Bay of Islands
Aerial
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is comprised of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Visit the historic seaside towns of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri here. You can enjoy the beauty of this area on a cruise or rent a sea kayak to explore the islands. Once you’re around Tapeka Point you’ll find a marine playground with a bounty of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. In addition, many of the islands here have hiking trails. Also enjoy beautiful river and seaside hiking trails or find the gigantic Kauri Tree in unspoiled subtropical rainforest on the mainland.
Paihia
Paihia is an excellent base from which to explore the Bay of Islands. It has a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and a town center. From the wharf you can book a trip to the outer islands, join a fishing expedition or take the ferry to Russell. Other great activities in Paihia include taking a cruise to the ‘hole in the rock’ at the tip of Cape Brett, finding dolphins (and even swimming with them) and going on sea kayaking tour. Nearby is the historic Treaty House at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which commemorates the beginning of New Zealand as a country. To the west you’ll find Haruru with its magnificent waterfalls. You can also take a scenic flight or drive to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand.
Russell
Russell holds an important place in New Zealand’s history: it was the country’s first sea port, its first European settlement and New Zealand’s first capital was located in nearby Okiato. Many of Russell’s historic buildings can still be visited today and the town’s streets still have their original names and layout from 1843. And New Zealand’s oldest surviving Roman Catholic building, Pompallier, is located here. Originally built as a mission in 1841-42, Pompallier has undergone extensive conservation work and is now a working museum. The oldest existing church in New Zealand, Christ Church, is also located here. Today, Russell is a popular a vacation spot, with plenty of shops, restaurants and activities including fishing, cruising, swimming and kayaking. It also makes a great base for exploring the Bay of Islands.
Stay
Paihia Beach Resort
Eagles Nest
Waterfront Suites
Copthorne
Blue Pacific Apartments
Paihia Beach Resort
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Do
Kayaking
Waitangi National Trust
Salt Air
Start Planning your trip!
Rick Garrett
I’m a Professional Travel Adviser with over 40 years of travel industry experience. The countries I specialize in include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia (aka Tahiti), and the Cook Islands. I’ve made dozens of trips to the South Pacific so am able to provide you with first hand knowledge and experience while creating the custom itinerary that is perfect for YOU, and then take care of everything from A to Z, before, during and after your amazing Down Under adventure. Because the journeys I create for my clients are born out of my desire to share my authentic travel experiences, each one is unique, and designed to match your interests, tastes and budget.