Activities near Crows Nest

Bay of Islands

Crows Nest Holiday Villas are centrally located in a private, peaceful location at Opua. Opua is just 5 minutes’ drive from Paihia and all the holiday attractions and adventure activities of the Bay of Islands. The Opua car ferry which takes you and your vehicle across the bay to the historic town of Russell is just 15 minutes drive away from our accommodation.

Enquire with your host about the beautiful Bay of Islands and the many activities available. Whether it’s cruising on a yacht, kayaking, diving, fishing, swimming or learning about Maori culture at Waitangi. Or just relax on the deck at Crows Nest with a glass of wine and enjoy the superb sea views. Whatever you preference your host is here to help.

The Bay of Islands is the birthplace of our nation and is a very special area of New Zealand that offers a wealth of historical and natural attractions.  For example, the “Waitangi Treaty House” and Maori war canoe, the Pompallier Mission House and Museum at Russell, or the Stone Store at Kerikeri.

Water Activities

The Bay of Islands consists of 144 islands and has a semi tropical climate, so virtually every water activity imaginable is available here. You can swim with dolphins, scuba dive, sea kayak, go parasailing, go sailing on a yacht, or just laze on one of the beautiful beaches and swim all day. The Bay of Islands is also famous for big game fishing with large marlin and tuna caught every year.  Our recommendations are:

Land Based Activities

There are many land based activities to enjoy including many coastal and forest walks. New Zealand is famous for incredible scenery and ancient forests with unique trees and animals. Not far from Crows Nest is an easy enjoyable scenic walk through to Paihia. More enthusiastic explorers can walk to Cape Brett or Whangamumu, the site of an old whaling station. With a short drive you can explore Puketi Forest and walk through ancient giant kauri trees found only in New Zealand.

Opua to Kawakawa Cycleway  –  Distance 11km  –  Grade 1 – easy

Trail Highlights:

  • Opua – beautiful marina and maritime centre of the Far North
  • Cycling along the water – marina views, mangrove, estuary and crossing rivers
  • The tunnel
  • Taumarere Long Bridge
  • Taumarere Railway Station – toilet and picnic spot
  • Hundertwasser architecture at the toilets in Kawakawa

Sporting Activities

The more sporty can enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Waitangi and the challenging Kauri Cliffs golf courses. Maybe go horse riding and explore in the saddle, or skydive over the Bay of Islands, one of the most beautiful places on earth to jump out of a plane!

The Far North

Crows Nest is an ideal base to explore the far North of New Zealand. Visit the outstanding scenery of Cape Reinga, Mangonui and Coopers Beach. Travel along the famous ninety-mile beach, or discover the citrus growing area of Kerikeri only 20 minutes north of Opua. Kerikeri is famous for its local specialty craft and food outlets or try wine tasting at one of the local vineyards.

Dining Out

Crows Nest is within easy distance of all local restaurants with a wide range of menus for casual dining or fine cuisine. Shopping for supplies is just minutes away at Opua or Paihia if you prefer to use your fully equipped kitchen. A fun and different way of dining out is Darryl’s Dinner Cruises, see website here www.dinnercruise.co.nz/

Contact us to discuss your activities during your stay with us, we can make it happen for you!

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