3 Days in the Bay of Islands: Suggested Itineraries
Must-Do Experience, Tip - Suggested Itineraries, Tip - What to See & Do
At the northernmost tip of New Zealand is one of the country's best kept secrets: the picturesque Bay of Islands. This is where the locals come for holidays - there is something for whatever strikes your fancy: sailing, fishing, snorkeling, horse-riding, hiking, kayaking, Excitor boat riding, swimming with dolphins, discovering history or just laying in the sunshine under one of the world's bluest skies.
There are about 150 islands in the bay, some uninhabited and barely explored. There are two main towns to base yourself. Choose Paihia if you like a thriving tourist center, or Russell if you prefer a bit more history and quaintness. Settle in, then get out amongst all those possibilities.
Day 1: Explore
You'll want to get your bearings and maybe have a closer look at all those beckoning islands. Since the 1920s a small boat has made its ways around the islands to collect milk and cream from the dairy farms and deliver mail; you can take this 'Cream Trip,' although on a more luxurious vessel than the original small boat. Or you can gaze at the islands from afar, walking along the pristine, sandy beaches of the mainland.
There is also fantastic bird watching, snorkeling, whale and dolphin spotting to be done. And of course, this being New Zealand, there are great places to eat wherever you go, and excellent wines to taste. Perhaps head for the waterfront restaurants in Russell for the evening.
Day 2: Discover
The Bay of Islands is where modern New Zealand began. The controversial Waitangi Treaty between the Maoris and the British was signed here. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is only a short half-hour stroll along the beach from Paihia and you can learn about history and Maori culture here. Kerikeri was the earliest permanent settlement in New Zealand and is now a charming, small artists town and worth a visit. Or take the short ferry ride between Russell and Paihia and explore whichever town you're not staying in.
Day 3: Thrill
Now that you've got the lay of the land and some history and culture, it's time to let loose. New Zealanders thrive on their adrenaline thrills so take the Excitor boat ride through the Hole in the Rock. If you prefer less risky adventures, head out on a tall ship. Or stay on dry land and drive Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga.
Excellent! I couldn't have had more fun. One of the most memorable times of my trip. 5 out of 5.
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This was a great trip.
The Ipipiri is a very comfortable craft, with nice beds in the cabins and several areas on the decks for relaxing and enjoying the view.
The staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful and the food was good too.
We enjoyed cruising in the islands and did various water activities, like kayaking and snorkelling and encountered a playful pod of dolphins off the bow.
The coach to and from Paihia was comfortable so we were not tired.
Very relaxing, I recommend it.
This was an amazing trip! My husband and I went on this overnight cruise and recommend it very highly. The only thing we didn't get to see was the Hole in the Rock. We booked another quick trip out to see it, which helped us to realize the amazing deal we got on this overnight trip. So well worth it! It was one of the highlights of our NZ trip! I would absolutely recommend this!
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