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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is situated north of Auckland and is a stunning subtropical holiday destination encompassing 144 islands. The region boasts numerous reserves and abundant marine life. The Historical Maritime Park and Museum, Paeroa, was established in 1978 and is one of the finest maritime parks in New Zealand. One can enjoy riding a bike along the Hauraki Rail Trail, a 1km diversion or walk into Maritime Park. The location is also favourable for overnight stays in camper vans. The park provides self-contained campervan services.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a national treasure, is located in the Bay of Islands. It signifies the coming together of two peoples under the treaty of Waitangi. They are steeped in history and stories of important events that shaped New Zealand. You can stroll across these grounds, including beaches, woodland paths, native forests, gardens, and scenic views of the Bay.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Russell is one of the main seaside towns located in the Bay of Islands. Russell is New Zealand’s first European settlement, its first seaport, and the country’s first capital near Okiato. It was once known as the ‘hell hole of the Pacific’ because of shipmen who sought refuge and the image of being a rowdy port. Today, Russell offers one of the most romantic holiday experiences in New Zealand and is often referred to as ‘Romantic Russell’.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Pompallier Mission is New Zealand’s oldest industrial building and was constructed in 1842 with a rammed-earth style typical of French cities. It has a beautiful waterfront view of the Bay of Islands. John Baptiste Pompallier and a group of French Marist brothers set up a Catholic mission here. They translated religious texts into Maori, and the site combines Maori and Paheka history. You can reach here just a five-minute walk from the wharf at Russell.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Pahia is one of the main tourist towns in the Bay of Islands. It is a great base to start your exploration of the Bay of Islands. The shimmering waters of Pahia are safe for tourists with golden beaches and relaxing spots. This is where the Waitangi Treaty was signed, and peace was found between the indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

The Waipoua Forest is New Zealand's most ancient and famous kauri forest. The highlight of Waipoua Forest is the Tane Mahuta, the largest and oldest Kauri tree. Tane Mahuta translates to ‘God of the Forest’ and this kauri tree is approximately over 2,000 years old, still growing, and towers over 169 feet. The Tane Matua Ngahere, or ‘Father of the Forest’ is a 20-minute walk away and is even wider than the Tane Mahuta. It is considered the oldest rainforest tree. The forest is situated north of Dargaville, and it takes an hour’s drive to get here.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Kawiti Caves, also known as Waiomio Caves, are a few kilometers south of Kawakawa. These caves attract many tourists and boast the ultimate glow worm experience. The glow worms have a beautiful blue or green taillight which is a mesmerizing experience. On a trip to these caves, you will discover stalactite formations, glow-worm displays, and karst features. The caves are surrounded by a lush green forest. The clear skies allow you to get a beautiful view of the milky way. There is a hidden chamber called the Waiomio Night Sky, where the glow worms are so close you can almost touch them. You can get close enough to see the body of the glow worm.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga is the northernmost accessible point in New Zealand. Here, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a swirl of currents, and viewers can see the exact line where they meet each other in two vivid blues. It is a three-hour drive from Pahia. You can walk down the wide sealed walkway to the Cape Reinga lighthouse at the cliff's edge which takes about 10 minutes. This is a great spot for panoramic views and photo opportunities. The stunning cliffs and signposts show the distance from Cape Reinga to other global destinations and are a sight to behold.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Te Oneroa-a-Tohe or Ninety Mile Beach is an 88km long stretch of seemingly never-ending paradise and is located to the North of New Zealand. It is often the road taken on sightseeing trips to Cape Reinga. It starts from Ahipara Bay and stretches to Scott Point near Cape Reinga. The southern end or Waipapakauri is the easiest way to get onto the beach. With the right weather, you can drive the entire length of the beach in a four-wheel drive. Rental cars do not provide insurance cover, so it is recommended to take book a tour.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Kerikeri is a charming town in the Bay of Islands filled with art galleries, studios, and orchards and is steeped in New Zealand history. It was the home ground of the feared Hongi Hika who lived on the North Island in the early 1800s and terrorized many tribes. Although he was fearsome, he was kind to the missionaries which allowed Samuel Marsden to found New Zealand’s second Mission Station.

128 km
from city center 11 out of 21
Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Kororipo Pa is a historically important sight located in Kerikeri and is run by the Department of Conversation. Now a terraced sight that shelters the Kerikeri Basin, Korpripo Pa was once a stockaded fortress, trading post, and coastal fishing village. The missionaries lived here in the early 1820s. Today, it is a historic reserve, and only the walls and earth trenches remain. Informative panels show what it looked like in the 1800s.

69 km
from city center 12 out of 21
Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. This island has much Maori and European history, and you can visit prehistoric Maori Pa sites. You can explore the island on foot via many walking tracks, which start and finish at Otehei Bay. At Urupukapuka island, one can enjoy idyllic beaches, archaeological and historical walks, and stunning views.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Haruru Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Bay of Islands. The Haruru Falls walk is great for enjoying stunning views through a mangrove, a sheltered track, local history, and bird-watching. The base of the falls is a popular swimming site and is quite deep. You can book a kayaking tour from Pahia for the first part of the journey and walk back on the track to where you started if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Piercy Island is one of the most famous spots in the Bay of Islands, where you can view the Hole in the Rock. The cliffs rise to about 150m above sea level but what makes it famous is the 16m high hole carved by the ocean at the island’s southwestern tip. If you are lucky and the weather conditions are right, you can sail through the Hole in the Rock.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Omaha Estate is a boutique vineyard in Russell in the Bay of Islands. They offer two options for wine tasting; a tasting flight and a cellar door tasting. The tasting flight is done at your table with your meal and friends. Four wines from Omata Estate are served to sample, equivalent to a full glass of wine. The cellar door tasting is done in a small cellar door, and you get to sample four wines with a staff member.

69 km
from city center 16 out of 21
Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Motuarohia Island, also known as Roberton Island, is one of the 144 islands making up the Bay of Islands. This island is filled with Maori history and boasts many recreational activities and a walking trail to a Pa site where you can witness spectacular views of the Bay of Islands. Snorkelers can enjoy an educational underwater trail in the tranquil lagoons. The island is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Cape Brett Peninsula is known for its native bush and dramatic views across the Bay of Islands. If you are looking for one of the best overnight hikes, the Cape Brett walkway near Rawhiti is a challenging experience. Cape Brett also features a lighthouse at the end of the long hike, and you can view whales or dolphins below the walkway.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Flagstaff Hill is where the Northern Wars began but is now a great place for panoramic views of Paihia, Russell, and Waitangi. It is located at Maki Hill near Russell, and you can enjoy a walking track to the historic reserve. Flagstaff Hill was once occupied by prehistoric Maori and has a shaky past.

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Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Tapeka Point Beach is a sheltered bay at the far end of Russell. It has a beautiful white sand beach for swimming and a second beach which is rocky and ideal for diving and fishing. There is a ramp at one end for the boaties and a platform to swim out from for older kids. The beach also features a swimming pontoon and water ski lane. Tapeka Point is also the closest location to start your explorations via boat to other islands in the Bay of Islands.

69 km
from city center 20 out of 21
Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Waewaetorea Island is located in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and is a true haven for nature lovers. Visit the island to soak in the culture, history, water sports, or even hiking. The white sandy beaches are accessible only by boat, and it is recommended to dock towards the south of the island at Stockyard Bay.

127 km
from city center 21 out of 21
Things To Do in Bay of Islands

Oke Bay is located on a secluded part of the Cape Brett Peninsula and is a picturesque beach in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. This beach has a charming seaside settlement and is an ideal place for a family vacation. The low tides and calm waters make it a great place for swimming. There is a walking track that begins at the beach and takes you all the way to the Cape Brett lighthouse which takes a day to complete. You can also go sailing and it is a great spot for fishing.