Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga

From the deck of this charming seaside hotel you look straight out to the mouth of Hokianga Harbour, where the view hasn't changed since, according to legend, the Polynesian navigator Kupe first arrived in New Zealand 1,000 years ago. The hotel has a pleasant aura, friendly staff and the rooms offer stunning views to the harbor and sand dunes. You can select from a standard hotel room to a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen if you feel like cooking local produce in your own time. It also happens to be the base for local company Footprints–Waipoua, which takes "Twilight Encounter" tours through the Waipoua Forest to visit New Zealand's largest kauri trees. Book well in advance for excellent room rates.