3 Best Hotels in Kerikeri, Northland and the Bay of Islands

Several holes of a par-72 championship golf course sweep past this luxurious cliff-top lodge, which is truly outstanding and (for a price) offers space and excellent food for an all-inclusive rate. Ocean views reach to the Cavalli Islands; you also look over three private beaches—one shimmering pink. The lodge is popular with families, and there are many options on the property for parents and children to spend time together (or apart). Staff are trained to deal with families traveling together with children of all ages.

An enormous cedar of Lebanon stands in front of this gracious 1864 kauri homestead; both the tree and the house are listed with the Historic Places Trust. The restored home has one modern wing, but it's designed to blend with the original building. Two rooms with private baths are in the new wing; one has a balcony overlooking the gardens. The rooms in the older wing are smaller but elegantly furnished with antiques; they share a bath. A three-course dinner and picnic lunches are available for an additional fee. Paheke is about a 15-minute drive southwest of Kerikeri and Paihia and it's a perfect place to base yourself if taking a leisurely trip in the north.

This small cluster of chalets is a notch above the usual, with contemporary style and a magnificent setting among fruit trees adjacent to farmland. Each unit has a veranda and colorful furnishings. Kauri Park is a little out of town, with a more rural setting, but it's still only a few minutes' drive from the historic sights. The owners will provide packages that include platters and hampers.