"There's a lot of history and culture rooted in Kerikeri and also Russell, which used to be the capital of New Zealand and is today this really cute little shipping town."

Maggie HEWITT

"There's a place called the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. It's one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand and I'd recommend anyone coming to the Bay of Islands to go there. It’s idyllic and right on the water."

Maggie HEWITT

"The restaurant called Sage sits on this hill in Russell and has the most spectacular view of the Bay of Islands. It also has a really special farm-to-table menu, where everything on the menu comes from within a 50-kilometer radius of the restaurant."

Maggie HEWITT

"We have some of the best seafood in the world. We have this place called Mangonui Fish Shop, which is an hour drive from Kerikeri heading north, and it’s iconic for New Zealand. I’d order beer-battered fish and chips, whatever the local fish of the day is, maybe a snapper or tarakihi."

Maggie HEWITT

"There’s an island called Urupukapuka Island — everyone gets there by boat, and there’s an old-school pub with beanbags outside. It’s very laid-back."

Maggie HEWITT

"Driving further north up to the top of the North Island, to North Cape and Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, is super special. In Cape Reinga, there’s a beautiful walk and you can stand at the lighthouse, at the northernmost point of the country. Also, the further north you go, the more you can see both sides of the island."

Maggie HEWITT