The Bay of Islands is an incredibly scenic coastal region on the North Island of New Zealand that’s made up of popular tourist destinations like Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri.
We lived here (in Kerikeri) for over a year, and I must say that the ‘Winterless Far North’ as this region is nicknamed, was very good to us. For one, the weather is known as the best in the country, with average daily temperatures in the summer reaching 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) and in the winter, you’re looking at 61 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius). Which is pretty warm for New Zealand! And also, the beaches here are easily the prettiest in the country!
There really is so much beauty to be explored up here in the North of the North Island. From the famed Cape Reinga, the giant sand dunes at Te Paki, and the largest Kauri tree in the world, you are certainly spoiled for choice in the Bay of Islands!
Where to stay in the Bay of Islands
There are three main towns to stay in in the Bay of Islands: Paihia (our recommendation), Kerikeri, and Russell. Paihia is where you’ll find the most hotels, restaurants, and things to do. Kerikeri is bigger (by population size), but it’s got more of a local feel, and it’s not next to the beach – it’s actually where we lived for a year. And finally, Russell is smaller than the two and very pretty, but it’s harder to get to (the easiest way is a ferry from Paihia).
In Paihia:
The Copthorne Hotel & Resort is located close to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia. This large resort-style hotel offers a lagoon-style pool, a tennis court, and many of the rooms boast ocean views. There’s also a restaurant/ Cafe on-site.
In Kerikeri:
Around a 20-minute drive from Kerikeri (near Matauri Bay) is one of the most luxurious and exceptional properties in New Zealand. Now, I may be biased as I worked here for a year, but honestly, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a bucket-list property. Set on an 18-hole golf course and with no less than 3 private beaches, a spa, outdoor pool. This place will have you dreaming about it for years to come. It’s very pricey though – minimum $1k a night, but it’s full board (breakfast, 5-course dinner, and some drinks are included).
In Russell:
You can’t go wrong with the Duke of Marlborough; this historic property set on the beach boasts stylish rooms (some with sea views) and an awesome restaurant downstairs. Expect to pay around $150 NZD per night here.
Getting to the Bay of Islands
There is a small airport in the Bay of Islands (called the Bay of Islands Airport), but it only welcomes flights from Auckland. The airport is located around a 10-minute drive from Kerikeri and 25 minutes from Paihia.
Alternatively, you can drive here from Auckland (around a 3-hour drive) or catch the Greyhound bus service from most major cities on the North Island; however, you may need to change buses along the way.
Is Bay of Islands worth visiting?
Oh, a million per cent – the Bay of Islands is worth visiting! It’s drop-dead gorgeous, has heaps of fun things to do, and it’s also home to epic hikes and fantastic beaches. There really isn’t much more I’d want from a destination than what the Bay of Islands has to offer.
17 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands
1. Wander around Paihia
Paihia, as mentioned earlier, is a bit of a ‘backpacker haven’, with an abundance of hostels & seasonal work. The town runs the length of a golden sandy beach and has lots of great bars and restaurants – one of our favorites being El Cafe, a Mexican cafe with great prices. From here, you can catch the passenger ferry to Russell.
There’s loads to do in Paihia, from a boat cruise to the famed hole in the rock. This one is 5-hours-long and includes some time on a secluded island. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales and dolphins – the water here is teeming with marine life! It costs under $150 NZD per person.
We also loved this adrenaline-pumping jet boating experience. It’s just 30 minutes long so ideal if you’re tight on time and features some mind-bending 360-degree turns in Paihia Bay on board a special jet boat! You can even go on a dolphin watching tour here, which I loved.
2. Haruru Falls
This scenic spot outside Paihia is renowned for its unique horseshoe shape, which is reminiscent of the famous Niagara Falls, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Haruru, which means “big noise” in Māori, aptly describes the sound of water as it cascades over the falls and into the basin below. You can also walk along the Haruru Falls Track while here. This takes you alongside the Waitangi River, where you will likely spot native birds like Kererū and tūī.
3. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
This is one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in New Zealand, as this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840. This treaty is considered New Zealand’s founding document; it was essentially an agreement between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs.
The grounds here (next to Paihia) feature several important landmarks, including the Treaty House, where the treaty was first discussed; the carved meeting house, Te Whare Rūnanga, which represents unity between Māori and European cultures; and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua (which can hold up to 150 rowers!)
I recommend spending at least 3 hours here – the guided tour section takes around 50 minutes, and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to witness the haka and songs performed in the Te Whare Rūnanga.
A ticket for Waitangi Treaty Grounds costs $74 NZD and that includes two days access.
4. Helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands
See the stunning Bay of Islands from the best vantage point (in a helicopter), with an optional landing at the Hole in the Rock. You’ll fly over Cape Brett, Russell, and Waitangi en route to the Hole in the Rock. And the option to land atop the iconic natural landmark includes a walk led by a Maori guide.
The flight lasts for 20 minutes (not including the stop on the Hole in the Rock) and costs from $330 NZD.
5. Catch the ferry to Russell
Historic Russell was once known by the unflattering nickname of ‘Hell-hole of the Pacific”. It was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand, so it was once full of rowdy British sailors (hence, its nickname).
Like Paihia, it is a very popular stop with tourists, so it is justifiably full of restaurants & tourist shops. Still, it is a very pretty town to spend the day, take lots of photos, and have a good hearty lunch. We recommend getting a seat outside the ever-popular Duke of Marlborough for a bite to eat.
If you’re a hiker, the Tapeka Point Track is so scenic, and at the peak, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the area. Walking the Flagstaff Hill Track is another incredible hike in the area – it’s a 3.4 km loop track with awesome views from the summit. And in fact, the Union Jack that once flew here was cut down numerous times by Māori leaders to protest against British rule, which ultimately led to the Northern War in 1845.
6. Hike through the Puketi Kauri Forest
The Puketi Kauri Forest is another great stop, only a 15-minute drive from Kerikeri – there are a variety of walks you can do here, ranging from quick and easy to lengthy and more difficult.
We did the Kauri Stump Walk – a beautiful wooded walkway through giant Kauri trees. It takes less than 15 minutes round-trip. It is peaceful and typically doesn’t attract too many other tourists. You can camp here, too, if so inclined.
7. See the largest Kauri tree in the world
Tane Mahuta is a giant Kauri tree on the west coast of Northland (the region/ state Bay of Islands is in) in the Waipoua Forest. The tree is a whopping 51.5 meters tall and has a trunk girth of 18.8 meters. No tree-hugging this one!
Known as the “lord of the forest,” it makes you feel incredibly small. There’s a kind of surreal, peaceful energy that overcomes you in its presence. Tane Mahuta is a 70-minute drive from Kerikeri.
There’s a great little food truck on-site serving great coffee and freshly baked cakes. It is free to visit Tane Mahuta, which is fantastic considering it’s one of the top tourist sites in Northland.
💡Did you know – Kauris were depleted by logging, which started in the 1820s? And the few giants that remain are threatened by dieback disease, a rot that is carried on people’s shoes and by mammals. Today, visitors have to hose their shoes and make sure no soil is on their clothes before entering the rainforest. Even the root structures of Tāne are so fragile that walkways have been built to protect them.
8. Drive the wild west coast
A completely different coastal terrain to the eastern side of Northland, the west coast is famed for its white-sand beaches and sand dunes. You may even spot massive purple jellyfish lurking in the shallow waters.
Hokianga is the main town here – also known as Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, it is said to be the landing place of Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator and explorer who discovered New Zealand. The area around Hokianga is characterized by its stunning landscapes, which include expansive harbors, rolling hills, and serene beaches. It is a place where Māori culture is vibrant and alive, with many communities maintaining traditional practices.
We walked on a beach next to the town of Omapere that was gorgeously deserted and felt like another world. There is also a gorgeous viewpoint and scenic walk called Arai Te Uru off this beach.
Adventure seekers can try sandboarding down the massive dunes at Omapere’s harbor mouth.
9. Spend a day in Kerikeri
Having lived here for a year, we feel the best things to do in Kerikeri are to hike the short, easy trail to Rainbow Falls (it’s 4 miles round-trip), visit the Stone Store (the oldest stone building in New Zealand, which also houses one of the cutest Cafes on the North Island. It’s called the Honey House Cafe, and it overlooks the river. The coffee is excellent, and so are their sweet treats.
And also be sure to stop by the bustling yet quirky Packhouse Market, which is held every Saturday morning. Here, you can grab yourself a great coffee, delicious food, and check out lots of locally-made handicrafts.
One of our favorite beaches in Northland is also near Kerikeri – it’s next to Opito Bay and can be accessed via a short walk through native bush. It’s always so quiet here.
10. Check out Rainbow Falls
This picturesque waterfall, known in Māori as “Waianiwaniwa,” means “waters of the rainbow,” cascades 27 meters into a serene pool below, creating a mesmerizing view, especially when sunlight catches the mist, forming rainbows. It’s a short, well-maintained walking track to the falls from the car park, and I actually walked it regularly after work when we lived in Kerikeri.
11. Swim or surf at Matauri Bay
Another fabulous beach in this area is Matauri Bay. As a matter of fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s the best beach in Northland. Matauri Bay is a 30-minute drive from Kerikeri via the most epic road winding down to the beach. The view as you drive down is spectacular, just be careful not to take your eyes off the road.
Matauri Bay plays host to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial, an unusual sculpture dedicated to the famous Rainbow Warrior ship – a Greenpeace protest ship that was blown up in Auckland Harbour in 1985.
The wreck was moved to the waters off Matauri Bay (FYI – you can scuba dive this wreck too). Walking to the memorial is a steep 10-minute climb, but the 180-degree views of the bay are so worth your aching legs. However, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Northland!
12. Do a tour of the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
The Kawiti Glow Worm Caves are another top attraction in Northland. We haven’t made the visit, but have heard great things. Yes, it’s not as ‘touristic’ as its famous sibling, the Waitomo Caves, but we prefer off-the-beaten-path attractions, don’t you?
Here, you’ll get up close to thousands of glow worms as you wander through a 656-foot-long cave that’s also lined with stalactites and stalagmites. You can do a 45-minute tour of the caves during the day or book a super-unique twilight tour to the glow worms, where you’ll also learn about Maori culture in the area and enjoy a special dinner in the cave!
The Kawiti Glow Worm Tour costs from $155 NZD per person and can be BOOKED HERE!
13. Day trip to Cape Reinga
This is certainly one of the must-do activities in Northland. At the very tip of Northland (and around a 2.5-hour drive from Paihia) is Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand and the point where two oceans meet (the Tasman and Pacific).
Cape Reinga is very popular and can get quite crowded, so try to get here early or late to avoid the tour buses.
To get the best photo of the Lighthouse, stand at the top of the hill directly facing it.
If you don’t have a car or don’t fancy driving here – this guided tour from Paihia is a great option. It also includes a stop at 90-mile beach. It costs $195 NZD per person.
14. Te Werahi Beach (a hidden gem beach)
There’s an absolutely incredible beach about a 25-minute walk from the Cape Reinga lighthouse called Te Werahi Beach. To be honest, we spent more of our time here than at the Lighthouse itself. It’s around a 15-minute walk along the cliffs down to the beach, and when we went swimming here, my husband lost his flip-flop as he left it on the shore, and the waves come in strong!
15. Have fun at the giant sand dunes in Te Paki
On your drive back from Cape Reinga to the Bay of Islands, make a stopover at the sand dunes in Te Paki, around a 5-minute drive from the lighthouse.
We didn’t partake in sand-boarding here, but took a long walk around the dunes, which are akin to what I imagine the planet of Mars to look like.
To rent a sandboard on site is $10-$15 NZD. Even though we didn’t join in the sand duning (it was very busy when we visited in January). We did walk around the area, though, and even ran down the dunes.
16. Drive on 90 Mile Beach
Driving further north from Paihia, you will come across the well-travelled 90-mile beach. This beach is officially a highway, but according to the locals, it is really only suitable for 4WD vehicles and is safe to drive only at specific times of the tides”.
We drove in our non-4WD Audi for a little while and were fine, although we were very cautious of the tide and didn’t drive too far from an exit.
💡Tip – We’ve heard lots of horror stories of cars sinking in the sand, and when the tide is out far enough, you can see the cars half-submerged under the sand! The sunsets here are pretty epic, too.
17. Catch the sunset at Cable Bay
We’ve taken some very pretty sunset photos at Cable Bay while we lived here. Did you know – Cable Bay got its name because it was home to the Pacific cable, which linked Australia by telegraph with New Zealand?
And not too far from Cable Bay is the harbor-side town of Mangonui is pretty and picturesque and has the best Thai food in Northland and a sweet little cafe named Jesse’s on the Waterfront’s. The coffee here is strong, just how I like it!
When to visit Bay of Islands?
The peak tourist season runs from December to February, when you can enjoy warm, sunny days (you’re looking at average temps of 23 Celsius / 73 Fahrenheit), but this is also when the area is most crowded, and accommodation prices are higher.
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). The weather is nice here year-round (pretty much), this is the Winterless Far North, after all.
Renting a Car in New Zealand
For many of the above listed places, we really recommend hiring a rental car as public transport in Northland is limited! Like, you can’t get public transport to hidden gem spots like Tane Mahuta and Matauri Bay. Luckily, driving in Northland is fairly straightforward – there are no big motorways, just single-lane highways, and it’s considered a safe place to drive.
We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars – which is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after. I’ve tried many times to rent directly with the companies, and it took me a long time to filter through each company.
Be sure to check out our detailed guide to renting a car in New Zealand!
Thanks for Reading!
And there you have it, that’s the best things to do in the Bay of Islands. I hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations for this beautiful part of the world, which we were lucky enough to call home for a time.
Have you been to the Bay of Islands? Have I missed anything here? If you think so, pretty please let me know in the comment section below.
Last Updated on November 30, 2025 by snaphappytravel