Bay of Islands Travelers Recommend

While visiting the Bay of Islands, you have two main home-base options. Choose the thriving tourist center of Paihia as a jumping-off point for most cruises and outdoor activities—or the quaint, quieter seaside village of Russell. Here’s how to make the most of a 3-day stay. 

Day 1: Water play

Take a closer look at all those beckoning islands. Since the 1920s, a boat has made its way around the islands to deliver mail and collect milk and cream from the dairy farms—you, too, can take this “cream trip” aboard a more luxurious vessel. Or, zip between Russell and Paihia on a ferry. Options abound for day cruises: zoom through the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett by high-speed catamaran, sail through the maritime park on a vintage schooner, or swim alongside dolphins in their natural habitat.

Craving more water time? An overnight cruise settles the matter, with opportunities for island hikes, fishing and kayaking, and swimming and snorkeling while your boat is anchored at a picturesque cove in the bay. 

Day 2: Cultural and natural history

Combine culture and nature at Waitangi River, a local estuary whose crown jewel is Haruru Falls. Paddle there by kayak, or join a traditional waka crew and explore the area by Maori-led canoe. Discover local customs at a Maori meeting house, and learn the haka war dance. Alternatively, book a day pass to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds just north of central Paihia. Stay for a cultural performance and a traditional-style hangi feast of meat and vegetables cooked over hot stones.

If time allows, check out Kerikeri, the earliest permanent British settlement in New Zealand—now a charming artists’ town.

Day 3: On the move

Time to go farther afield. Opt for a scenic plane flight to Cape Reinga, or take a helicopter ride to Cape Brett, making sure to land on top of the Hole in the Rock. Adrenaline seekers can parasail or skydive over turquoise waters. 

If staying grounded is more your thing, a ride on a wheelchair-accessible motorbike trike is a unique way to tour the region. Or, go hiking in the subtropical Puketi rain forest for a glimpse of the Northland’s birdlife and ancient kauri trees. Alternatively, rent a mountain bike and pedal along the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

At the northernmost end of New Zealand lies one of the country's top destinations: the picturesque Bay of Islands. There are about 150 islands in the bay, some uninhabited and barely explored. Whether experienced by land, sea, or sky, the bay offers something for everyone. Here are a few ways to spend a day in this subtropical wonderland.

Morning: Going Sky-High

Start by getting the lay of the land—from above. Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, and land on top of the Hole in the Rock, where you can go hiking with a Maori guide and learn about the island’s cultural and ecological significance. Or view the Northland coast on a scenic flight to Cape Reinga, then visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, stroll along Tapotupotu Bay, and sink your toes in the sand at Ninety Mile Beach. Alternatively, get your thrills on a tandem skydive over the bay and enjoy unobstructed views.

Afternoon: Cruising the Bay

Day visitors have multiple options for getting onto the water: Set sail on a century-old schooner, or cruise through the Hole in the Rock while exploring the bay’s many golden shorelines. Some cruises include water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and even swimming near the wild dolphins that frequent these waters. If you’d rather explore on land, opt for a tour on a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, and head to a winery for lunch before visiting waterfalls, rainforests, and the local farm country.

Night: Maori Culture

There are lots of great places to eat and excellent wines to taste in the Bay of Islands. In the evening, you can head for the waterfront seafood restaurants in Russell or Paihia, and enjoy a meal while watching sailboats anchor at sunset. Another excellent option is to book an evening at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a traditional hangi dinner followed by a Maori cultural show featuring music and dancing. Arrive before closing hours for a pre-dinner tour of this historic site, and see a war canoe and interactive exhibits on the interactions between New Zealand’s indigenous peoples and the first British settlers.

With two days in the Bay of Islands, you can enjoy lots of the activities that have made this area one of Auckland locals’ favorite holiday destinations. You can go cruising, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and dolphin watching, and also learn about the country’s origins. Here’s how to spend two days in the Bay of Islands.

Day 1: The Coastal Route

Morning: Hop on a bike, and explore the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, a series of mostly flat dedicated bike paths and country roads extending all the way to Hokianga Harbour. Rent a bicycle for a self-guided trip, or opt for a guided excursion with stops to learn more about the region.

Afternoon: This afternoon, explore the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise. You have your choice of setting sail from Russell or Paihia aboard a sailboat, high-speed catamaran, or wildlife-viewing boat. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and little blue penguins, and don’t miss a chance to swim, snorkel, or hike.

Night: If a 2- to 6-hour sail simply isn’t enough time on the water, book an overnight cruise around the Bay of Islands, and drop anchor in a tucked-away cove. Enjoy evening fishing and night kayaking along with stargazing, then wake up to the sunrise for another swim.

Day 2: Exploring Above and Beyond

Morning: Start your day with an excursion that takes you out of town and off the beaten path. Guided tours of the area’s natural features include kayaking trips to waterfalls on the Waitangi River or hiking excursions into a kauri forest. Less active travelers can stroll and sightsee in historic Kerikeri.

Afternoon: See the Bay of Islands from above: You can take a scenic flight and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the coastline all the way to Cape Reinga, board a helicopter bound for the Hole in the Rock, or experience the thrill of parasailing or free falling on a skydiving adventure.

Night: The controversial treaty between the Maori people and the British Crown was signed at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the historic site is only a half-hour stroll along the beach from Paihia. Explore the grounds, then learn more about Maori culture with a concert and a hangi dinner.