Things To Do Bay Of Islands

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Places To Visit In Bay Of Islands

Omata Estate Vineyard and Kitchen

Omaha Estate is a boutique vineyard in Russell in the Bay of Islands. They offer two options for wine tasting; a tasting flight and a cellar door tasting. The tasting flight is done at your table with your meal and friends. Four wines from Omata Estate are served to sample, equivalent to a full glass of wine. The cellar door tasting is done in a small cellar door, and you get to sample four wines with a staff member. At Omata Estate, you can enjoy stunning views across the vines to the bay. The Omata Kitchen is a relaxed eatery with ocean views and is just 8km away from Russell. You can enjoy the rustic charm with their special wood-fired pizzas and gourmet platters. Omata Kitchen sources its products locally and often changes menus that complement its wines. You can also opt to go glamping (glamorous camping) located next to a vineyard. The boutique vineyard glamping they offer is a luxurious getaway that is eco-friendly and only 10 minutes away from Russell. Read More

Cape Brett Peninsula is known for its native bush and dramatic views across the Bay of Islands. If you are looking for one of the best overnight hikes, the Cape Brett walkway near Rawhiti is a challenging experience. Cape Brett also features a lighthouse at the end of the long hike, and you can view whales or dolphins below the walkway. The Cape Brett Track is 16.5km (one way), and the cape takes 8-10 hours to finish because of the many steep sections. The Department of Conservation has ranked this track as Advanced: Tramping Track. There is a turn to Deep Water Cove (an hour side trip) about 10km into the hike and is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, or diving before starting the harder portion of the hike. If you want to shorten your journey, you can water taxi to Deep Water Cove and start your journey to the Cape Brett lighthouse, which is about 8km. Another option is to start the trail at Rawhiti, reach the lighthouse, and hike to Deep Water Cove, where you can leave by water taxi. Read More

Cape Reinga is the northernmost accessible point in New Zealand. Here, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a swirl of currents, and viewers can see the exact line where they meet each other in two vivid blues. It is a three-hour drive from Pahia. You can walk down the wide sealed walkway to the Cape Reinga lighthouse at the cliff's edge which takes about 10 minutes. This is a great spot for panoramic views and photo opportunities. The stunning cliffs and signposts show the distance from Cape Reinga to other global destinations and are a sight to behold. Cape Reinga is a spiritually significant place for the Maori, and information panels along the way tell you about Maori history. At the tip of the Cape is an 800-year-old pohutukawa tree, and it is believed that spirits leap off this tree and depart to the ocean. Eating is prohibited at the Cape, but Tapotupotu Bay is only a 5-minute drive away for a good picnic or swim. Read More

Flagstaff Hill is where the Northern Wars began but is now a great place for panoramic views of Paihia, Russell, and Waitangi. It is located at Maki Hill near Russell, and you can enjoy a walking track to the historic reserve. Flagstaff Hill was once occupied by prehistoric Maori and has a shaky past. The first four flagstaffs erected here were cut down during the wars. The flagstaff played a significant role between the Maori and early British colonizers when they flew the Union Jack from the staff. Hone Heke and his followers chopped it down four times because of the loss of Maori power and dissent among his people, which sparked the wars. The fifth flag was erected years later to symbolize peace between the British and the Maori. It is now a historic landmark in the Northland region of New Zealand. Information panels explain the history of this reserve. Flagstaff Hill is now under the care of the Department of Conservation as it is an important landmark. Read More

Haruru Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Bay of Islands. The Haruru Falls walk is great for enjoying stunning views through a mangrove, a sheltered track, local history, and bird-watching. The base of the falls is a popular swimming site and is quite deep. You can book a kayaking tour from Pahia for the first part of the journey and walk back on the track to where you started if you’re feeling adventurous. The waterfall and township are about a 5km distance from Pahia in the Bay of Islands and are a must-see. The viewing ledge is a 2-minute walk from the parking area. If you are looking for a walking expedition, the track to the waterfall is 5km and can take 1.5-2 hours to go one way. You can park your car at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds parking area, where you will find the entrance to the track. The walk is mostly flat, clearly signposted, and is rated as easy by the Department of Conservation. One of the track's highlights is a boardwalk that takes you through a mangrove forest. Haruru Falls translates to ‘big noise’ in Maori, and it lives up to its name. The best time to visit Haruru Falls is after a strong downpour of rain as more water is gushing over the rocks. Read More

Kawiti Caves, also known as Waiomio Caves, are a few kilometers south of Kawakawa. These caves attract many tourists and boast the ultimate glow worm experience. The glow worms have a beautiful blue or green taillight which is a mesmerizing experience. On a trip to these caves, you will discover stalactite formations, glow-worm displays, and karst features. The caves are surrounded by a lush green forest. The clear skies allow you to get a beautiful view of the milky way. There is a hidden chamber called the Waiomio Night Sky, where the glow worms are so close you can almost touch them. You can get close enough to see the body of the glow worm. The Kawiti family has owned and operated these caves for 50 years. A wooden boardwalk guides visitors, and the tour takes about 45-60 minutes. While you enjoy the view of the stars, the tour guide will provide you with detailed knowledge about glow worms. The rock formations of these limestone caves are breathtaking, and the Kawiti family descendants provide a unique insight into Maori history and culture. Read More

Kerikeri is a charming town in the Bay of Islands filled with art galleries, studios, and orchards and is steeped in New Zealand history. It was the home ground of the feared Hongi Hika who lived on the North Island in the early 1800s and terrorized many tribes. Although he was fearsome, he was kind to the missionaries which allowed Samuel Marsden to found New Zealand’s second Mission Station. You can visit one of the many wineries, enjoy outdoor cafés in picturesque settings, sample local macadamia liqueur, or indulge in handmade chocolates. Sampling different wines at Marsden Estate, Fat Pig Vineyard, and Cottle Hill Winery is a treat for tourists. You can also watch chocolatiers working at the Makana Chocolate Factory. The fruit-growing climate is great for foodies. Shop for fresh local produce like oranges, avocadoes, and kiwi fruit, or enjoy the delicious cuisine of the area. The Saturday Markets or the Old Packhouse Markers are well-known for produce, products, and live entertainment. It is also the home of Skydive Bay of Islands which takes a unique approach of landing on the beach in suitable weather conditions. For the best views, you can visit Dukes Nose (Kairara Rock), and the views from the top stretch to bays and headlands as far as the eye can see. Read More

Kororipo Pa is a historically important sight located in Kerikeri and is run by the Department of Conversation. Now a terraced sight that shelters the Kerikeri Basin, Korpripo Pa was once a stockaded fortress, trading post, and coastal fishing village. The missionaries lived here in the early 1820s. Today, it is a historic reserve, and only the walls and earth trenches remain. Informative panels show what it looked like in the 1800s. Kororipo Pa was a place of strategic importance for the Maori and was the headquarters for the revered and feared Māori chief Hongi Hika. This settlement played an important part in the Musket war campaigns. You can walk in the steps of this mighty chief by doing the 20-minute Kooripo Pa marked historical walk, which connects the historic Stone Store and Kororipo Pa. Read More

The Bay of Islands is situated north of Auckland and is a stunning subtropical holiday destination encompassing 144 islands. The region boasts numerous reserves and abundant marine life. The Historical Maritime Park and Museum, Paeroa, was established in 1978 and is one of the finest maritime parks in New Zealand. One can enjoy riding a bike along the Hauraki Rail Trail, a 1km diversion or walk into Maritime Park. The location is also favourable for overnight stays in camper vans. The park provides self-contained campervan services. You can also enjoy a river cruise aboard the Tamati, which cruises the Waihou and Ohinemuri rivers. Additionally, you have the pleasure of seeing their birds, ducks, and alpacas. One can view maritime history and regional displays, including naval displays, Captain Cook, and the Northern Steam Ship company. Paeroa was an important port for unloading mining machinery and equipment. The exhibitions in this museum focus on the significance of river trade to the Coromandel Goldfields. Read More

Motuarohia Island, also known as Roberton Island, is one of the 144 islands making up the Bay of Islands. This island is filled with Maori history and boasts many recreational activities and a walking trail to a Pa site where you can witness spectacular views of the Bay of Islands. Snorkelers can enjoy an educational underwater trail in the tranquil lagoons. The island is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind. Motuarohia translates to ‘island of desire’ in Maori. Captain Cook discovered this island in 1769, and the cove where he landed is now a visited site called Cooks Cove. This island is the closest island to visit for a day cruise from Paihia or Russell. You can also paddle a kayak to the island or visit it on a jet ski. You can spot its two stunning lagoons, also known as Twin Lagoons Bay, from different viewpoints on the island. This is the most photographed spot in the Bay of Islands. The island also boasts many native birds and a 15-minute trail to a viewing site in the center to experience beautiful panoramic views. Read More