More adventures
If you feel the need to explore beyond Davies Bay, there is a wide selection of fun filled trips and cultural experiences within easy reach that will make your Northland Holiday even more memorable.
Horseriding
If you enjoy horse riding or even just like the idea of horse riding down the beach contact Carol, she can offer small group scenic rides through native forest or along pristine beaches. All rides are designed to suit your ability and desires. She can even take you swimming with the horses in clear calm waters.
For more information visit www.coastalriding.nz
Day trip ideas
Download these trail maps for ideas for day trips to help you explore the area.
Ancient Kauri Trail Map
Into the Wide Blue Yonder Trail Map
Where Giants Gather Trail Map
Whangarei
Just 30 minutes from Davies Bay is Whangarei, the largest city in Northland with restaurants, coffee bars and shopping. In addition Whangarei offers a very broad selection of leisure activities such as a stroll round the Town Basin to view the gift shops and then enjoy a latte at any of the cafes. Within a few kilometres drive there are numerous walks, and the fascinating Museum and Kiwi house where you can explore Northland’s natural history.
Tutukaka
Drive through a stretch of unspoilt Northland where beautiful sandy beaches and rugged rocky outcrops are punctuated with numerous little settlements.
Tutukaka, with its modern Marina, cafes and cruising club is a boaties Mecca and provides the jumping off place for deep sea fishing cruises, and of course, the renowned Poor Knight Island cruises where sub-tropical currents wash through this protected marine reserve. Here, over 125 species of fish abound in their natural environment making it a unique diving and photographic experience, described by Jacques Cousteau as “one of the worlds top 10 dive sites.
Bay of Islands
Aptly named with 144 islands, secluded bays and marine life, where you can swim with the dolphins, and sunbathe on clear white sandy beaches.
Within the Bay are the townships of Paihia and Russell, which is one of the earliest settlements in New Zealand.
Numerous cruises offer the opportunity to explore the Bay of Islands on fast cruisers or a traditional sailing ship or you can visit the Treaty House where Maori culture is displayed, or you can relax with a round of golf on the manicured greens of the Bay of Islands golf course or just lie back and relax in any of the many cafes and restaurants.
Matakohe Kauri Museum
Situated approximately 1 hour south of Whangarei is a real life working exhibition of how the early settlers worked the mighty kauri timber from forest to some of the world’s finest timber. See a working steam sawmill and a wide range of other pioneering tools and equipment, realistically set in original surroundings.