Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands & Northland: A Luxury Travel Guide

Northland and the Bay of Islands are a water-lover’s paradise. With 144 islands, pristine beaches, and a deep connection to New Zealand’s history, this region is perfect for sailing, fishing, diving, and wildlife encounters.

Whether you are basing yourself in a luxury lodge or exploring from Russell or Paihia, we can build these recommended activities into a seamless New Zealand itinerary.

Sailing and Private Charters

No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete without time on the water. The area is home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, whales, orcas, and seals.

Private Luxury Charters: For the ultimate experience, we recommend a private charter on a luxury yacht with your own crew. Relax as you navigate secluded bays, stop at private beaches for a gourmet picnic, and enjoy world-class New Zealand wines on deck.
Shared Cruises: If you prefer a social atmosphere, there are excellent shared cruises to the famous “Hole in the Rock” at Piercy Island, or day-sailing trips to Motuarohia (Roberton Island) for snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons.

The Cape Brett Walk & Lighthouse

Steeped in Māori and European history, the Cape Brett track offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the country. You’ll see the iconic lighthouse, the Whangamumu whaling station, and ancient native forests.

How to do it: While the full track is a challenging multi-day hike, we often arrange a water taxi to Deep Water Cove. This allows you to walk the most scenic final section to the lighthouse and back.
Guided Options: We can connect you with expert local guides who share the stories, flora, and fauna of the area.
Note: A track maintenance fee (currently approx. NZ$40) applies for crossing private land; we can manage these logistics for you. Read more in our Cape Brett walking guide.

Dolphin & Marine Life Encounters

The Bay of Islands is one of the best places in New Zealand to see bottlenose and common dolphins in their natural habitat.

Viewing Tours: Tours depart daily from Paihia and Russell. Depending on current regulations and conditions, some operators offer the chance to swim with dolphins, while others focus on respectful viewing.
Orcas & Whales: While less common, lucky travellers may spot orcas or migrating whales. Learn more in our guide to New Zealand’s whales and dolphins.

The iconic New Zealand kiwi bird (chick)

Nocturnal Kiwi Bird Tours

The Kiwi is a New Zealand icon, but because they are nocturnal and shy, seeing them in the wild is rare. We provide access to passionate eco-guides who lead private tours in protected areas like Tawharanui Regional Park.

As well as the chance to spot a Kiwi, you’ll likely encounter Weka and Morepork (native owls). This is a unique, quiet highlight to add to a New Zealand honeymoon or family vacation.

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

A journey to the “Top of the North” is a spiritual experience. Cape Reinga is where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide at the iconic lighthouse.

The Scenic Route: We highly recommend a scenic flight over Northland’s coast (Doubtless Bay and Coopers Beach) to land near the Cape. From there, a private vehicle or guided tour takes you to the lighthouse and the towering sand dunes of Te Paki.
Ninety Mile Beach: Despite the name, this golden highway is actually 88km long. It’s a Playground for surf casting and sand-boarding. Note: Most rental car agreements strictly forbid driving on the beach; we recommend a guided tour to enjoy the thrill safely.

The seemingly endless sands of 90 mile beach near Cape Reinga in Northland

World-Class Saltwater Fishing

Northland offers some of the finest saltwater fishing in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you are a novice or a serious “fisho,” the sheltered waters are productive year-round.

The Catch: Target Snapper, Kingfish, and Hapuku, or head further out for big-game species like Marlin and Tuna.
Charters: We have access to the region’s best skippers and vessels, from shared local charters to high-end private sport-fishing boats like Ata Rangi.