lodge 9 or pacific rendezvous are both great in tutukaka. Pacific rendezvous is a drive out, but has great views, Lodge 9 is owned by Dive! Tutukaka do you have the advantage that is it right at the harbour so easy for tours. Plus there are a range of restaurants 5 minutes walk.

i love snorkelling at poor kngihts islands - its awesome.

Kia Ora Camper, welcome to the Kiwi forums.

Tutukaka is only a small village at the harbour. Whereas Paihia is a fully fledged township that is one of a string of settlements lying close together. Oceans resort is handy to the marina, being located directly opposite. Dive! Tutukaka operate A Perfect Day cruise to The Poor Knights Islands reserve.

For a honeymoon you could try Russell with historic Arcadia Lodge, or the upscale Eagle's Nest. Go snorkelling in the Bay of Islands - using the Explore Group vessel to reach Urupukapuka island. Or stay at Kauri Cliffs luxury resort above Matauri Bay, and for snorkelling there.

Thank you both! We wanted a place we can walk to restaurants and tours if possible. Not required to be a hotel.

I'd stay in Russell, at the Duke of Marlborough - a classic old hotel with balconies and sea views. You can eat there, in Russell or take the short ferry ride across to Paihia.

Another vote for Arcadia Lodge in Russell - we spent an idyllic 4 nights there in 2020. The Duke of Marlborough is another solid choice. There are plenty of decent restaurants walkable from both. But for a special meal consider Sage at Paroa Bay winery. It's about 20 minutes from Russell but if you book they will come and pick you up.

We had a "special occasion" trip in Northland this time last year.

We had two of our "best ever" restaurant meals.

One was at the Duke of Wellington in Russell, the other whose name escapes me in a converted shop in Mongononi. It wasnt just the significance of the occasion, but the quality of the food and service.

The ride across in the ferry added to the experience. Russell has certainly changed since it wss "the he'll hole of the Pacific"🤗

We recently stayed at Chalet Romantica in Paihia. Can’t say enough good things about this B&B and it’s super, exceeding all expectations hosts. We stayed in the upper level suite with a balcony that had a great view. Beautifully decorated with lots of thoughtful touches. The breakfast basket was actually a multi level carrier with every breakfast food you would want. Gated entrance. Well worth a look. You are on a hill, hence the fabulous view and can either walk or drive to town for restaurants.