The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a pleasure regardless of the weather. If the rain gets to much, duck into the visitor centre for a quick coffee and then scoot back to Paihia for a long lunch and a glass of local wine at 35 Degrees South or Alfrescos.

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Why not head underwater where it never rains?! Check out the Bay of Islands stunning dive sites - the famous Rainbow Warrior or the awesome HMSNZ Canterbury at Deep Water Cove - with any of our local dive operators, Paihia Dive, Dive North or Northland Dive. If you want to experience the true magnificence of our underwater world, check out the Poor Knights marine reserve with Dive Tutukaka.

 

Of course, you can also take the “if you can beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach and enjoy a rainy cycle with Top Trail and before hitting Ngwaha Hot Springs near Kaikohe to warm up – a truly kiwi experience! There are also scenic drives that take in cultural hot spots and historical sites – such as the Russell Mini Tours "Discover Kawakawa" (hop in a van and they’ll drive you to visit the fabulous Hundertwasser toilets!).

A ferry-ride away you will find Russell jam-packed with history  including Christ Church (New Zealand’s oldest church, still with musket holes from the 1845 Battle of Kororareka!) and the 1842 Pompallier Mission with its fascinating 19th century printery available for a hands-on experience. Book in for some pampering at Flagstaff Lodge’s boutique Day Spa. Finish up at the Duke of Marlborough where you can settle in for a glass of New Zealand wine or sample their range of beers.

A day in Kerikeri will more than make up for the rain. After coffee and boutique shopping in the town centre, visit the historic Stone Store and Kemp House. On your way home look out for the local vineyards - such as Marsden Estate, with its famous Black Rock Chardonnay, and drop in for a tasting.