Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a destination synonymous with spectacular landscapes, a vibrant culture, creative culinary scene, and adventure activities galore. Discover the best things to do in New Zealand in this handy guide.
New Zealand
The best road trip stops from Auckland to the Bay of Islands
The ultimate guide to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Offering a fascinating blend of pristine nature, cultural attractions and family adventures, a trip to the Bay of Islands is a unique Aotearoa New Zealand destination worthy of inclusion on any North Island itinerary.
The Bay of Islands or Ipipiri, as it's known in Māori, boasts 144 islands that offer visitors secluded bays, enthralling marine life, rich culturalal attractions, and wide-ranging activities that allow you to see it all.
The Bay of Islands has four main areas, each with its own distinct atmosphere and attractions. The bustling seaside town of Paihia is the gateway to the Bay of Islands, with a lively waterfront area and a range of accommodation, cafés, restaurants, and shops. Nearby Russell is more serene and known for its historic charm and boutique stays. Kerikeri is the Bay of Islands’ largest town, with excellent dining and easy access to nearby wineries. Boating enthusiasts and those seeking peace love Opua’s sleepy pace and proximity to the Opua Forest.
RACV Members have access to exclusive benefits on everything from tours, cruises, and exemplary attractions and experiences across New Zealand.
Opua offers some great cycling routes. Image: Tourism NZ
Your guide to the Bay of Islands
The best cultural activities in the Bay of Islands
One of the joys of visiting the Bay of Islands is not only its natural wonders, but its cultural and historical treasures, too. The number one heritage stop on any Bay of Island trip is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Signed here in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document. Allow at least a day to explore the museums, take a guided tour, and catch a cultural Māori performance. You can even add a traditional underground hangi meal to your visit.
Once known as the ‘Hellhole of the Pacific’ due to its lawlessness, Russell (or Kororāeka) is now a charming, serene destination in the Bay of Islands. Discover insights into the area’s tumultuous past at the Russell Museum. The exhibits on whaling, Māori culture, and early European settlers make for a fascinating visit.
Also in Russell, the Pompallier Mission and Printery is perfect for book lovers. This meticulously restored 19th-century former French Catholic mission station reveals step-by-step insights into printing and bookbinding. Visit the original printery, tannery, and glorious beachfront gardens.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the number one heritage stop. Image: Tourism NZ
The best marine activities in the Bay of Islands
There are countless ways to enjoy the Bay of Islands’ marine wonders and 144 islands, both adventurous and relaxed. One of the most popular attractions is a dolphin boat cruise, giving you the chance to see the playful bottlenose residents up close, while also taking in the breathtaking scenery. Most boat tours take in the Motu Kõkako (Hole in the Rock), a natural archway steeped in Māori legend.
Another way to meet the Bay of Islands' marine residents – including migrating whales in spring and autumn – is to charter a yacht or catamaran to explore more of the islands and their secluded beaches. In summer, you can board the R. Tucker Thompson traditional tall schooner for a sailing excursion with a difference.
For more immersive experiences on the water, hire a kayak to explore the hidden coves and inlets. It's also one of New Zealand’s top dive spots, thanks to great visibility, vibrant marine life, and offshore shipwrecks like the famous Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior, which sunk in 1985.
Kayaking in the clear waters of the Bay of Islands is popular. Image: Tourism NZ
The best natural wonders in the Bay of Islands
For nature enthusiasts, the Bay of Islands’ lush landscapes, stunning coastal vistas and well-marked trails make for fabulous days out.
A short drive from Paihia, Haruru Falls is an ideal spot for a picnic or hike. Walk the 6km Haruru Falls Track from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see the horseshoe-shaped falls. For a shorter trail, take the 1.7km Rainbow Falls Track, near Kerikeri; they're especially impressive after rain.
Pass native bush, secluded beaches, and historical sites on the 5.5km Paihia to Opua Coastal Walk. The panoramic Bay of Islands views make this worth every step.
For an island adventure like no other, take the ferry to Urupukapuka Island, the largest in the region. This pest-free paradise has a fascinating history, pristine beaches and ancient Māori pā sites (defensive settlements or villages) worth exploring. Walk the archaeological trails, snorkel, kayak or relax in beautiful Otehei Bay.
Paihia offers plenty of beautiful coastal views. Image: Tourism NZ
The best eats and treats in the Bay of Islands
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack between activities or an exquisite fine dining experience, there are plenty of options for visitors to the Bay of Islands. This includes 10 wineries.
For fresh seafood and pasta at one of New Zealand’s oldest restaurants, step back in time at The Gables in Russell. For exceptional waterfront views, head to Charlotte’s Kitchen for delectable wood-fired pizzas and seafood dishes. For a post-dinner nightcap, Paihia’s Bad Habits has a fun cocktail menu.
For more casual meals, El Cafe in Paihia has top-rated Mexican and Latin American fare, and the hearty meals at Kerikeri’s Rusty Tractor Café set you up perfectly for adventure activities. If you’re staying in Paihia, kickstart your day at Third Wheel Coffee.
For wine lovers, visit Kerikeri’s Fat Pig Vineyard and Marsden Estate. The latter’s beautiful garden setting makes their famous wines taste even better. If beer is more to your palate, PhatHouse Brewery in Haruru offers naturally crafted beers in a lively setting with bar games and live entertainment.
The Bay of Islands boasts 10 wineries. Image: Tourism NZ
The best day trips from the Bay of Islands
While there’s ample to do around the Bay of Islands, there are also some fascinating day trips to enrich your stay.
Three hours north of the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga is New Zealand’s northernmost point and a sacred Māori site. For little kids and big kids alike, stop for sandboarding fun at the Te Pake Sand Dunes and the not-quite Ninety Mile Beach (it’s actually 88km long). At Cape Reinga, witness the Pacific Ocean, meet the Tasman Sea and learn of the cultural significance of this site, where Māori spirits depart for their ancestral homeland.
Explore the Waipoua Forest on a day trip from the Bay of Islands or as a west coast detour on your drive back to Auckland. The forest is home to the famous Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest kauri tree, and standing at its base is awe-inspiring. If time permits, stay for the Footprints’ Twilight Māori Cultural Eco Night tour. The exceptional guides impart their deep spiritual respect for these ancient sentinels.
Tane Mahuta is New Zealand's largest kauri tree. Image: Tourism NZ
The best road trip stops from Auckland to the Bay of Islands
Most visitors to the Bay of Islands rent a car in Auckland, as the drive is straightforward with several fabulous places to break up the four-hour journey. If you hold a current Australian driver's licence then you can drive in New Zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. But you must carry your physical licence with you at all times while driving, even if you have a digital licence.
Alternatively, Air New Zealand offer direct daily 50-minute flights from Auckland to Kerikeri Airport.
For must-see road trip stops on the drive north, stretch your legs at Matakana’s Sculptureum, where six art galleries, three sculpture gardens, a vineyard and café await. An hour further north, Mangawhai Heads is a pretty beach town with tasty seafood at the Mangawhai Tavern.
Perhaps the most practical attraction en route to the Bay of Islands is the Kawakawa Hundertwasser Toilets, close to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves. This famous work of art is also a working bathroom!
