Whangarei To Russell Weekend Roadie

Step into a galactic spectacle just off SH1 from Waiomio, where standing in the Kawiti Caves feels like standing under an earth-side Milky Way. There are so many spots in New Zealand where you can experience the magic of glowworm caves, but this one is pretty unique, being family-owned and operated since they opened to the public in the 1950s. Discovered and established by Te Tawai Kawiti, great-grandson of the famous Māori Chief Kawiti, his descendents have hosted thousands of visitors since, including a rather huge celebrity endorsement through Bill Gates. Not a bad claim to fame, right? For a fraction of the price of many other cavernous attractions in NZ, with just as much buzzy bug glow, this 30 minute tour should definitely be on your hit list.

Russell, or Kororāreka as it was previously known, is one of the most historically significant locations in New Zealand, being the first site of permanent European settlement and the country’s first seaport. Prior to Pākehā arrival, it was home to various Maori tribes, making it an important point of interaction, trade and, ultimately, conflict. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be able to see why settlers chose to make camp at this spot. Greener-than-green native forest, bluer-than-blue waters, and sprinkles of golden sand and red pohutukawa, Russell is a rainbow of colour, with the beautifully preserved 19th century buildings adding an extra layer of charm. The perfect base for a Bay of Islands holiday, you’ll wish you were staying weeks on end. So make the most of your afternoon in Russell by going for a swim, hiring some kayaks, exploring the heritage, and sitting on the balcony of a local bar imagining what it might have looked like 200 years earlier. Maybe only slightly different.

For exceptional dining in Russell, you can’t go past the Duke of Marlborough, a New Zealand institution which acquired the country’s first ever liquor licence. Established in 1827 by ex-convict Johnny Johnson, the land the hotel and restaurant sits on was one of the first land sales to a European in New Zealand, with the hotel itself playing an important role in turning around the perception of Russell as the ‘hellhole of the South Pacific.’ No, we’re not joking, that was actually what this paradise was once known as. Pretty hard to believe today, right? With an epic view to match the epic historical facts, and a menu that blows both out of the water (Sichuan Peppered Calamari or Mustard Crusted Bacon Hock, anyone?), the Duke is the kind of place to put on your dining bucket list, and tick off time and time again.

And the best news? While you wine and dine at the Duke of Marlborough, your accommodation is right above your head. Perfect for many reasons, not least of which being the fact that you can sneak away to bed whenever you start to get sleepy. Or that you can stay as late as you want without having to worry about how to get to your accommodation. Whichever reason you choose, it goes without saying that the Duke is absolute premium accommodation, especially the waterfront rooms which let you wake up to the views of the oh-so gram-worthy Bay of Islands. Best of all, they are accommodating for EV drivers. Just contact them ahead of your stay and they will work something out to ensure you and your wheels are ready for the next day.

There have been many locations on this roadie which we’ve described as being the most historically-significant locations in New Zealand, but this one takes the cake (or keke) for sure. Often called ‘the birthplace of our nation,’ the Waitangi Treaty Grounds were the location of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Waitangi Grounds are now New Zealand’s most important destination, telling the story of the coming together of two peoples, Māori and European, through a museum, cultural performances, forests and gardens, guided tours and much more. Be fascinated, illuminated and moved by the stories of our nation’s history.

When you hit Kerikeri, the best place to discover your inner adventurer is at Charlie’s Rock. This spot is a bit harder to get to than Kerikeri’s most famous waterfall, the Rainbow Falls, but you’d best believe it’s worth it. Basalt rock formations create an impressive waterfall, spilling over into a large swimming hole at Charlie’s Rock, and with a 20 minute walk off the beaten track to get there, it has all the makings of a local favourite. And local favourite it absolutely is, attracting crowds in the summer seeking to beat the heat of the winterless north. However, it’s less popular among tourists, making it a perfect balance between lively and private. If you want to jump off the high rocks into the water, be sure to check the safest spots with a seasoned Charlie’s Rock-goer first, but other than that, just step off that ledge and bombs away.

There’s not many places in New Zealand you can stand inside a building that has been up since 1822. Actually, there’s only one place, and that’s the Kerikeri Mission Station/Kemp House, which is the country’s oldest European building. Beside it stands the oldest stone building in New Zealand, the Stone Store, which has had a variety of different uses since 1832. But it doesn’t stop there. Just across the bridge from the mission station is Rewa’s Village, a life-size depiction of a Māori fishing village, or up the hill is Kororipo Pā, an ancient fortified Māori settlement. Yep, this little area is seriously old. Or at least old by Aotearoa’s definition, that is. With tonnes of exploring to be done.