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A great destination for the winter months, Northland is a diverse region with something for everyone. Michael has just returned from a week visiting properties and taking a holiday in the region - he reports great weather, no crowds, fantastic food and friendly, relaxed locals. What more do you need on holiday! For international visitors flying into Auckland, 5 flights per day leave for the short trip north to Kerikeri where rental cars can be collected at the airport and we can recommend excellent accommodation options. Wind down into holiday mode in Northland and deal with any jetlag before venturing on.

The Summer House is a purpose built property set among a citrus orchard and beautiful tropical gardens. The charming, well travelled hosts Rod and Christine have created a lovely tranquil environment for a stylish comfortable Bed and Breakfast with spacious rooms, luxurious ensuites and delicious quality breakfasts. With a 4.5 Star Qualmark rating and the first B&B in the world to receive a Green Globe 21 Certification, this is a lovely place to spend a few days exploring the East Coast of Northland and perhaps play golf at some of the excellent courses nearby including Kauri Cliffs.

Sommerfields is another recommended property on the outskirts of Kerikeri with 3 purpose designed guest rooms and lovely coastal and countryside views.

A trip to Russell, New Zealand's original capital 'city', now a pretty seaside town with plenty of history is a short boat ride across the bay from Paihia and well worth a visit. You can organise a fishing or cruising trip out to the islands from here or Paihia.

Driving North from Paihia around the top of New Zealand you will pass beautiful uncrowded beaches and small towns with views out to the many islands scattered around the bays. The Karikari Wine Estate and the new Carrington Golf Club and Lodge are a new offerings in Northland and are a stunning addition to the facilities available for visitors to the region.

Michael travelled onto Ahipara and stayed at Shipwreck Lodge, a lovely property on the beach run by an American couple who came here to visit by sailing boat and ended up staying! The property has wonderful views from the large rooms, fabulous ensuite bathrooms, snacks and drinks available as well as up to date reading material. This is a very relaxing place to stay with beach walks, wine tasting nearby and 4WD Motorbike trips into the sand dunes also recommended. You can also do a trip to Cape Reiniga, the very Northern most tip of New Zealand from Ahipara.

Travelling back to Auckland along the West Coast of Northland through the Waipoua Kauri Forest and stunning scenery - take the short walk into the forest to see the largest Kauri tree in the world and then travel onto the Hokianga harbour. This is a beautiful part of New Zealand and not often visited by travellers, it could be considered the way New Zealand 'used to be', with small towns, a large Maori population and friendly faces along the way.

For more information see Tourism Northland and for a list of recommended accommodation and links to rental cars, tours and transport in the area or contact us at GINZ for advice.

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