Introduction
The Bay of Islands is an elegant, vast, and stunning district on the beautiful east coast of Northland, New Zealand. The 144 subtropical islands are centred around the main hub of Paihia, Opua, and Waitangi, our nation’s birthplace. Where you can find most of the water-based activities in the area. Go out on a cruise to check out the wildlife or the breathtaking scenery. Go swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. Across the water from Paihia is Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, which is surrounded by history. Inland are the towns of Kawakawa and Kaikohe, where there are heaps of natural features, historical sites, and great food to experience, not to mention the array of award-winning wineries to indulge in.
The Bay of Islands isn’t just about sun and sea — it’s also a place of great historical importance. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer an immersive cultural experience, where visitors can explore museums, see traditional Māori performances, and walk through the very place where history was made.
With so much natural beauty, history, and adventure packed into one region, it can be a little difficult to decide where to begin. That’s why we have put together a list of 10 must-do experiences that truly capture the essence of the Bay of Islands. These highlights will help you discover the best the region has to offer – from iconic landmarks and rich cultural sites to peaceful island escapes and unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife.
1. Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds:
A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for any New Zealander or foreigner to cement awareness of New Zealand’s heritage, as it is New Zealand’s most important historic site
Make sure you go to one of the cultural performances to see graceful demonstrations of the poi, breathtaking demonstrations of Māori weaponry, stick games, waiata (songs), and a traditional haka.
Check out the two contemporary museums, Te Rau Aroha (commemorating Māori soldiers in the wars) and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi (exploring the signing of the treaty).
Also have a chat with the carvers in the carving studio, while they demonstrate traditional carving techniques which have been handed down through generations.
2. Cruise Through Island Paradise and Discover Marine Wonders
An amazing cruise is waiting for you once you arrive at Paihia. You will join a 4 and half hour guided cruise in search of Dolphins and other Marine life in New Zealand and a visit to the famous Hole in the Rock.
You will be cruising on the Catamaran between the bays and the 144 islands in the area.
And then you will have a stopover on Urupukapuka Island, where you can relax on the beach or walk to the top of the island to enjoy 360° views of this beautiful region.
Enjoy visiting the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island as the boat sails right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula.
3. Swim with Dolphins or Go Whale Watching
In the Bay of Islands, you can swim with dolphins but not whales due to New Zealand regulations. Whale watching is a popular activity, with various species like orca, pilot whales, and Bryde’s whales seen throughout the year. Dolphin encounters offer the chance to swim alongside pods, while whale watching cruises provide opportunities to observe these majestic creatures from a distance.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Dolphin Swimming:
- Allowed: New Zealand regulations permit swimming with dolphins.
- Experience: Many tour operators offer dolphin swims, including guided snorkelling and wetsuits.
- Respect for Wildlife: These tours are designed to minimize disturbance to the dolphins’ habitat.
Whale Watching:
- Not Allowed: Swimming with whales is prohibited for safety and conservation reasons.
- Regulations: Regulations in New Zealand do not allow swimming with whales, but they can be observed from boats.
- Species: Orcas, pilot whales, and Bryde’s whales are regularly seen in the Bay of Islands.
- Best Time: Orcas are more likely to be spotted in the winter months.
- Observation: Whale watching cruises offer the chance to observe these creatures from a safe distance.
4.Visit Russell – New Zealand’s First Capital
Russell holds an important place in New Zealand’s history, being the country’s first seaport, its first European settlement, and New Zealand’s first capital in nearby Okiato. The town’s streets retain their original layout and names from 1843, and many of its historic buildings can still be visited today.
Russell was once known as ‘The hellhole of the Pacific’ because it was a shore leave destination for sailors, whalers, and traders during the 19th century. Today, the atmosphere is much more savoury – Russell is a popular holiday town, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and accommodation to suit the whole family.
A lot of attractions can be visited, such as Christ Church, the oldest Roman Catholic building in New Zealand, the Pompallier Mission, and the historic Catholic mission.
Russell is accessible by road, but the easiest way to visit is to catch a vehicle ferry from Opua (5 minutes) or a passenger ferry from Paihia, which takes around 15 minutes.
5. Discover the Bay’s Beauty with a Sail Around the Islands
Have you tried this experience before? There is a range of cruise options from a full day sailing cruise with a visit to an island wildlife sanctuary with bush walks and water activities.
A half-day sailing cruise with an island stopover at an iconic location, or a relaxing 2-hour evening cruise. With all-inclusive sailing tours, there’s something for everyone on an amazing Sailing Adventure. You will have the options to join a boat by ticketed cruise, book a private charter for your group, or have exclusive use of the boat for the discerning traveller.
You will explore the best of the Bay of Islands’ hidden gems, with a unique and personalised feel.
6. Experience the Serenity of Haruru Falls
The Falls is a five-metre-high (16 ft) waterfall near the settlement of Haruru in the Far North District of New Zealand, three kilometres (1.9 mi) west of Paihia.
These popular falls may be small, but after rain they absolutely thunder with raging water (haruru means “big noise” in te reo Māori). They have a unique and beautiful horseshoe shape.
This is where the entire Waitangi river empties into a lagoon – which was New Zealand’s first river port, used by both Maori and missionaries. The falls are just a couple of minutes’ walk from the car park. Alternatively, you could kayak up to the falls, joining a half-day tour.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Stunning Moturua Island
If you are after a real escape, Moturua Island in the Bay of Islands is a perfect choice. This hidden spot offers golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the everyday.
A coastal loop track circles the island, leading you through native bush and past quiet bays ideal for swimming. It’s an easy walk for most, and the views are absolutely worth it.
Moturua remains blissfully undeveloped – no shops, no crowds – just pure, natural beauty. Bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, and your camera. Ferries and boat tours from Paihia or Russell make it easy to reach, but it’s the island’s wild, untouched feel that truly stays with you.
8. Hike the Cape Brett Track
This challenging 8-hour track requires a high degree of fitness and hiking experience, but you will be rewarded for your effort.
The track begins at Oke Bay, near Rawhiti, and takes you through native forest and along dramatic cliffs to the lighthouse at the end of the cape. When you look down at the ocean and bays below, you might see dolphins playing in the waves. From Deep Water Cove onwards, the track gets more challenging and becomes quite exposed with steep drop-offs to the sea below. The area is rich in early Maori history, and the remains of ancient pā sites (fortified villages) are visible at various locations.
9. Scenic Helicopter Tour Over the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is beautiful from the ground, but from the sky, it’s breathtaking. A scenic helicopter flight lets you see this iconic part of New Zealand like never before, with sweeping views of turquoise waters, hidden beaches, and lush green islands.
As the helicopter lifts off, the world below opens up. You will spot sailboats drifting across the bays, dolphins playing in the surf, and maybe even fly past Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Every moment feels like a postcard brought to life.
It’s not just about the view, though. Up there, with nothing but wide-open skies around you, it’s pure freedom, a chance to experience the Bay in a way few ever do. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, seeing the Bay of Islands from the air is a memory you’ll treasure forever.
10. Tour the Kawiti Caves for a Unique Cultural Insight
The Kawiti Caves are a few kilometres south of Kawakawa; they’re also known as the Waiomio Caves. This cave system attracts many visitors with its bizarre karst features, stalactite formations, and spectacular glow worm displays. The caves are owned and operated by the Kawiti family, who have guided thousands of travellers over the past 50 years, including American billionaire Bill Gates, who visited in 2007.
Your 30-minute guided tour will follow a wooden boardwalk through a 200-metre limestone cave system. .As you enjoy the glow worms above, your friendly guide will explain the life cycle of the New Zealand Glow worm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and the intricate webs used to catch their prey (mosquitoes and midges).
You’ll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its stunning blue/green tail light, before you make the return bushwalk through a natural corridor of karst rock formations and pristine rainforest.
The Bay of Islands is a true gem of New Zealand, offering an incredible blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you’re soaking up the region’s rich Māori heritage, cruising through its crystal-clear waters, or relaxing on its pristine beaches, the Bay of Islands has something for everyone.
It’s a place where you can unwind, explore, and truly connect with the landscape and culture that make this corner of the world so unique. From the thrill of dolphin watching to discovering the secrets of its iconic islands, every corner of the Bay has a new experience waiting for you.
So, why not pack your bags and set your course for the ultimate getaway? The Bay of Islands is ready to show you its magic—let your next great adventure begin here!
