Attractions

In Paihia

Treaty House, Waitangi, and especially the Audiovisual at the Information Centre. But also walk through to inspect the Waka taua, Whare nui and Treaty House. Do not miss this experience.
Haruru Falls. 6km on main road to north. View from Panorama motel and walk-in near bridge above the falls.
Wairoa Beach. Turn off just past Waitangi Golf Course. A very pleasant picnic spot.
Paihia Walks

Hilltop lookout from top of Joyce's Rd (60 min return, steep in spots, great views) Mangrove "boardwalk" just past Te Haumi Bay (10m). This is part of the Paihia to Opua coastal walk. Total of 2 to 4 hours but you can join or leave at several points. Some of the route is in the shade of the bush; most is right near water's edge.
Harrison's Reserve: off Veronica Pt Rd, towards Opua; joins coastal walk. Excellent Puriri bush.
Waitangi to Haruru Falls: 2 - 3 hours one way but an excellent introduction to mangroves, river, bush, etc. Part shady.
Paihia Heritage walk. Ask at the Information Centre for leaflet.
In Russell

Visit Russell by passenger ferry, or take the car ferry at Opua, or park at Opua and take ferry to visit Okiato, the site of the first capital of NZ.
Long Beach, Flagstaff and Tapeka Point should all be visited in a short car trip from Russell township.
Russell Mini Tour is an excellent way to get your bearings. About 45 mins. Departs regularly from Russell waterfront office.
Russell Museum is excellent value and contains a 1/9-scale of Cook's Endeavour. DOC Information Centre to the rear of the Museum has a very good A-V on local history.
Russell Walks

Russell to Flagstaff and Point. Long or short routes can be taken.
Russell Heritage walk: markers are provided and guides at times posted at the Museum.

Russell - Pompallier House.
Kerikeri - the Stone Store & Kemp House.
Waimate North - Waimate Mission House. Mangungu - Mangungu (Methodist) Mission House is more distant and under-rated.

Bay of Islands Outings

The "Hole in the Rock" takes about half a day with either Fullers or Kings. The latter includes a Maori challenge and cultural interpreter.
Full tours of the Bay take most of the day and cover everything; Kings includes a "Swim with the Dolphins" opportunity. Many other special trips, tours and fishing opportunities exist. Cape Reinga may be visited in total coach comfort or various options for the more adventurous; most are cheaper from Kaitaia.
DIY outings
Kawiti/Waiomio Caves: Excellent formations in and live glow worms.

Drive to Cape Reinga -- and down the Te Paki Stream road as far as the sand dunes but don't attempt to drive on the beach without first checking the tide and the exit and your insurance policy! Allow a full day ex Paihia. NO rental vehicles.
Coastal drive to Whangaroa -- Climb to the Rainbow Warrior memorial on the hill at the north end of stunning Matauri Bay.
Rawhiti -- Mostly sealed road with great scenery and an interesting walk to the coast (check walking guide at Paihia Information Centre).
Whangaruru and Bland Bay-- Another winding drive on unsealed road in beautiful bush and amazing coastal view sand beaches. You can continue on down to Whangarei.
Ruapekapeka Pa -- 16kms winding unsealed road signposted to left as you enter Kawakawa (near BOI College). Continue on to SH1 for easier return. Short walk into this well documented battlefield. Walk to the immense Puriri tree at rear of site.
Historical Places Trust presentations

Northland Kauri
Tane Mahutu and other large Kauri in Waipoua Forest beyond Omapere and the Hokianga.
Manginangina at Puketi Forest has a beautiful kauri grove with 20e access for the disabled.
Matakohe Kauri Museum with its outstanding displays of kauri logging, gum-digging and carving, bush photos, period furnishing is further south. Allow at least 90mins if you visit there. You will find an interesting shop and a very good café.
You must see the Kauri before you leave Northland!
Usual Natural Hazards: Water, sun, mozzies are all potentially serious risks to your health in the Bay!