Category Archives: Informational

July 9th saw entrants who participated in The Bay of Islands Beast flock to Paihia from all over Northland and Auckland. The Bay of Islands Beast is one of many very successful and annual events to be held in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Over 800 people got down 'n dirty in mid-winter, all in the name of fitness and fun to participate in this great community supported event in the Bay of Islands. Most entrants and their support people stay in Paihia and enjoy Fullers Greatsights transport to and from The Beast which is held at a local farm at Haruru Falls. The Hawke family give up a couple of paddocks and their farm life for the day so as the Sports Northland team along with Fullers Greatsights can hold this fantastic event. Fullers Greatsights provide their coaches to deliver entrants to and from Paihia to make for a carefree, non-stress time for all, in this event. (I know what you're thinking...that you wouldn't want to get in the coaches after this lot, but Fullers Greatsights do an excellent job of the transporting and no one would know there has an ounce of dirt in the buses at all!)

Though we claim our region as the "Winterless North" here in the Bay of Islands, you will agree that New Zealand could not be as amazingly lush, green and beautiful without a certain amount of rainfall, so a perfect event to have in July where getting dirty is the aim! Don't panic, as our local good guys the Paihia Volunteer Fire Brigade are there in force for a bit of fire drill practice whereby they get to hose the mud off everyone at the finish line. I don't know who has the most fun?? I hear there are plenty of brigade volunteers on the day!! 

People of all ages and levels of fitness participate in The beast and it is so pleasing to see that this crazy yet amazing race is encouraging many people into their first of many, sporting events. There is plenty of competition for the individual athlete who are competing in the all the Sport Northland Series Events OR for the entrants that are just there for fun and fitness from walking, running and sliding their way to the finish line. Teams of mates, school groups, sport clubs and corporate teams are encouraged to enter. As you can see, "dress-up" is the order of the day!

Everyone finishes off their fun filled day at the prize giving held in conjunction with the Bay of Islands Beast Community Street Party held in Williams Road, the Centre of Paihia village. Some great prizes to be won and then time to enjoy wonderful food, wine, music and local ambience at the Street Party!

As you know Outrigger Motel is so centrally located so it is just a short stroll of 300 meters to catch the coach for the Beast and 200 meters to the Street Party in the heart of Paihia. So what are you waiting for?

Check out the link to The Bay of Islands Beast for more information and to book for next years event and while you are at is book your central Paihia accommodation at Outrigger Motel too. Book online NOW or give us a call 0800 7627737

Work has begun on the Waitangi Mountain bike Park in the Waitangi Forest in the Bay of Islands. This track will have a Silver Star rating on completion with an amazing gradient and fantastic views for visitors and the community to enjoy together. Paihia is just 3km from Waitangi and the Mountain Bike Park so Outrigger Motel makes for perfect location! This track will cater for all ages, groups, couples and events. The project is the enterprise and pride and joy of locals Tiffany and Robin under the guidance of Focus Paihia, who are very excited to now have the first turf turned.

On Monday 12 October Deputy Mayor Tania McInnes, members of the Focus paihia Board, DOC and the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park team gathered to welcome members of the Southstar Trails team. It was a momentous and moving occasion as all groups spoke about the project in respect of their connection to it. 

Ngati Kawa Taituha offered karakia with a stone from the whenua which became the central focus throughout the blessing.  In Māori culture it is referred to as a Mauri Stone, it is a talisman similar to a good luck charm. The power of the karakia and the collective thoughts that those gathered shared that day, is now stored within the heart of it, and it will radiate a healing energy bringing positive vibrations and safety to all who come within its sphere of influence. It is to be treated with respect, treated like you would a great ancestor that you revere, it has a life force and is now fully alive and conscious. Tiff Holland was given the special responsibility of protecting the Mauri Stone/life force of the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park Project. It is now somewhere safe, located where it will be able to perform its kaitiakitanga or guardianship role. More that just a stone, it's a magical and mystical Mauri Stone which carries ancient spiritual values, HE TAONGA TUKU IHO. 

A significant moment, respectively shared. Exciting times alright.Then the diggers rolled up the hill... Yahoooooooo...

The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th October 2015. Not long now!

Based in Russell, the walking weekend has 20 walks to choose from  – from a Cultural History tour around the Russell Village to an Island Ramble – heading out on the famous R. Tucker Thompson to Otehei Bay, there is something for everyone who loves to walk!
This is going to be a great week not only for the beauty of the bay but for the cultural and historic elements that are unique to this part of the world. To ensure you get the best out of the walks we have local guides to lead the way. These guides are all passionate and knowledgeable about the area and bring something extra to the walking experience. Each walk has no more than 20 people so get in quick to book.
The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend has its very own headquarters based in Russell at The Duke of Marlborough Tavern where people can meet, chat about their day and have something to eat and drink. There will also be entertainment and competitions throughout the weekend. All walks leave from the headquarters where you will get to meet you guide, fellow walkers and be provided with an overview of the walk.
Russell or Paihia are both fantastic bases for the weekend with lots of great restaurants, places to stay and for the non-walkers out there, plenty of things to do.
We are very excited about this weekend and the great walking experiences there are here in the Bay of Islands. Walks range from 1 to 2 hours to up to 7 hours. Take your pick from the many walks in Russell, Paihia or out in the Islands. Soak up the history and savour the fantastic scenery that the Bay has to offer along with the fabulous hospitality to be had in Paihia and Russell.

Dolphins are spotted all though the Bay of Island quite regularly

Often pods of dolphins with there young come right in to the Ti Bay, Waitangi,s Paihia and Russell. They play in the wave formed by the ferries or just come cruising in checking out the bay for food. It's a beautiful site we as locals never tire off and never take for granted. It is especially amazing when you are sitting one of the bars or restaurants, with the sun going down and you see the gorgeous mammals springing out of the water.

There are a number of special trips in which the local operators have licenses to cruise with the dolphin pods, according to strict rules of behaviour so as not to cause distress or harm. There are some "swim with the dolphins" options, but this does depend on conditions and whether or not the pod has young in amongst it.

What you might not know about dolphins

• Thirteen different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast
• The Mäori word for bottlenose dolphin is Terehu
• The dolphins we encounter most are the Bottlenose Dolphins
• Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have a relatively short beak and a high, hooked and prominent dorsal fin
• Colour is dark or light grey on the back grading to white on the undersides. Colour and shape can be variable however.
• Newborn: length 85cm – 1.3m
• Adult: length 1.9 – 3.9m
• Around 450 individual Dolphins live in the Bay of Islands area, ranging from Doubtless Bay in Northland to Tauranga
• Individuals living close to the shore feed primarily on a variety of inshore bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrate species
• Females usually reach sexual maturity at 5-13 years with males not maturing until 9-14 years of age
• Females breed every 3-5 years and calves suckle for around 2-3 years. Calving peaks are known to occur for most populations between spring and summer/autumn.
• Female bottlenose dolphins can live up to more than 50 years of age, and males can reach as old as 40-45 years
• Population sizes are largely unknown but this species is relatively common worldwide
• Average Pod size is 12-18 animals

Kawakawa – Otiria Trail (6km)

This section of cycle trail is open. It is an easy ride on flat terrain that takes you through rural farmlands and forests and passes the town of Moerewa.

At the other end is Kawakawa, famous for its art toilet! Enjoy the famous toilets designed and built by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1998, located right in the middle of the town.

Pause at Kawakawa for refreshments at one of the many eateries. Take a ride on Gabriel, the vintage train, which departs from the railway station at one end of the town, runs down the middle of the main street and out into the countryside as far as Taumarere. The railway is being restored so thatGabriel can travel over the fourteen bridges, through one tunnel and take people right through to Opuaon the east coast and back. It was the North Island’s first railway to be opened and the first to run a rail passenger service in the North Island. It is also the most northerly railway in the New Zealand and is of significant historical and cultural importance.

Otiria is the northernmost operational point on the national railway network. One freight train runs every weekday each way between Otiria and Whangarei. The cycle trail takes you past the small town of Moerewa.

Opua – Kawakawa Trail (11km)

The trail between Kawakawa and Opua follows the old rail line. It is located right beside the Opua Harbour and follows the Waikare estuary. The ride is flat, easy to ride and perfect for families. It provides views of the estuary connecting to the Kawakawa River. The first 7 kilometers are cycle trail with the remaining 4 kilometres a vintage railway experience.

In 1868 a bush tramway opened between Kawakawa and Taumarere to carry coal for export. It was converted into a metal rail track in 1870. The disused track runs right through to Opua. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway has restored the track as far at Taumarere and at 11.5 kilometers, it is one of the longest heritage railway lines in New Zealand.

A ride on Gabriel, the vintage steam train, is a great outing for all the family. It departs from the Kawakawa Rail Station at the western end of the town and runs through the countryside to Taumarere and back. The station in Kawakawa was built 1911 to replace the first one that was destroyed by fire, and is recognised by the Rail Heritage Trust and Far North District Council as being of heritage significance.

The cycle trail runs over fourteen bridges, through a tunnel and alongside the mangroves on the shores of the upper reaches of the Kawakawa River.

The ride into Opua gives you views across the protected waters of the inner reaches of the Bay of Islands and the Opua Marina. There is a cafe, toilets and car parking right where you start (or end) your ride. Be sure to stop and visit the 100 year old Opua General store perched out over the water on piles. Take a stroll out on the Opua Wharf. Opua is a bustling commercial port with a large marina and boatyard. It is a major port of entry for overseas yachts and a popular destination with its sheltered, deep water anchorages, yacht club and facilities for boaties. From Opua you can take the car ferry across the estuary to link up with the road to Russell.

There is a delightful walkway from Opua along the shore to Paihia, and if you pop over on the ferry the walkway takes you all the way to Russell. On the Russell side of the estuary is Okiato Point, the site of New Zealand’s first capital from 1840-1841. The well on the point is the only visible remnant of the old capital.

Let the fun begin. Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2015.

Paihia and Russell fill up this weekend with ocean lover flood in, as the annual sailing week is on!

With the organizers offering ten different divisions, seven full-on racing divisions, and three Island racing divisions the week is known by New Zealand herald as 'One of the best regattas in New Zealand'. Watch for the Super yachts race too. Aspecial division this year in the Bay of Islands. A great spectacle on the water.

We at Outrigger Motel wish everyone competing all the best.

Bon voyage!

This Boutique Food and Wine Festival is in its 5th year in the Bay of Islands! This is “it!!” - the event not to be missed - Love it! Cook it! Drink it! Bite it! Sing it! A successful recipe of fantastic food, wine, entertainment and friendly locals all mixed up together in the Bay of Islands. Featuring Kiwi Icons - Supergroove! October 25th @ the Village Green in Paihia. (2 mins from Outrigger Motel)

Along with mouthwatering food, award winning vineyards, beer and cider - we have lots of fun going on around the place - there are real kiwi competitions such as “Kina Sucking”, “Oyster Shucking and Eating” and of course “Pie Eating!” - we are in Pai-hia after all! 

Live Music on stage all day leading up to Supergroove. The stage can be seen from all over the festival - it is a great friendly festival where you are never far from the action! 

Kids! This is a family friendly festival with a children's area and entertainment provided to allow parents to sit back and enjoy the music and taste some of the exceptional food and beverages! Bouncy castles, face painting an stilt walking.

Limited number of tickets will be available for this boutique festival. Last year was sold out. 

The Bay of Islands is a top holiday destination that has retained it’s small friendly feel - there is plenty to do around the town whether it be to take a boat trip to see the dolphins, have a swim, kayak, visit Waitangi or head into the bush. Or you can just sit in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by!

Earlybird tickets available now - Limited amount. Under 5's are free.

Don't miss Russell Birdman, it's always a great family occasion, with fun and laughter for all. The kids and adults all love this event and if the weathers good, you just can't beat the scenery of beautiful Russell. This is as kiwi as it gets - so see you in July at the Russell Birdman Festival! 

It all started with a couple of ideas over a few beers at the Duke of Marlborough by a few Russell locals to create an event to bring people together in the middle of winter. People of all descriptions don their creations each year to run and jump off the end of the Russell wharf.

This year will feature the hilarious Drag Race (for men in frocks), Kids Mini Ironman, Mural Painting, The Great Russell Race, Spaghetti Eating Competition, Dinghy Races, WOK Cook-off, Under 10′s Beach dig, and the famous Birdman Jump.  New this year we have a Kids Fancy Dress Competition, Kids Fishing Competition, Fly My Pretties Bird Hunt, and The Russell Birdman Street Party which will be on Friday night.

If you are heading to Paihia for a few days and like to stomp the feet, you're in luck.

There are several walks and treks in and around Paihia that combined with consistently favourable weather and stunning coastal scenery, make for a wonderful outdoor activity.

The Paihia Viewpoint walk is one of the top 10 great Bay of Islands walks. This short 1.5 hour return walk is close to central Paihia and involves a stroll along a well-maintained track through wetlands, before climbing through regenerated native forest to a lookout point that reaches high over Outrigger Motel and Paihia township. The lookout provides sensational views from Opua out towards Witangi and Paihia, as well as Russell and across the Bay of Islands. Be sure to keep a close look out for native bird life.

There is also the Paihia - Opua Coastal Walkway, which is a relatively gentle 5.8km/3 hour walk that takes offers stunning views of the bay and sea birds. It takes you from the centre of Paihia along the main beach, round the coastline (can be tricky at high tide! You may need to revert to the road for this part) and then, once you cross the river at the far end of the Te Haumi flats, on your left you will find access to a winding path around the headland and on to Opua. Arrange the Tuktuk to pick you up the other end.

The most challenging of walking tracks you can tackle whilst you are holidaying in Paihia is the Cape Brett Walkway. This 33km/8 hour track requires a high degree of fitness and hiking experience and is one of the most spectacular walks in the Bay of Islands and offers some dramatic seaside views.

Cape Brett is located 26km north-east of Paihia. The track features seven distinctive peaks that mark Cape Brett's spine, which are said to represent the seven waka that brought Maori settlers to Aotearoa from Hawaiiki around 700 years ago. The area surrounding the track is rich in early Maori history and the remains of several ancient pa sites are visible at various locations. 

The track begins at Oke Bay and takes you through native forest and along dramatic cliffs to Cape Brett Lighthouse. When you look down to the ocean and bays below you might be lucky enough to see dolphins playing in the waves. At Deep Water Cove, you can stop for a swim and a snorkel.

Another full day walking track that's handy to Paihia is the Waitangi to Haruru Falls Track. This 6km/5 hour track departs from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and heads along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. A feature of the walk is the boardwalk section which provides an opportunity to pass through the interior of a mature mangrove forest, an area which is usually inaccessible. The mangrove is a remarkable tree being that it's able to survive in salt water. This particular mangrove is one of about 10 varieties in the world, all of which grow in swamps, mudflats and tidal estuaries. An alternative to walking both ways is to arrange to kayak the river in one direction and walk the other. There is a local kayak hire company on the beach near the Waitangi River bridge that can arrange this for you.