Whangarei to Kawakawa (45 mins)

Head North towards the Bay of Islands on SH1. See Driving Tour 1 for more information on Kawakawa & Paihia.

Kawakawa 1.5 hour quad bike rides depart 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm daily.

Kawakawa to Russell (via car ferry 25 mins)

10 mins drive north of Kawakawa on SH11 turn right to Opua Marina and the car ferry to Russell. The ferry goes every 10-15 minutes so drive down the hill and wait in line. Make sure you have cash with you as they do not accept card payments. There is a cafe at the wharf for a quick coffee if you have time between ferries. The journey across takes about 5 minutes and you drive another 10 mins to get to Russell village.  Omata Estate Vineyard is located on the left 1/2 way between the ferry and Russell village.

Russell is the historic capital of New Zealand. There are several buildings of note including Pompellier House, New Zealand's first church and the old school masters lodgings. The museum is worth a visit and there are several craft shops and cafes to spend time in whilst you are in town. Russell is ideal for strolling around as it is a small flat beachside village with plenty of restored historic buildings and points of interest for tourists. 

Most Bay of Islands boat trips pick up from Russell wharf. You can sail, cruise or kayak around the bay.  Regular passenger ferries travel between Russell and Paihia - you can pay $5 (One Way) onboard. 

There is a panoramic view over the Bay of Islands from Flagstaff Hill (at the far end of town) and beaches on the other side which present a more rugged, dramatic coastline than the sheltered bay of Russell village.

Bay of Islands Boat Trips

High Speed Boat Ride across the Bay to "Hole in the Rock". 1.5 hours. Departs 8:15am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm daily (summer).

Dolphin Watching & Swim with Dolphins cruise. 4 hours. Departs 8am & 12.15pm daily. 

Cape Brett/Hole in the Rock Cruise: including Hole in the Rock & Urupukapuka Island for $70. 9am-1pm daily.

Tall Ship Sailing adventure. 10am-4pm daily. Explore the Bay for $120 including lunch.  

On The Edge Catamaran Sailing Experience Explore the Bay for $140 including lunch.  10am-4pm daily.

Russell to Helena Bay (via Old Russell Road 90 mins)

Retracing your steps, drive back out of town until you reach Russell Road on your left. If you pass Orongo Bay Holiday Park you have gone too far. Follow the road through countryside then along dramatic, isolated coastline past the small seaside communities of Whangaruru, Oakura and Helena Bay. This is a scenic route with plenty of bends in the road so is not for the squeamish car traveller. There are several safe stop-off points on the side of the road for photos and picnics but not many amenities so bring along a bottle of water and a snack. After the Helena Bay turn off follow the road up hill until you reach Helena Bay Cafe & Gallery. This is open from 10am-5pm daily in summer. There are lovely views over the coast from the outside deck plus a wide selection of quality local art.

Looking for Accommodation in Russell? 

Helena Bay to Whangarei (30 mins)

The road continues up the hill through native bush and farmland until you reach SH1. Turn left towards Whangarei. 

For travellers staying at Lupton Lodge, don't forget to turn right off SH1 towards Kamo/Whangarei Falls. Take Station road (left at the lights) followed by left at the T-Junction onto Ngunguru Rd.

If you still have plenty of time detour via the Tutukaka Coast (reverse direction) on your return. Turn left at Hikurangi, then left at School Rd.

When you venture off the main highways in New Zealand it pays to have a detailed road map.