The Bay of Islands is known as the Winterless North.

This is the sunniest and warmest part of the North Island, subtropical, lovely beaches, 150 islands make it a great sailing location, giant trees, teeming underwater worlds and not a few surprises.

About an hour north of Auckland off State Highway 1, is one Of the newest wine growing wine growing regions and some of them are creating quite a stir. Most of the ten new wineries have cellar-door tasting rooms.

There is a number of good cafes and restaurants out this way as well as craft shops, art galleries, potteries, and lots of interesting accommodations from bed and breakfast up to luxury lodges.

Take a scenic loop, up one coast and down the other. Do visit the Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Take a boat cruise at Russell which is an old whaling town, and this area is steeped in Maori history.

Visit the 90 mile beach which is restricted to 4 wheel vehicles.

This is an ideal four day adventure, if you have the time.