Bay Of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a subtropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, water activities, beauty and history. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's great holiday destina...More

The Bay of Islands is a subtropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, water activities, beauty and history. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's great holiday destinations filled with many attractions, activities and things to do. A three hour drive or 35 minute flight north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands and is historically significant being where the first European settlers arrived in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks. A choice of tour operators offering great activities in the region including excellent tours and trips around the area. The best things to do out on the water are fishing charters, kayaking, sailing, scenic flights, dolphin cruises out to the Hole in the Rock and both scuba and free diving in the Bay of Islands Maritime Park. On land the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, beautiful walks, cycling, wildlife reserves and many tours and attractions to choose from. There are also many small towns including Russell and Paihia throughout the Bay of Islands with great restaurants, bars, arts and crafts and entertainment.

Best Attractions and Things to do in the Bay of Islands

1. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations to take a scenic Helicopter flight in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand with 144 islands! This helicopter scenic flight is an incredible activity offering exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock"

2. An Island Hopping Catamaran or Yacht day trip

This is a spectacular area for yachting activities amongst the beautiful coastline, plentiful islands with secluded and stunning beaches, rich with dolphins and wildlife. Get right out into the clearer waters of the Bay of Islands to experience these attractions with a relaxing yacht tour. Many of the smaller yacht day trips even let you help sail, offer paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear and lunch!

3. View a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales and seals

The Bay of Islands sheltered waters make it the perfect place to view a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales and seals. Discover and experience wildlife on a Discover the Bay half day tour or other boating tours that will take you to land on one of the bird wildlife marine reserves.

4. Fishing in the Bay of Islands

Take one of the excellent fishing charter boats to catch Snapper or Kingfish. Further out you may encounter a huge array of sea life which in itself is a major attraction and in turn attracts the game fish that we are so privileged to be able to catch in New Zealand. Big Game Fishing is a great activity in New Zealand and plentiful here out from the Bay of Islands. From the stripe marlin to black and blue marlin you just never know what can jump on your lure or bait. With a huge amount of deep water reefs the Hapuka is another fish that is a must do and try in New Zealand.

5. Diving in the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is home to beautiful reefs and protected marine reserves. This makes it an amazing attraction for divers. There is a large diversity of resident marine life, and many species that pass through seasonally. Reef diving in the Bay of islands is stunning any time of year with swim-trough’s, caves, canyons, walls, boulders and off-shore pinnacles. You don’t need a dive license to enjoy the reefs and marine life in the Bay of Islands, the marine reserves in the BOI makes this a snorkeler’s paradise. Snorkelling is an excellent activity with a huge variety of marine life able to be experienced in the shallows. There are two wrecks in the area, the Rainbow Warrior and the former Navy Frigate HMNZS Canterbury.  The Rainbow Warrior was Greenpeace’s flagship on its way to protest France’s nuclear testing on the Mururoa Atoll when it was sunk by French saboteurs on July 10, 1985, in Auckland Harbour. The former Navy Frigate HMNZS Canterbury F421 now rests in Deep Water Cove near Cape Brett, upright and intact she makes for an impressive sight. Diving in the Bay of Islands is an excellent activity with its sheltered waters creating a great dive location year-round.

6. Parasailing

If you want a fun and exciting activity for all ages and the whole family try Parasailing! The Bay of Islands boasts New Zealand's highest parasailing at 1300ft giving incredible views over the stunning Bay of Islands. Suitable for all ages as we NO physical restrictions. No getting wet-Unless you want to!

7. Mountain Biking

Take a day (or more) and come and enjoy the World-Class Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. A fun activity to do all year round. It offers 30 trails of varying difficulty with great flow and features, from introductory downhill riding, jump trails, cross country and beginner trails. It’s the perfect introduction to mountain biking with lots of easy, scenic trails that you can take at your own pace. You can hire a bike from Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals. During Weekends, School and Public Holidays there are also Waitangi MTB Park Uplift Shuttles. This service allows you to skip the uphill ride and get straight into the fun of the downhills

8. Hole in the Rock Trip

No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete without a trip to the famous Hole in the Rock. Being the Bay of Islands main attraction, there are many boat trips to take you out here from fast jet boats to large cruise boats. See dolphins and marine wildlife attractions along the way and enjoy the stunning scenery.

9. Day trip to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach

There are day long bus tours that will take right up to the top of New Zealand from here. Take a day trip to see Cape Reinga and drive along 90 Mile beach, go sand surfing and have a fantastic day out with planned activities.

10. Kayaking

The Bay of Islands being so sheltered makes it the perfect place to go sea kayaking. There are many different tours that offer short half day trips to Hururu Falls inland and through stunning wet water mangrove forests, and there are sea tours that include overnight stays out on an island in the bay!