Things To Do Bay Of Islands

New Zealand

28 out of 52 Places to visit in New Zealand

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Places To Visit In Bay Of Islands

Ninety Mile Beach

Te Oneroa-a-Tohe or Ninety Mile Beach is an 88km long stretch of seemingly never-ending paradise and is located to the North of New Zealand. It is often the road taken on sightseeing trips to Cape Reinga. It starts from Ahipara Bay and stretches to Scott Point near Cape Reinga. The southern end or Waipapakauri is the easiest way to get onto the beach. With the right weather, you can drive the entire length of the beach in a four-wheel drive. Rental cars do not provide insurance cover, so it is recommended to take book a tour. Te Paki is a shallow stream on the northern side that joins the beach and at the end of this stream are far-reaching sand dunes. The Aupouri Forest flanks one side, which provides refuge from the sun. Take in the amazing views of sandy slopes or enjoy surfcasting. People often bring their sandboards or toboggan down these extensive slopes. You can also dig around during low tide for a native shellfish called pipi. Read More

Oke Bay is located on a secluded part of the Cape Brett Peninsula and is a picturesque beach in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. This beach has a charming seaside settlement and is an ideal place for a family vacation. The low tides and calm waters make it a great place for swimming. There is a walking track that begins at the beach and takes you all the way to the Cape Brett lighthouse which takes a day to complete. You can also go sailing and it is a great spot for fishing. The beach is about 29 kilometers from Russell and you can follow the signs toward Rawhiti. There are many native dolphin pods and whales seen in the area and you can also swim with the dolphins. Couples often visit Oke Beach for its romantic sunsets and tranquil setting. Enjoy a picnic at this calm setting or just relax on the beach. Read More

Pahia is one of the main tourist towns in the Bay of Islands. It is a great base to start your exploration of the Bay of Islands. The shimmering waters of Pahia are safe for tourists with golden beaches and relaxing spots. This is where the Waitangi Treaty was signed, and peace was found between the indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers. Pahia is a three-hour drive from the north of Auckland. This town features a positive environment and you will encounter friendly locals. The main beach, Pahia Town beach is a great place to spend the day as it is close to shops and accommodations. Pahia is also a great place if you possess an adventurous spirit as many water activities are available. You can join fishing expeditions that start at Pahia’s wharf, hop on a cruise to different islands and even catch a ferry to the town of Russell. There are various places where you can hire your own bikes, paddleboats, or kayaks and explore different parts of Pahia. It is also a great base for trips to Kerikeri, Cape Reinga, and Hokianga. Read More

Piercy Island is one of the most famous spots in the Bay of Islands, where you can view the Hole in the Rock. The cliffs rise to about 150m above sea level but what makes it famous is the 16m high hole carved by the ocean at the island’s southwestern tip. If you are lucky and the weather conditions are right, you can sail through the Hole in the Rock. The island is called the landing place of Tunui-a-rangi, who first brought the Maori to New Zealand. The Maori named this island Motukokako Island while Captain Cook called it Piercy Island. The Maori warriors had an initiation ritual to climb the rocks to collect a feather from the kokako birds that lived there. Various day cruises to Piercy Island from Russell and Paihia can take 4-6 hours per your booking preference. Adventurous spirits can ride in a helicopter over this landmark or even do the 35m dive underwater to the Cathedral Cave. During the dive, you can spot kingfish, marlin, and sunfish. Read More

Pompallier Mission is New Zealand’s oldest industrial building and was constructed in 1842 with a rammed-earth style typical of French cities. It has a beautiful waterfront view of the Bay of Islands. John Baptiste Pompallier and a group of French Marist brothers set up a Catholic mission here. They translated religious texts into Maori, and the site combines Maori and Paheka history. You can reach here just a five-minute walk from the wharf at Russell. Paheka history. You can reach here just a five-minute walk from the wharf at Russell. They offer heritage tours, and one can catch a glimpse into 19th Century style bookbinding and printing. The printery is accessed only through guided tours. The mission's original printing press is restored, and you can see it in action. You can also enjoy their museum displays and take a walk in their heritage gardens. End your visit with coffee and French pastries at their French Coffee House Read More

Russell is one of the main seaside towns located in the Bay of Islands. Russell is New Zealand’s first European settlement, its first seaport, and the country’s first capital near Okiato. It was once known as the ‘hell hole of the Pacific’ because of shipmen who sought refuge and the image of being a rowdy port. Today, Russell offers one of the most romantic holiday experiences in New Zealand and is often referred to as ‘Romantic Russell’. The fastest way to reach Russell is by ferry from Paihia and the town can also be accessed by vehicular ferry or by road. Russell is a good base to start off your exploration of the Bay of Islands. There are multiple restaurants, bars with live music, and waterfront cafés where one can enjoy some fish and chips. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the town with scenic walks and historical buildings or you can engage in various water activities like sailing, dolphin watching, and fishing. Read More

Tapeka Point Beach is a sheltered bay at the far end of Russell. It has a beautiful white sand beach for swimming and a second beach which is rocky and ideal for diving and fishing. There is a ramp at one end for the boaties and a platform to swim out from for older kids. The beach also features a swimming pontoon and water ski lane. Tapeka Point is also the closest location to start your explorations via boat to other islands in the Bay of Islands. The grassy Tapeka Point Track is easy and takes about 15 minutes to go one way. The track is just 1km north of Flagstaff Hill/Maiki, and one will get 360 scenic views across the Bay of Islands. The flat sand of the beach and safe waters make it great for younger children. Fishing is an ideal activity from boats offshore, and one can also enjoy surfcasting from the rocks. There are beachfront accommodations available for people who want to enjoy the location. Read More

Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. This island has much Maori and European history, and you can visit prehistoric Maori Pa sites. You can explore the island on foot via many walking tracks, which start and finish at Otehei Bay. At Urupukapuka island, one can enjoy idyllic beaches, archaeological and historical walks, and stunning views. This slice of paradise is a short ferry ride from Russell or Pahia and is one of the most accessible islands in the Bay of Islands. You can enjoy a relaxing 30-minute stroll or go for the more challenging 1 to 5-hour treks. These trails provide endless photo opportunities and beautiful 360° views. On these trails, you can also stop at archaeological sites of Maori Pa occupation, food storage, gardens, and villages. There are campsites at Cable Bay and Sunset Bay and great spots for swimming. At Urupukapuka Bay, you can spot rare shore birds like the oystercatcher and dotterel, which nest from August to February. A visit to the Island Conservation Center at Otehei Bay is a must-see for visitors and provides free entry to all. Here, you can learn about the island's fascinating Maori and colonial history. Read More

Waewaetorea Island is located in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and is a true haven for nature lovers. Visit the island to soak in the culture, history, water sports, or even hiking. The white sandy beaches are accessible only by boat, and it is recommended to dock towards the south of the island at Stockyard Bay. The island is enriched with heritage sites and stories of pre-colonized Maori civilization. There are 11 different archaeological sites to explore, including Maori Pa sites, drains, terraces, gardening lines, taro plants, and storage pits. It is a great place to experience the country’s humble beginnings. There are easy hiking trails to explore that cut across picturesque views. The island offers crystal clear swimming and snorkeling opportunities and freediving from the seaward side. Boats may also anchor close to Waewaetorea Island so visitors can kayak or paddle to the island. Read More

The Waipoua Forest is New Zealand's most ancient and famous kauri forest. The highlight of Waipoua Forest is the Tane Mahuta, the largest and oldest Kauri tree. Tane Mahuta translates to ‘God of the Forest’ and this kauri tree is approximately over 2,000 years old, still growing, and towers over 169 feet. The Tane Matua Ngahere, or ‘Father of the Forest’ is a 20-minute walk away and is even wider than the Tane Mahuta. It is considered the oldest rainforest tree. The forest is situated north of Dargaville, and it takes an hour’s drive to get here. The kauri trees are deeply respected by the Maori, who have witnessed a decline of the kauri species. Twilight tours are also available for a more spiritual connection with the forest. Trek through the forest to enjoy the towering trees, flora, fauna, and native birds. There is also a well-maintained boardwalk to reach the kauri trees. Travelers are expected to follow kauri protection guidelines while visiting the forest. Read More