Bay of Islands
New Zealand welcomes you to the Bay of Islands. Perhaps the finest collection of Islands, Bays and beaches in the country. With a total of 144 bays and islands, the variety of ocean life includes big marlin, penguins, whales, gannets, dolphins, and many other species. The Bay of Islands offers many activities and attractions for all travelers – something for everyone. Whether it be a relaxing day at the beach or adrenaline pumping adventures. The Bay of Islands is one place you will never be bored. Here you can visiting some of the oldest buildings in the region and experience the history of New Zealand. Kerikeri is one of country’s fastest growing townships and is known as the horticultural hub, where visitors will find many orchard plantings. The Port of Opua is the first point of contact that welcomes most of the yachts that arrive in New Zealand from the Northern hemisphere. The Bay of islands has become a meeting point in the South Pacific for overseas sailing yachts on world cruises, marine enthusiasts, international sport fishermen and golfers and, due to this regions impeccable natural environment. One of the most popular activities for tourists is swimming with dolphins and whale watching in the waters around the Bay of Islands. Many operators in the area offer exceptional guided tours to wonderful places like Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island. The towns of this historic bay, namely Russell and Paihia reflect the fascinating and colorful memories of the past.
You can read more about what to do in the Bay of Islands in our blog on Bay of Islands & Northland recommended activities.
It is impossible to visit the Bay of Islands and not be tempted by crystal clear sea that sparkles like diamonds. If you are in this area, then you owe yourself a trip to the green-blue world of island and beaches. Plenty of charter boats and ferries are available for this purpose. You can also choose to paddle a sea kayak to further enjoy the local views, as you go in and out of island nooks and crannies. Cape Reinga, is also a major tourist attraction in the far north. It is the northernmost point of the country and offers great vistas of the Pacific Ocean & Tasman Sea and is accessible from the Bay of Islands. Another must see for visitors in the Bay of Islands is Pompallier House. It is the only surviving building of the French Catholic mission headquarters in the Western Pacific. Pompallier is considered by some as a witness to ‘The Birth of the Nation’, It’s also a part of the unique French provincial building that reflects some of the French influence throughout New Zealand and parts of the Pacific.
Some “must do” activities in the Bay of Islands dependent on your interests: Experience the many bays, inlets and crystal clear blue waters with kayaking, experience a ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise to the tip of Cape Brett, visit the historic Russell Museum, visit to Waitangi National Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the year 1840, big game fishing for marlin, tuna and kingfish, enjoy a dive trip to the Rainbow Warrior which operates out of Paihia. New Zealand is the impression of paradise and offers experiences unlike any destination in the world. Come visit the Bay of Islands for your dream holiday!
You can read more about what to do in Northland and Bay of Islands in our blog on Bay of Islands & Northland recommended activities.
Accommodation
Play Intro Video
Activities
Scenic Highlights
The Bay of Islands
Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it’s very difficult to escape the lure of the ocean. Take a ferry or charter a vessel and experience the many islands, coves and beaches with in the bay. The Bay of Islands is also and opportune place to paddle a sea kayak through some of the passages and inlets of its many islands. Swimming with dolphins and whale watching is another specialty of the Bay of Islands, along with the famous Piercy Island better know as ‘Hole in the Rock’.
Northlands Coastline
Spend some time at some of the beautiful bays, beaches and coves that inhabit the entire northern coastline. Swim, surf, sunbathe, dive and fish your way around this incredibly beautiful coastline on both the east and western shores.
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach
Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand has great views of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merging.
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Activities
- Take the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise to the tip of Cape Brett
- Visit the historic Russell Museum
- Try game fishing for marlin, tuna, kingfish
- Dive trips to the Rainbow Warrior operate out of Paihia
- Go swimming with dolphins amongst the many Islands littered throughout the Bay of Islands
- Visit Waitangi National Reserve, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840
- Explore the many bays, inlets and beautiful clear waters with some kayaking
- Indulge in the freshest, tastiest ‘kia moana’ (sea food) you’ve ever seen
- Or just sit back, unwind and let the world pass you by in this unique little slice of South Pacific paradise!
