



Story by Charlotte
Beachfront living at The Pad
Adventure in Kerikeri, Northland & Bay of Islands, NZ
Setting off on this enchanting journey, we found ourselves on a gravel road encircled by awe-inspiring landscapes, and melodious waves serenading our arrival.
The Pad exudes a refined charm, effortlessly blending coziness and elegance. The expansive windows framed striking vistas of the ocean, and a spacious terrace beckoned us to unwind, whilst savoring a drink. The sea breeze caressed our skin, and the mesmerizing sunset unfolded before us. What a way to start our stay!
The next day, the blue skies and calm seas beckoned us to hop on a kayak (from the private boat ramp) and explore the coastal wonders. This truly iconic luxury getaway boasts an impressive estimate of 120 kiwis residing on the premises - and spotting them at night has become a cherished ritual of mine. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be enjoying The Pad, our stay was filled with unforgettable moments.
We threw the rods in right in front of the house and enjoyed our freshly caught snapper for dinner that night. There was a plethora of activities to choose from, and we mixed our time between deep relaxation and exploring.
We felt transported to our own private tropical paradise, right in the heart of Bay of Islands. It was undeniably a destination that belongs on every wanderlust-filled bucket list - perhaps even the perfect spot for a dreamy wedding ceremony! Should you desire, you have the option to bring along a tent to accommodate more loved ones.
The Pad exudes a refined charm, effortlessly blending coziness and elegance. The expansive windows framed striking vistas of the ocean, and a spacious terrace beckoned us to unwind, whilst savoring a drink. The sea breeze caressed our skin, and the mesmerizing sunset unfolded before us. What a way to start our stay!
The next day, the blue skies and calm seas beckoned us to hop on a kayak (from the private boat ramp) and explore the coastal wonders. This truly iconic luxury getaway boasts an impressive estimate of 120 kiwis residing on the premises - and spotting them at night has become a cherished ritual of mine. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be enjoying The Pad, our stay was filled with unforgettable moments.
We threw the rods in right in front of the house and enjoyed our freshly caught snapper for dinner that night. There was a plethora of activities to choose from, and we mixed our time between deep relaxation and exploring.
We felt transported to our own private tropical paradise, right in the heart of Bay of Islands. It was undeniably a destination that belongs on every wanderlust-filled bucket list - perhaps even the perfect spot for a dreamy wedding ceremony! Should you desire, you have the option to bring along a tent to accommodate more loved ones.
Things We Did
- Boat
- Fish
- Farm
- Kayak
- Sunset
- Starry sky
- Experience
Enjoy exploring your own little beach and beauty on boat, that is located down on the boat ramp. Definitely a relaxing highlight for me.
Bring your fishing rod, or even boat if you have one, and enjoy catching fresh snapper for dinner every night.
At Driftwood Equestrian you can explore the area on a horse trek.
Coastal loop 1 hour - $90 per rider.
Coastal loop with swimming included 1.5-2hr - $150 per rider
Find out more options at https://www.driftwoodequestrian.nz
Coastal loop 1 hour - $90 per rider.
Coastal loop with swimming included 1.5-2hr - $150 per rider
Find out more options at https://www.driftwoodequestrian.nz
Grab a kayak and take a paddle around the bay, or just float for a while and see which animal friends come to say hello!
Sit by the water and watch the sun go down. Take in the views from your own private beach.
You can sit right on the deck and take in the best star gazing we have ever seen.

If you're quiet and stealth enough, you can catch a Kiwi cruising around.
What better way to finish the day than roasting marshmallow at sunset by the water edge.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
We've plotted our adventure on the map below. Select the map icons to discover more details.
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Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.


































