About 60 km north of Dargaville are the best of our Kauri forests at Waipoua and Trounson Kauri Park. Viewing these magnificent trees is a must for any ecotourist. Also, the ranger at Trounson sometimes conducts nocturnal walks to view Kiwi.

From Waipoua continue on to Kaikohe and then to Paihia In the Bay of Islands. Here, operators can organise swimming with dolphins and Puketi Forest Is within driving distance of Paihia.

On returning to Auckland phone 09 367 9111 to enquire about sailing times for a trip to the island sanctuary of Tiritirl Matangi. Here a number of our rarest birds can be easily seen, including Takahe, Stitchbird and Saddleback. If you are especially lucky you may spot Kokako and Brown Teal which are also on Tiritiri.

If you have the time an island cruise to Little Barrier, Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau and Motuora Is isrecommended as this gives you a chance to see many endangered birds which are no longer on the mainland, as well as many of the smaller seabirds. As a bonus, dolphins are often sighted on these trips.

Leaving Auckland it is best to travel to Rotorua via Miranda returning to the city by way of Waitomo and Otorohanga.

Miranda is yearly home to tens of thousands of waders which make their way here from as far afield as Siberia and Alaska. There is a very good information centre at Miranda which will tell you where the best views can be had.

From Miranda there is an easy drive through some of our best farming land to Rotorua. Here there is much for the naturalist to see and do: the many water birds that frequent the lakes; the lush forest to the south of the city; and the fascinating animal and plant life that thrives in thermal areas.