Sub-tropical holiday, but no departure tax

Press, 18 July 1979, Page 27

Sub-tropical holiday, but no departure tax

South Islanders in search of a touch of sun and warmth without leaving New Zealand will find it in Northland, even at this time of the year. Getting there is as simple as climbing on to a plane: virtually another world awaits without the hassle of departure taxes, passports, foreign exchange and Customs searches. Northland has such an abundance of physical and historical riches that it is impossible to summarise its many attractions with justice. The area seems to encapsulate all that is unique about New Zealand with its particularly beautiful coastline, breathfaking seascapes, peaceful pastoral scenery, and splendid isolation. The area is so compact that the vistor can make day trips with ease from the Bay of Islands in the heart of Northland. From Paihia, for instance, it is

only 220 km to Cape Reinga, a trip that is far more enjoyable by bus than private car. While cars must stick to the roads, the buses take their passengers down the middle of the Te Paki Stream to the Ninety Mile Beach for a 60km run along golden sands as smooth as a newly sealed motorway.

For South Islanders, flying is the quickest and easiest way to Northland. Air New Zealand flies daily services to Wha.ngarei and Kaitaia while Mount Cook Airlines flies to Kerikeri, on the northern edge of the Bay of Islands. The most famous of the many waterfalls in the Kerikeri area are the Rainbow Falls, a mile from the Stone Store on the Waipapa Road. During many holiday periods the Kerikeri Arts Centre provides tuition in art subjects.