Russell & Kerikeri This is just the sort of area you come to and dream of owning a home. 144 islands glisten in this beautiful archipelago and the whole area is steeped in Maori and colonial history. Dolphins come right in to the bays and seals and penguins can often be seen from the shores. Take a ferry to tiny island harbours, once busy ports trading logs and farm produce, and walk to summits with views of island chains across the Bay. Follow tracks on to white sand beaches or under forest canopy alive with birds and home to giant Kauri trees and enjoy the complete contrast between the two landscapes.

Sample itinerary:

Sunday
On arrival at Russell you will be met from the ferry or bus station and transferred to your cosy B&B accommodation in the centre of this historic seaside town. The rest of the day is free to explore the small museums and shops along the waterfront.

Monday
9am pick up from your B&B and a short ferry ride to the start of the first days walk. Walk along part of the Cape Brett track and reach the lighthouse at the end of this rugged peninsula.

Tuesday
Meet your guide at 9am and you start the days walk 15 mins by car from your B&B. This is an historical walk visiting the remains an old whaling station and walking along a peninsula on the east coast with a spectacular coastline.

Wednesday
Transfer day for Explorer Holidays and arrival / departure day for Taster Holidays. You have free time to play golf, go diving, swim with dolphins, take a cruise around the islands.

Thursday
From your luxury B&B at Kerikeri your guide will take you to the Puketi forest where there are excellent examples of the huge native trees, which early colonisers felled for timber. Dense forest and lush undergrowth in this relatively unexplored area gives you a unique insight into early New Zealand.

Friday
9am and a short drive another area of dense forest with unique stands of Kauri trees, which appear like cliffs before you in the forest. Your guide will bring your surroundings to life and talk about the conservation of this unspoiled area.

Saturday
Your transfer for your onward journey will be arranged to fit in with travel plans.

Explorer Holiday starts Sundays for 6 nights and 4 days guided walking & 1 free day. Taster Holiday starts Sundays/ Wednesdays for 3 nights and 2 days guided walking.