Things to do in the Bay of Islands
and on the Property
Fishing
Go fishing from the Kerikeri Inlet or book a fishing charter and try Big Gamefishing in the Bay of Islands.
Golf
For a golfing holiday The Carriage House makes an ideal base. Northland boasts world class golf courses. Play golf at Kauri Cliffs, Waitangi and Kerikeri all of which are within easy reach.
Sailing
The Bay of Islands is excellent sailing, and many private owners offer their yachts for charter or a day trip. Your hosts are sailors and will help you find what you need. Both Kerikeri and Opua have marinas. Many round the world sailors have decided to settle here.
Boat Trips
Half day trips on the Bay of Islands are mostly out of Paihia, and Fullers are the largest operator. Others offer fishing, diving or Dolphin watching, and a fast trip to the 'Hole in the Rock'.
The area is extensive and you can get to many secluded island beaches in your own or rented boat for a memorable holiday.
Coastal Drives
There are many attractive places to visit by car along the coast to the North and South.
The area was famous for its Kauri trees and the gum collected to make linoleum. You can visit large standing Kauri trees and see places where thousands of years old Kauri timber has been extracted from a bog. You can see the natural harbours where the timber was loaded for export. Photograph collections show the dams, the rail tracks and the bullocks used to move these enormous ancient trees until there were almost none left.
Places to Eat
Kerikeri town is only 2 miles away and there are more than 12 Places to eat. These include gourmet restaurants, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese also McDonalds and Subway. On the historic Kerikeri Waterfront Basin we recommend The Landing Restaurant.
There is a good New World Supermarket and many coffee shops. Visit the Sunday Farmer's Market for a large selection of locally grown produce and gourmet food.
Theatre Music Art
The Centre at Kerikeri has a weekly program of theatre and music. There are many local artists, potters and weavers.
Historic Interests
- The 1822 Kerikeri Mission House is the oldest house in New Zealand
- The 1836 Kerikeri Stone Store was also built by the missionaries who came from New South Wales. It is the oldest stone building.
- Pete’s Museum of Transport has a good display of how people lived and dressed as well as a collection of vintage cars.
- The Waitangi Treaty House is a 30 minute drive and this is where the Maori’s in 1840 signed a treaty with the British. A good Audio Visual display and many historic photos.
- Russell seaport where the whaling fleet was based and the seamen enjoyed the Duke of Marlborough Hotel and other pubs. The Russell Waterfront is a tranquil unspoilt place that can be reached by ferry from Paihia or Opua.
Within the Property
The Carriage House is set on a horse breeding farm with grazing horses seen from your balcony, young foals and gentle old shire horses pulling carts and wagons.
Highlights include:
- A vintage horse drawn vehicle collection dating from 1880-1920
- A stud farm breeding Clydesdales, Shire horses and Piebald gypsy horses.
- The grey shire horses from the LION Brewery are the largest horses in New Zealand and are in daily work. They are very impressive and very rare as an endangered species.
- The private jetty and pontoon on the property is a pleasant short walk to the waterfront on the Kerikeri Inlet, where you see the reflections of moored yachts.