Bay of Islands

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From golden beaches to blue-green water, the Bay of Islands is blessed with natural beauty and a gentle climate. Start in quaint townships where you can trace New Zealand Maori and European history to its roots. Move out onto the water and enjoy an aquatic playground: cruising on a launch, kayaking, diving, snorkelling or swimming with dolphins. Afterwards, enjoy world-class dining that draws on fresh local produce. Whether youÕre looking for adventure or a haven in which to unwind, the Bay of Islands is the ultimate destination.

Main Centres

Paihia – gateway to the Bay of Islands, a base for cruises and activities.
Waitangi – historic settlement where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Russell – first capital of New Zealand, a charming historic town.
Kerikeri – producer of art and subtropical fruits.

Getting There

By Air – Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri has flights from Auckland.
By Road – rent a car and take a road trip along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Several coach companies provide regular services to and from the region.

Getting Around

Shuttle transport operates from Bay of Islands Airport. Rent a car at Kerikeri or Opua. In this region, catching a ferry can be more direct than driving. Passenger services operate between Paihia and Russell. Frequent departures between 7am and 10pm. A vehicle ferry operates between Opua and Okiato, departing approximately every ten minutes.

Eating Out

Bistro 40 Restaurant (40 Marsden Rd, Paihia, t +64 9 402 7444) – fine dining in a picturesque setting. Modern Pacific Rim cuisine and great wine selection.
Only Seafood Restaurant (40 Marsden Rd, Paihia, t +64 9 402 6066) – simple, fresh cuisine, specialising in oysters, mussels, scallops and prawns.
Pure Tastes (116 Marsden Rd, Paihia, t +64 9 402 0003) – poolside restaurant headed by Paul Jobin, one of New Zealand’s top 12 chefs and winner of numerous prestigious food awards.

Where to Drink

Coffee Fix

Waikokopu Café (Waitangi Treaty Grounds, t +64 9 402 6275) – sit amongst Pohutukawa and Tui, enjoying great coffee (and food!) in one of New Zealand’s most historic sites.

Cosy Pub

Duke of Marlborough (Russell) – take a sip in New Zealand’s number-one licensed bar on the waterfront of historic Russell and watch the sun go down over the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Sights

The iconic Stone Store facing the peaceful inlet at Kerikeri is one of the Bay of Islands’ most recognisable sights. Here you can also visit Kerikeri Mission House – built in 1822, this is New Zealand’s oldest house.

The public toilets at Kawakawa! Oddly enough, these toilets are an amazing work of art – the only Southern Hemisphere building designed by renowned Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.

Action

Experience game-fishing at its best. The waters of the Bay of Islands are famed for trophy-sized marlin and other game fish – Zane Grey caught his first marlin here in 1926.
Take a high-speed ocean cruise to ‘the hole in the rock’ at the tip of Cape Brett – one of New Zealand’s most popular – and exciting – maritime adventures.

Relax

Cruising or sailing amongst the 144 islands dotted across the Bay of Island’s sparkling waters.
Explore local art and craft galleries, go wine tasting at a picturesque winery, and stop for lunch at an outdoor café.

THE experience

Wander the grounds of Waitangi – a place important to New Zealanders as the setting for the ceremony in which the Treaty of Waitangi between European settlers and Maori people was signed in February 1840. The grounds are home to the Treaty House, a Maori Meeting House, one of New Zealand’s largest Maori waka (war canoes), a gallery and visitors’ centre.