New Zealandisland destination

Bay of Islands

Spectacular subtropical region of the North Island of New Zealand, made up of 144 subtropical islands, beaches with turquoise waters, rich marine life and Maori and colonial history.

80 km

3 days

Northland

General information

Everything you need to know about Bay of Islands

Type

island destination

Length

80 km

Recommended Stay

3 days

Region

Northland

Description

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal and historic destinations. Located in the Northland region, this bay encompasses 144 subtropical islands, coves of golden sand and crystal clear waters inhabited by dolphins, penguins and billfish. It is the birthplace of modern New Zealand, home to the historic Waitangi precinct, where the treaty between Maori chiefs and the British Crown was signed in 1840. In addition to its cultural heritage, the region offers scenic cruises, internationally renowned wreck diving, coastal hiking trails and charming fishing villages such as Russell and Paihia.

Famous for

Its 144 subtropical islands and virgin islets
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Sighting of bottlenose dolphins, killer whales and blue penguins
The famous 'Hole in the Rock' rock formation at Cape Brett
Historic towns like Russell (first capital of New Zealand)
Sailing, sport fishing and wreck diving

Highlights

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most significant historic site, surrounded by gardens, Maori maraes and museums.

Cruise to the 'Hole in the Rock' (Motukōkako), sailing through the impressive natural arch carved by the ocean on Piercy Island.

Russell (Kororāreka), historic seafaring village with 19th-century wooden buildings, accessible by scenic ferry from Paihia.

Urupukapuka Island, the largest island in the archipelago, perfect for hiking, snorkeling and picnics on deserted beaches.

Diving in the Rainbow Warrior wreck, the historic Greenpeace flagship sunk in Matauri Bay transformed into an artificial reef.

Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa) in Kerikeri, a breathtaking 27-meter waterfall accessible by a shady path.

Loading information...

Loading destination...

Exploring cities...

Loading destination...

Exploring cities...

Loading destination...

Finding adventures...

Loading destination...

Finding adventures...

Loading destination...

Finding adventures...

Loading destination...

Discovering flavors...

Loading destination...

Finding adventures...

Loading destination...

Exploring cities...

Climate and Conditions

Temperatures by Season

Spring

11-19°C

Summer

15-25°C

Autumn

12-21°C

Winter

8-16°C

Precipitation

Known locally as the 'Winterless North', it enjoys a warm subtropical climate. Dry summers ideal for sailing and swimming; Mild winters with moderate but pleasant rains.

Water Conditions

Water Temperature

Very pleasant blue-green waters. They vary between 15-16°C in winter and 21-23°C in midsummer (January to March).

Precautions

Strong Currents in Passages

Fast tidal currents in the channels between the outer islands and Cape Brett. Caution with kayaks without a guide.

Medium

Submerged Rocks

Underwater rocks and reefs near the islands. They require attention during navigation in pleasure boats.

Low

Loading statistics...

Loading destination...

Loading statistics...

🏙️ Nearby Cities

Auckland

📍 230 km • ⏱️ 3.5 hours by car / 40 min by regional flight

View more information →

Whangarei

📍 70 km • ⏱️ 1 hour by car

View more information →

Kaitaia

📍 110 km • ⏱️ 1.5 hours by car

View more information →

Exploring cities...

Traveler Information

Everything you need to know to plan your visit

Best Time to Visit

From November to April. During the Australian summer (December to February) the temperatures are ideal for swimming, the days are long and sunny, and the pōhutukawa bloom on the coast.

Advertencias importantes

Respect marine conservation regulations: keep a safe distance from dolphins and do not try to touch wildlife. At Waitangi, please pay due respect to sacred Maori sites (tapu).

Connectivity

Public WiFi

Medium

Wi-Fi available in Paihia, Kerikeri centres, public bookstores and i-SITE information centres.

SIM Cards

High

Safety Tips

Strong Sun Protection

The UV index in New Zealand is very high. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Responsible Navigation

If you rent a kayak or small boat, always check the tide and wind forecast before heading out into the outer bay.

Transport Tips

Vehicle and Pedestrian Ferry

There is a vehicle ferry between Opua and Russell (Kapai) that avoids a detour by road of more than 45 minutes.

Gastronomy Tips

Historic Dinner in Russell

Take the sunset ferry from Paihia to Russell to dine on fresh seafood on the waterfront at the historic Duke of Marlborough hotel.

Culture & Etiquette

Protocol in the Marae

Remove your shoes before entering Maori meeting houses (Wharenui) and carefully follow the guide's instructions at pōwhiri ceremonies.

Loading information...

Plan your visit to Bay of Islands!

Discover everything Bay of Islands has to offer

Loading information...

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

3 days cover beaches and a town or two. Add more for hikes or nearby islands.

Start with the featured beaches and towns on this guide; mix downtime with a hidden gem.

The nearby cities listed here usually work well for day trips along the coast.

Swimming, coastal walks, seafood, and seasonal water sports when available.

Many coasts are — look for easy-access beaches and towns with services.

Most visitors arrive via a nearby city, then use buses, cars, or local boats.

Bay of Islands

General information

Description

Famous for

Highlights

Climate and Conditions

Temperatures by Season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Precipitation

Water Conditions

Water Temperature

Precautions

Strong Currents in Passages

Submerged Rocks

🏙️ Nearby Cities

Auckland

Whangarei

Kaitaia

Traveler Information

Best Time to Visit

Advertencias importantes

Connectivity

Public WiFi

SIM Cards

Safety Tips

Strong Sun Protection

Responsible Navigation

Transport Tips

Vehicle and Pedestrian Ferry

Gastronomy Tips

Historic Dinner in Russell

Culture & Etiquette

Protocol in the Marae

Plan your visit to Bay of Islands!

General information

Description

Famous for

Highlights

🏖️Coasts

🏖️Oke Bay (Rawhiti)

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

🏖️Matauri Bay

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

🏖️Urupukapuka Bay (Urupukapuka Island)

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

🏖️Long Beach (Oneroa-Russell)

🌟 Features

🌴 Services

Coastal Towns

🏘️ Paihia

Famous for:

🏘️ Russell (Kororāreka)

Famous for:

🏘️ Waitangi

Famous for:

🏘️ Kerikeri

Famous for:

Water Activities

Sailing Cruises and Hole in the Rock

Diving at the Rainbow Warrior Wreck

Sea Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle in the Islands

Responsible Marine Fauna Sighting

Hidden Gems

Hole in the Rock (Motukōkako)

Special note:

Roberton Island (Motuarohia)

Special note:

Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)

Special note:

Nature and Hiking

Cape Brett Track

Waitangi Coastal Walkway

Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

Local Gastronomy