A few days in pristine Paihia is scarcely adequate to revisit all the area has to offer, says Isobel Marriner.

Naomi Rowley pulls on the wetsuit and braves the waves at a surf camp.

Claire Trevett saddles up and travels from Rawene to Pouto Point the old-fashioned way.

A deliciously relaxing hosted stay in the Bay of Islands broadens Sharleen Heijstra's holiday hot list.

Mangonui is the perfect base for exploring the Far North, and as Janetta Mackay finds, the fish and chips are pretty good too.

Jim Eagles takes shelter from the wild wind at an all-weather anchorage at Whangaroa.

Summer time and the living is made easy at a Provence-style bed and breakfast. Geraldine McManus reports.

Michele Crawshaw visits a luxury boutique lodge which commands a grand view over the Bay of Islands.

A Far North farm hostel has been voted the favourite in New Zealand by those who like staying at backpacker lodges. Colin Moore discovers its attractions.