Adventure

Aventura extrema en Bay of Islands: Adrenalina pura

Vive la aventura en Bay of Islands con actividades que desafiarán tus límites.

Coast
New Zealand
Coast: Bay of Islands

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.

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Nature & Adventure

Explore stunning landscapes and outdoor activities in Bay of Islands

96/100Extreme

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.

Available activities

Sailing Cruises and Hole in the RockDiving at the Rainbow Warrior WreckSea Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle in the IslandsResponsible Marine Fauna SightingCape Brett TrackWaitangi Coastal WalkwayUrupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

Adventures & Experiences

Cape Brett Track

Naturaleza y senderismo

Waitangi Coastal Walkway

Naturaleza y senderismo

Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

Naturaleza y senderismo

Sailing Cruises and Hole in the Rock

Tour the 144 islands by catamaran to the tip of Cape Brett to cross the legendary Motukōkako rock passage.

Diving at the Rainbow Warrior Wreck

International dives on the historic Greenpeace ship that sank in Matauri Bay, today covered in colorful anemones and marine fauna.

Sea Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle in the Islands

Guided routes exploring sea caves, rock arches and bays inaccessible by land.

Natural Wonders

Featured

Sailing Cruises and Hole in the Rock

Tour the 144 islands by catamaran to the tip of Cape Brett to cross the legendary Motukōkako rock passage.

Featured

Diving at the Rainbow Warrior Wreck

International dives on the historic Greenpeace ship that sank in Matauri Bay, today covered in colorful anemones and marine fauna.

Featured

Sea Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle in the Islands

Guided routes exploring sea caves, rock arches and bays inaccessible by land.

Featured

Responsible Marine Fauna Sighting

Excursions dedicated to the sighting of bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, Bryde's whales and native seabirds.

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.

Naturaleza y senderismo

Cape Brett TrackWaitangi Coastal WalkwayUrupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

Natural Parks

Cape Brett Track
Waitangi Coastal Walkway
Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk
Naturaleza

Nature & Adventure

Cape Brett Track

One of the most challenging and spectacular coastal walks in the North (16km), concluding at the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse overlooking the Hole in the Rock.

Waitangi Coastal Walkway

Flat 6km trail links Paihia Pier to Waitangi Historic Precinct and continues along a mangrove estuary to Haruru Falls.

Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

Network of trails along the ridges of Urupukapuka Island connecting ancient protected Māori sites (Pā) with 360-degree views of the entire bay.

Sailing Cruises and Hole in the Rock

Tour the 144 islands by catamaran to the tip of Cape Brett to cross the legendary Motukōkako rock passage.

Diving at the Rainbow Warrior Wreck

International dives on the historic Greenpeace ship that sank in Matauri Bay, today covered in colorful anemones and marine fauna.

Sea Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle in the Islands

Guided routes exploring sea caves, rock arches and bays inaccessible by land.

Responsible Marine Fauna Sighting

Excursions dedicated to the sighting of bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, Bryde's whales and native seabirds.

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Beaches and Coasts in Bay of Islands

Best Beaches

Oke Bay (Rawhiti)

★ Top

A spectacular and remote crescent-shaped bay with golden sand and crystal clear wave-free waters, frequented by dolphins.

🏖️ fine_sand💧 crystal_clear

Services

secludedShallow watersvirgin

Matauri Bay

★ Top

Famous white sand beach and turquoise waters located north of the bay, a sacred Maori enclave and access point to the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior.

🏖️ fine_sand💧 crystal_clear

Services

sceneryfamily friendlyhistorical site

Urupukapuka Bay (Urupukapuka Island)

★ Top

An idyllic island beach surrounded by green hills, exclusive boat access and a center for ecotourism activities.

🏖️ fine_sand💧 calm

Services

islandRestaurantsWater sports

Long Beach (Oneroa-Russell)

A beautiful white sand beach facing north of the town of Russell, sheltered from the prevailing winds.

🏖️ fine_sand💧 calm

Services

family friendlyShallow waterseasy access

Ratings

Scores by category

Nature

96

Sublime combination of green islands dotted in a turquoise blue sea and sheltered bays.

Sublime combination of green islands dotted in a turquoise blue sea and sheltered bays.

Safety

96

Peaceful region, very hospitable and with very high levels of security for the traveler.

Peaceful region, very hospitable and with very high levels of security for the traveler.

Transport

45

Intercity buses connect the main towns, but a boat or car is required to explore the attractions.

Intercity buses connect the main towns, but a boat or car is required to explore the attractions.
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Country
New Zealand

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