on the map. At this point consider an eastern detour past the spectacular beaches of Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove.

For example the Whangarei Heads and Tutukaka Coast have stunning, less visited scenery, as well as the entrance to the Poor Knights Islands. From our B&B Whangarei is about 1 1/2 hour’s drive.

On your way north stop at the Waipoua Forest and gaze at the magnificent, ancient kauri trees. Matakohe Museum is not to be missed, with its wonderful depiction of early settlement around Northland, focusing on the Kauri gum and timber trade.

Upon arriving in the bay of Islands, perhaps spend 2 – 3 nights staying put in one spot, with Russell being a favourite place for accommodation for me. Northland and the Far North have more incredible scenery that is unlike the Bay of Islands.Further north, Cape Karikari beyond Doubtless Bay is well worth exploring when visiting Cape Reinga and the Hokianga harbour (both north and south) is awesome.