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STA Travel Canada Staff Journal
New Zealand's top warm weather destination for travellers, the Bay of Islands is just a few hours north of Auckland in a region Kiwis call The Winterless North. Many companies offer 1 day or multi-day tours leaving out of Auckland that will take care of your accommodation, transportation and will get you to all the must-see highlights of the region. Since I had 8 months to spend wandering (and working) in New Zealand, I opted to buy an Intercity Bus Flexi pass which gave me a set number of hours (between 15-55 hours) to use on the national bus service during my stay. I could go where I wanted, when I wanted and just hooked up with day tours upon arriving at my destination. Whether you want flexibility or a set tour, STA Travel sells all these options online and in-store so you can hit the ground running when you arrive in New Zealand.
My base in the Bay of Islands was one of the many backpacker hostels along Kings Road in Paihia. This tiny town has a real backpacker vibe and is the centre of Bay of Islands activities. I highly recommend the tasty falafels at the Israeli takeaway spot on Kings Rd - best I tasted during my year travelling the world. Two must do activities are a boat trip out to the famous Hole in the Rock complete with a Sea World worthy performance by they bay's wild dolphins and a day up to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach where the tour buses drive down the sandy beach which is part of the national highway! A day relaxing on the beach, starring out at the 144 islands, sparkling waters and picturesque yachts is a great, cheap way to end your trip to Northland.
Rosey Hudson
Marketing Coordinator, STA Travel Canada
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