Places to see

Bay of Islands Best Beaches

Like anywhere in Northland, there are countless beautiful beaches along the Bay of Islands. Some inviting to swim, snorkel and relax with golden sand, others providing hours of fun for old and young finding rock pebbles, shells and other curious items. Here are our top picks that you won’t want to miss when in the area. The Bay of Islands is known as a coastal paradise. When it comes to beaches you are really spoilt for choice. Whether you have a car, campervan, boat or kayak, you are bound to find the perfect spot that suits your needs. You can drive along the coast or head out to one of more than 140 islands that make up the Bay of Islands and experience pristine crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, swim with dolphins or go snorkelling, fishing and explore hidden caves and inlets. Paihia Town Beach Paihia, also known as the “Jewel of the Bay of Islands” is bound to have a beach to go with its busy vibe. Indeed, the town’s main beach stretches all along the water…

Help Prevent Kauri Dieback

The Bay of Islands is known for it’s lush greenery and towering forests. But kauri dieback is threatening our giant kauris with imminent extinction. Without your prompt action, our Northland regional parklands may vanish completely. For 30 years, this disease has existed for some time on Great Barrier island off the coast of Auckland. However, its recent spread to the mainland is directly threatening areas as far east as the Coromandel. In fact, a recent study from the Auckland Council shows that of the distinct areas of kauri forest within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park alone (which are above 5ha in size) 58.3% are exhibiting symptoms of kauri dieback infection within them to some degree. Sadly, there is no known treatment or cure for Kauri dieback disease. But there are steps you can take while exploring our region to stop the spread of this infection. Let’s take a look. What is Kauri dieback? Before we jump into prevention measures, let’s take a look at…

Waewaetorea Island

Whether it’s history, culture, hiking, water sports or sunbathing that most captures your imagination, there is something on Waewaetorea Island for everybody. It is difficult to believe that a location as captivating as this simple, unspoilt little island could be quite so peaceful, and not heaving with other tourists all clamouring to enjoy their own day in Heaven at the same time. Such is the charm of New Zealand. There is every chance that you will indeed find yourselves standing on the island alone, enveloped in the scents and sounds and spellbinding views of nature. It is a truly magical feeling when you realise you are miles away from civilisation, and technology, smog, traffic, bills and work. The pressures of modern life will exist only on a different planet to the one you’re standing on – or at least that’s how you will feel – once you first sink your toes into the perfect, white sand of Waewaetorea Island’s beaches. The gentle birdsong and the rhythmic waves…

Ruapekapeka Pa

The battle of Ruapekapeka took place in January 1846 and it was the last battle of the "Northern War".  A force of around 400 Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine had built large earthern fortifications called a pā, which they had designed to defend against the British strategy and armaments of the day. The Māori warriors were fighting for rights guaranteed to them under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). The British forces where there to put down the "native rebellion" that they viewed as a threat to the authority of the Crown. The Māori forces entrenched at Ruapekapeka were continually bombarded by British cannon fire for over a week and the Ngati Hine chief, Te Ruki Kawiti, planned to withdraw from the pa from 8th January. What happens next and why is somewhat in debate. What we do know is that reinforcements arrived in the form of Ngāpuhi tribal chief, Hone Heke and his men. On 10th January, the British officer in charge, Colonel Despard had all his guns in positio…

Urupukapuka Island

If you were asked to sum up Urupukapuka Island in only one word, it would have to be – quite simply – “Wow”.  As the largest of all the 140 beautiful islands in the Bay, you are so spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do on this island recreation reserve that you will find it difficult to only spend one day there. Luckily, you don’t have to! With three camp sites on the island to choose between, all of which charge extremely affordable rates, you are able to take your time and explore the island at your leisure. You can also use Urupukapuka as a base from which you can explore the other smaller islands dotted around the Bay. When you first arrive in this breathtaking haven of tranquillity, there is a good chance you will feel compelled to leave all traces of technology switched off at the bottom of your rucksack, and indulge in the simplicity of nature. However, for those of you who need to stay in contact with the outside world, or who simply cannot wait to u…

Moturua Island

Moturua Island: If you were to create your idea of paradise into a mere 136 hectares, what might you put there? Would there be a variety of beaches, perhaps, all completely different and yet each as glorious as the last? Crystal clear, turquoise waters; calm, safe and warm enough to jump right into? Stunning panoramic views, accessed by invigorating walks through an exotic wilderness? Rich, green forests, abundant with luscious, native vegetation? Would a healthy population of beautiful, rare wildlife, that you may never have laid eyes upon before, be thriving in your vision? Perhaps there would even be a plethora of fascinating archaeological secrets hidden in the landscape, telling stories of war, colonialism and prehistoric culture? The good news is: all the hard work has been done for you. This vision already exists in real life, and it is called Moturua Island, a very special haven tucked away in the magical Bay of Islands. This Pacific treasure is accessible by …

Roberton Island

Once you catch a commercial boat charter from Paihia or Russell, the first of many picturesque islands you will arrive at is Roberton Island, a rugged Pacific gem off our eastern shores. Also known as Motuarohia Island, as it was called before being purchased from Ngāpuhi chiefs in 1839 by a whaling ship captain named John Roberton, this tranquil little island is steeped in fascinating Māori and colonial history. Roberton Island History The earliest settlement history of the island can be dated back to the prehistoric beginnings of Polynesian settlement in Aotearoa. It is believed that the descendants of the first Māori settlers continued to live and flourish in the island’s habitat over the following centuries. This is evidenced in the large scattering of ancient Māori archaeological sites – such as pa, terraces, pits and gardening lines – that can be found throughout the central lagoon area. Motuarohia was first discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, who anchored the En…

Kawakawa: The Bay of Islands steam train town

Kawakawa is a truly unique place! The town, which lies to the southwest of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, brims with charm, though its latest claim to fame is somewhat unorthodox. Fans of the famous Austrian designer, Friedensreich Hundertwasser (or public toilets for that matter) may already know the small town of Kawakawa, having been awarded the much coveted Golden Plunger award. The award, given in honour of the Austrian’s only building in the Southern hemisphere, denotes the world’s best public toilets, as voted for by a globe-trotting public! What more could a visitor require? Aside from its decidedly quirky claim to fame, Kawakawa is a quirky little town. The famous steam train which runs through the centre of town every weekend, affectionately known as ‘Gabriel’, is a huge attraction, bringing visitors from around Northland, and further afield, for the most relaxing way to see both Kawakawa and the most beautiful local scenery. Again, this has heralded a claim to …

Kerikeri: New Zealand’s hidden haven

Kerikeri is an ideal spot from which to enjoy the best of the Bay of Islands for those that prefer fine food to fast sport, prefer quality cafes to vibrant nightlife. Here is a location to relax in comfort and peace, surrounded by exceptional scenery; a place to truly relax and indulge in the finest food and wine. Filled with intriguing galleries, surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes of Northland and alive with culture, Kerikeri has remained off the tourist map, somehow, but it must not be missed. Tucked into the Northern Shore of the Bay of Islands is Kerikeri, one of the most charming historic sites in all of New Zealand. An idyllic getaway, where time seems to stand still, Kerikeri is steeped in history, but it is the setting that makes the township the ideal place to stop the clock for a few days. Just four hours north of Auckland, Kerikeri seems to have slipped under the radar, and remains, despite the popularity of Northland, a hidden gem, tucked into the No…

Opua

Opua is where the car ferry can be caught to drive over to Russell. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Bay of Islands’, Opua is a beautiful seaside home, well known as a sailing haven, and the first spot tired sailors make land after a gruelling crossing of the South Pacific. And there can be nowhere more comfortable, peaceful and beautiful to recuperate. Sitting on the southern edge of the beautiful Bay of Islands, where the Waikeri and Kawakawa Rivers merge, Opua is the best place in Northland for exploring the water. However, if crossing the South Pacific is a little strenuous for your annual break, Opua should not be overlooked as a spot to dip your toes, lie back in the sun and let life float past on the sea breeze. Opua Marina, New Zealand’s first port of call Anyone visiting Opua will spend time down at the marina. Opua Marina is a beautiful place to sit and forget about life, the marina is also the hub for departing cruises, day trips and sailing excursions through the 144 …

Paihia, New Zealand, the hub of the Bay of Islands

Paihia, known as the ‘Jewel of the Bay of Islands’, is the hub of activity on the Northland coast. This is the spot for taking full advantage of all that the Bay of Islands has to offer, with boats leaving the harbour in every direction. Whether you are looking to explore the rugged, beach strewn coastlines of the 144 islands sprinkled across the Bay, are looking to fulfil a lifelong dream by swimming with dolphins, or trying to explore thetimeless towns of Russell, Opua or Kerikeri, Paihia is the place to start. Paihia is where you will find the best water sports provisions, biggest shops and most lively nightlife in the Bay of Islands, and forms the centre of many a Bay of Islands holiday. For a little piece of it all, Paihia really is the Jewel of the Bay of Islands. Paihia holidays are active holidays. No tour of Northland, or the North Island in fact, would be complete without exploring from Paihia. The coastal landscape is simply exceptional. Located on the Northland s…

Russell, New Zealand, a secret retreat in the Bay of Islands

If you are looking to escape, to disappear for a few days, Russell is the place. New Zealand’s first capital, though you could be forgiven for not believing it, Russell is a small town on the shore of the Bay of Islands that simply oozes charm. History is everywhere, culture is unavoidable, and for utter peace and relaxation, nowhere comes close to Russell. Often referred to as ‘Romantic Russell’, the scenery, pace of life and timeless charm of the town will ensure that your mind will forever drift back to Russell, long after you have left. Russell’s location is almost as big an attraction as the little town itself. Set on the forgotten shore of the Bay of Islands, a short ferry from the area’s activity hub, Paihia, accommodation in Russell is ideally located for taking advantage of the wonderful walking and cycling along the coastline. The new Twin Coast Cycle Way is a very popular way to discover the coast, passing through ancient forest, hidden towns, and along some of th…

The Bay of Islands, New Zealand – the perfect escape

The Bay of Islands is a rare destination; an accessible escape. Blissful beaches, forgotten coves and timeless towns, The Bay of Islands is an adventurer’s paradise. The region has become known as a coastal paradise, where conditions for could not be more appealing for sailing, deep sea fishing and a whole host of other water sports. But the real attraction is the scenery. A stunning coastline with a dizzying number of deserted islands to explore, set against a green, rolling landscape inland, the Bay of Islands is the ideal place to simply get lost. Things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand Just 3 hours from Auckland, the Bay of Islands is a weekend adventurer’s paradise. The bay itself, named after the 144 islands that litter the bay, is the perfect place to set out to sea and get away from it all. There are countless island beaches off which to throw anchor, swim ashore and spend a blissful afternoon in the sun, with the sand between your toes on your very own pr…

Waitangi, New Zealand; Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi; a peaceful, lost haven, whose history shaped the whole of New Zealand. Found 3 hours to the north of Auckland, just 2km from Paihia, Waitangi must not be overlooked. Waitangi is known as the ‘Birthplace of the Nation’ as it was here that the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and the British. Waitangi’s importance to New Zealand cannot be over-stated, it was here that the nation was born, and few birthplaces could be more beautiful. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are New Zealand’s most important cultural site, and for visitors, it is an essential stopping point to gain an understanding of the turbulent, complex living history of the country. Now a large National Trust Reserve, Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a captivating stop on a Northland tour, encompassing swathes of the Bay of Island’s estuary, native bush and wildlife filled mangrove forests. Though it is especially known for its history and culture, Waitangi o…

Holidays in Whangaroa – A slice of heaven by the sea

It is likely that the word “Whangaroa” already means something to you. Whether it is history, fishing or diving that first alerted you to the harbour, Whangaroa excels. If you have landed here by accident, it is a very happy accident. Whangaroa lies 55kms north of the Bay of Islands, too distant for some, and all the better for it. Whangaroa is a harbour, a town and a county, rightly known for its spectacular coastline, living culture and unspoilt countryside. The county centre, Whangaroa Harbour is a comfortable, laid back and picturesque seaside town, an idyllic place to put your feet up in the evening. The area is steeped in legend, the name itself, translating to “a long wait”, harks to a legend where a Maori woman sat to watch the horizon for a husband was fighting to the south. Whangaroa’s notoriety as the setting of the 1809 Boyd Incident is reason for exploration enough, but it is the shear natural beauty that strikes you most when you visit the area. Whangaroa is al…