Bay of Islands Weekend

Friday 23rd March - Sunday 25th March

Depart 10am Friday

The far north is the birthplace of the nation, where both the first Maori and the first Europeans set foot on NZ soil. Rich in history, this sub-tropical region is also famous for its beautiful beaches and marine wildlife. This trip combines adventure and scenery, with fun activities based in some of the country’s most beautiful locations. Highlights include a close-up encounter with native birds, sand-surfing on the dunes and swimming in a kiwi-style hot spring. You also have the option to go sailing out to one of the Bay’s 144 islands – if we’re lucky, we might see dolphins!

On the drive north (Friday), stops will include an idyllic east coast beach and the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre where you’ll get to know some of New Zealand’s native wildlife. We’ll be staying in Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. Our dorm-room accommodation has a kitchen, a swimming pool and a spa and is a 2 minute walk from the beach and the most popular bars in town.

Over the next two days you will get the chance to go sand-surfing on the massive Hokianga sand dunes. We’ll have a picnic lunch, visit the mighty 2000-year-old Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest kauri tree, and stop at some unique Kiwi-style natural hot springs on the way back to Paihia. You can also sign up for a day sailing trip, where we’ll set sail for one of the bay’s many uninhabited islands. Lunch is included, as well as the opportunity to go snorkelling, exploring on the island and get some sailing tips from the crew. At the end of the cruise you can choose to hop off at Russell, where you can discover the history of New Zealand’s first capital, and catch a ferry ($7) back to Pahia later in the evening.

Cost: $175 for USU members (all Unitec students); $200 for everyone else

Includes transport, accommodation, sand-surfing, Waipoua forest, Ngawha Hot Springs, the native bird recovery centre, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and at least one lunch (2 if you sign up for sailing).

+ $80 (optional) 6hr sailing adventure. Includes lunch. The best way to see the Bay is by boat, and I really recommend the sailing trip, especially at this price, but if you choose to have a free day in Paihia, there’s always the beach, plus we’ve got plenty of other options up our sleeves to make sure you have a great day.

USU - Students' Association at Unitec