As you're just 8 minutes from the main highway north and south, you are perfectly positioned to explore the wider Far North, including its beautiful beaches.
Tauranga Bay: Just under 20 mins away, this gorgeous, sheltered white sand beach is perfect for swimming and picnics.
Matauri Bay: Another 10 minutes will get you to Matauri Bay, with views out to the Cavalli Islands. It is also the location of the Rainbow Warrior memorial; the final resting place of a Greenpeace ship whose story involves French secret agents, bombs, nuclear testing, and murder 😱
Taupo Bay: Another fantastic local beach, known for good surf and beautiful walks, including the Taupo Bay Lookout Track.
Doubtless Bay Beaches (Coopers Beach & Cable Bay): A little further north (approx. 30 minutes drive), you'll find the beautiful golden sands of Doubtless Bay. Coopers Beach and Cable Bay are fantastic for swimming, walking, and relaxing.
Kerikeri's Historic Basin: Visit the Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest stone building and the oldest wooden building, respectively. Just across from the Stone Store is Plough and Feather, a gastro pub that has great food and offers local wine and beer that’s well worth tasting. The area also has the picturesque Rainbow Falls.
Puketi Forest: Explore the magnificent Kauri trees on an easy boardwalk walk through native forest, perfect for seeing some of New Zealand's unique flora.
Bay of Islands (Paihia/Russell): Head down to Paihia for the region's main tourist hub. From here, you can book a 'Hole in the Rock' cruise, go dolphin watching, or take a short ferry across to the charming, historic town of Russell. While you’re there, check out Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs. The treaty agreed the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony.
Mangonui Fish Shop: A Northland institution! Head up to the quaint historic fishing village of Mangonui and enjoy what is arguably the "world-famous" fish and chip shop built right on the water.
Golf: If you're keen on a round, the Whangaroa Golf Course is located on State Highway 10. Further north is the tournament-standard Carrington Golf Course on the Karikari Peninsula. If you love wine, Carrington Estate is also a great place to head for tastings. They offer casual dining and dogs are allowed at the outdoors tables.
Cape Reinga: The ultimate Northland experience. Head to the very top of New Zealand to see where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean dramatically collide. It's a journey, but well worth it.
Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes: On your way to or from the Cape, you can join a coach tour that drives along the beach (or hire a 4WD if you're an experienced driver) and try out the exhilarating sandboarding on the giant dunes.