West of the Bay of Islands is Kaikohe, a welcoming stopover for shopping and refreshment. Monument Hill offers excellent views and is a beautiful place for a picnic.
The main local attraction in Kaikohe is the pioneer village, which includes several restored historic buildings – New Zealand’s oldest courthouse, an 1875 cottage, a jail, a school and more. You’ll also see Maori artefacts, gum-digging equipment and a blacksmith’s shop.
Not far from Kaikohe is Ngawha Springs, the most northern of New Zealand’s geothermal sites.
Kaikohe has a strategic position in the centre of the province, giving access of some of New Zealand's finest scenic attractions. Within a 50 km radius are the famous Bay of Islands and the Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta kauri forests. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and Hokianga harbours, the Waiomio limestone caves, many beautiful beaches and secluded bays, and the historic town of Kerikeri.