Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Barbecues on subtropical beaches. Summer in December. A cooler of Steinlager beer instead of eggnog. Deep-sea fishing at night.
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION At the northern tip of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Islands is an aquatic playground with some 150 isles and a myriad of secluded beaches. Your base of operation is Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, a 45-minute flight from Auckland. WHERE TO STAY Eagles Nest, a resort with four private villas that each have 280-degree ocean views (keep your eyes peeled for migrating humpback and blue whales); choose either Sacred Space, with its vaulted, louvered glass ceiling, First Light Temple, built into a hillside, or the traditional Kiwi housing of Bach and the Cottage. At Omata Estate, a luxe vineyard homestead with huge guest rooms, you can sip local wines on a jetty in your own private bay. Its in-house restaurant offers a six-course tasting fête; the oysters melt in your mouth. CHRISTMAS DINNER Start with a cocktail at the oldest hotel in New Zealand, the Duke of Marlborough, then pop next door to Kamakura, a serene seaside restaurant serving the day's catch. Or you can charter a Sunsail yacht and cruise to Urupukapuka Island for a picnic of lobster and chilled Sauvignon Blanc. STOCKING STUFFERS Make a beeline for the missionary town of Kerikeri (reachable by car ferry from the nearby town of Opua), whose shops offer great gifts for everyone on your list. For those with a sweet tooth, pick up a sack of hand-rolled chocolates from Makana Confections. Buy the kids a kaleidoscope crafted from 40,000-year-old kauri wood at Scopes New Zealand. And for lovers of art and design, stop by Origins, which specializes in local pottery, painting, and furniture. BEST OUTING Catch the Dolphin Discoveries boat from Russell's harbor and swim with friendly bottle-nosed dolphins. —Amanda Jones
The List
Eagles Nest 60 Tapeka Rd., Russell; 64-9/403-8333; doubles from $625, three-night minimum
Omata Estate Aucks Rd., Russell; 64-9/403-8007; from $520
Duke of Marlborough Hotel 35 The Strand, Russell; 64-9/403-7829
Kamakura The Strand, Russell; 64-9/403-7771; dinner for two $55
Sunsail 64-9/378-7900; charters from $142
Makana Confections Kerikeri Rd.; 64-9/407-6800
Scopes New Zealand 265 Waipapa Rd.; 64-9/407-4415
Origins Hwy. 10; 64-9/407-1133
Dolphin Discoveries 64-9/402-8234; sailings from $45
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