New Zealand, Bay of Islands

We stayed in Russel for our first night and then moved to Paihia. We did a dolphin trip with Kings Tours which was fantastic. Best value was the Day in the Bay Cruise which includes a visit to Hole in the Rock, dolphin viewing and swimming if possible and a stop for lunch. You can get a discount with YHA or BBH cards and be collected by boat in Russel or Paihia.
You can take a ferry to get from Russel to Paihia and back or take a 45 minute drive around the bay.