Hotels in Bay of Islands
Remember one important fact if you want to stay in the Bay of Islands: From December to January, the population swells from a mere 2,000 to over 30,000. Reserve well in advance.
Paihia has the biggest concentration of motels and hotels, while Russell and Kerikeri offer more bed-and-breakfast options. Paihia is definitely the most convenient place to stay if you intend to take lots of tours and participate in organized activities. It also has the better food outlets, and you won't have to worry about missing the last ferry to Russell. Russell is the place to be if you want a quiet spot for most of the time - there are far fewer people here, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's less touristy. Rates below include 15% GST and free parking; note that New Zealand has a No-Smoking policy in all public buildings and most private accommodations.
If you want information about Department of Conservation campsites in Northland, contact the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, 92 Otaika Rd., Whangarei (tel. 09/430-2007; www.doc.govt.nz).
Backpackers in Paradise
Backpackers will think they've arrived in paradise: Paihia is the best-serviced backpacker town in the country. There are about 10 top-quality backpacker lodges, most of them cheek-by-jowl on Kings Road. Base Pipi Patch, 18 Kings Rd. (tel. 0800/227-369 in NZ, or 09/402-7111), attracts a lot of the Kiwi Experience buses and it has a Qualmark Enviro-Bronze rating for its efforts toward sustainability. It's just 50m (165 ft.) from the beach and has a pool set in a sunny courtyard; every room has its own bathroom. Lodge Eleven Backpackers-YHA, MacMurray and Kings roads (tel./fax 09/402-7487; www.yha.co.nz), is highly rated; every room has its own shower and toilet. Located 100m (330 ft.) from the beach, the place is immaculate and offers personalized service.
Peppertree Lodge, 15 Kings Rd. (tel. 0800/473-7737 in NZ or 09/402-6122; www.peppertree.co.nz), was built for backpacker comfort and is seen by many as the best of the best.
The Pickled Parrot Backpackers Lodge, 7 Grey's Lane (tel. 09/402-6222; www.pickledparrot.co.nz), is the smallest backpacker lodge and offers free breakfast and free use of bikes. The Mousetrap Backpackers, 11 Kings Rd. (tel. 09/402-8182; www.mousetrap.co.nz), is another small one (35 guests max) in a big, old house with sunny balconies. Saltwater Lodge, 14 Kings Rd. (tel. 0800/002-266 in NZ, or 09/402-7075; www.saltwaterlodge.co.nz), has top facilities and private bathrooms in every unit; and it is a member of the Northland Sustainable Tourism Charter. The well-equipped Bay Adventurer Apartments & Backpacker Resort, 28 Kings Rd. (tel. 0800/112-127 in NZ, or 09/402-5162; www.bayadventurer.co.nz); has its own tennis courts and Jacuzzi, which are big draws.
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7 Results
- Hotel
Eagles Nest
Perhaps one shouldn't live in glass houses, but staying in them on vacation can be a real treat. This exquisite villa, with floor to ceiling glass walls all around, is the height of luxury. When you're not gazing at the stellar views, you'll be curled up around the elegant fireplace…$$$Russell
- Hotel
Edgewater Palms Apartments
These one- and two-bedroom apartments are located right on the waterfront opposite the main Paihia beach, putting you in the heart of the area's activities, restaurants and shops. All apartments have their own balconies with sea views; units (either one or two bedrooms) boast full…$$Paihia - Hotel
Kauri Cliffs
You don’t have to be a golfer to fall in love with this stellar lodge though it doesn't hurt as the hotel has one of the top-rated golf courses in the world. But that's just the beginning of its luxuries. It also has deluxe day spa, 2,630 hectares (6,500 acres) of rolling coastal…$$$Matauri Bay - Hotel
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
In 2011, this prime waterfront resort underwent a NZ $6-million revamp which added a bright, light touch to the rooms (and that look and the furnishings have been well maintained). Close to town these roomy apartments are ideal for families or groups traveling together. The complex…$$$Paihia - Hotel
Russell Cottages
This is our pick for the independent traveler who doesn't need a concierge, but enjoys having apartment like digs. You have a choice of one- to four-bedroom, two-level cottages; all are set in park-like gardens with a Jacuzzi and heated pool. The cottages are modeled after historic…$$Russell - Hotel
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Oddly, the only thing this hotel isn't is scenic (it's set inland, so has no bay views). But what it is is pretty nice: a large complex with good-sized, nicely maintained rooms each decorated in cheery, island colors. The deluxe rooms are the best as they open onto private…$Paihia - Hotel
The Summer House
With most B&B stays, the key element is the personality of the hosts. If they're downers, it won't matter how well-appointed the home is, your stay won't be enjoyable. Happily, Christine and Rod, the owners of the Summer House, are the salt of the earth. Wonderfully effective at…$$Kerikeri
