The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most enchanting coastal regions. Visitors delight in its famed turquoise waters, island-dotted horizon, and rich blend of Māori and colonial history. With so many activities & attractions available, deciding how to spend a day here can be overwhelming.
So, we thought it would be useful to provide some local guidance on your options. This guide brings together the very best things to do in the Bay of Islands. It showcases a mix of cultural highlights, natural wonders, and iconic Bay of Islands day attractions. Whether you’re planning a one-day visit or extending your stay, you’ll discover activities to make your trip unforgettable.
Looking to make the most of your time in Aotearoa’s “Winterless North”? We recommend experiencing this remarkable destination in the hands of a local expert, by joining our Bay of Islands Explorer Day Tour or the wider Northland & Bay of Islands tours, which include hand-picked experiences.
What Makes the Bay of Islands Special?
This beautiful region, near the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, is not referred to as New Zealand’s “Winterless North” without reason. Along with forest-clad hills and lush orchards, you’ll find a landscape of 144 islands and countless sheltered coves. Visitors are drawn here for its warm climate, marine wildlife, and its deep cultural significance.
The Bay of Islands is where local Māori people first came into contact with European settlers. And it remains a place where history, culture, and natural beauty intersect. NewZealand.com offers a useful introduction to the area in its Bay of Islands guide but its rich history is well worth delving into via further reading.
How to Approach a Day in the Bay of Islands
It’s a three-hour scenic drive or a 50-minute flight from Auckland to Kerikeri. Alternatively, you might like to opt for a private transfer with Terra & Tide, which allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery. Perhaps, add a stop at Whangārei’s award-winning Hundertwasser Art Centre along the way.
Once here, most travellers choose to base themselves in either Paihia, Kororareka/Russell, or Kerikeri. A great day usually blends time on the water with visits to historic or natural landmarks on shore.
With ferries, cruises, and scenic drives, you can comfortably fit two or three key attractions into a single day. And this is especially true if you opt for a guided tour experience. We offer half-day, full-day and multi-day tours designed to showcase the best things to do and introduce you to “hidden gems”, which you will struggle to find without a local guide.
Top Bay of Islands Day Attractions
1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are, arguably, the most important historic site in New Zealand. It was here that New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed by Māori rangatira/chiefs, setting boundaries for the relationship between Māori iwi/tribes and the British Crown in 1840.
During your visit to the Treaty Grounds, you can take interactive museum exhibits, join a guided tour, enjoy cultural performances with haka and waiata, and see the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe (waka). We recommend that you set aside at least two hours to explore this historic site fully.
2. Cruise to the Hole in the Rock & Island Hopping
No visit to the Bay of Islands would be complete without getting out on the water. And one of the most famous things to do in the Bay of Islands is taking a cruise through the bay’s islands to the fabled Hole in the Rock (Motu Kōkako/Piercy Island) at Cape Brett.
Operators such as Explore Group offer half-day and full-day cruises. These memorable cruises combine wildlife spotting (dolphins, penguins, and sometimes whales) with stops at islands like Urupukapuka, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply picnic beneath the pohutukawa trees that fringe the white sandy beach. Take the loop walk across the island if you want to enjoy sweeping sea views across the entire bay.
3. Explore Russell, Kerikeri & Kawakawa
The Bay of Islands towns each have their own character and attractions:
- Russell /Kororāreka– although it was once known as the ‘Hellhole of the Pacific’ for its lawlessness during the early colonial days, New Zealand’s first capital (originally Kororāreka) is now a charming seaside village. It’s best reached via a short and oh-so-scenic ferry ride from neighbouring Paihia. Once there, you can stroll along the tranquil waterfront, hike up Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views, and then enjoy a drink overlooking the water at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Kerikeri – This charming example of Aotearoa’s regional towns is known for its orchards and historic sites. History is all around you here, including Kororipo Heritage Park (where you’ll find the remains of a pre-colonial Māori pa), Kemp House (one of New Zealand’s oldest wooden buildings), and the Stone Store (New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building). The town’s laid-back atmosphere sets the perfect tone for exploring boutique vineyards and artisan food producers, farmers’ markets and art galleries.- Kawakawa – Plan a quick detour off the main highway to visit this pretty rural town. Its main street is famous for having a railway line running right down the middle, and you can time your visit to enjoy a scenic journey on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. The town is also world-renowned for its quirky Hundertwasser toilets: a surprisingly popular photo stop.
Visiting one or two of these towns is a great way to balance your day between coast and culture.
4. Walking Tracks & Coastal Lookouts
The Bay of Islands is a walker’s paradise. Options range from short strolls to challenging coastal tracks:
- Tapeka Point Track (near Russell) – a short walk with sweeping views and great birdwatching.
- Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve – combines history with a panoramic outlook over Russell and the islands.
- Urupukapuka Island loop walk – accessible by ferry or cruise, this takes a few hours and showcases the island’s wildlife and cliffs.
And, if you are a more serious hiker, you can complete sections of the challenging 16-kilometre Cape Brett Track in a day.
5. Natural Wonders & Hidden Gems
Beyond the headline attractions, the Bay of Islands offers a multitude of quieter treasures. You have to be prepared to venture slightly off the beaten path. But you’ll be experience some beautiful places:
- Haruru Falls – A horseshoe-shaped waterfall just outside Paihia, accessible via a short walk or scenic kayak trip.
- Ngawha Springs – A set of geothermal hot pools near Kaikohe, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring.
- Puketi Forest – An ancient kauri forest featured in the Bay of Islands Explorer Tour. Walk beneath towering trees and hear stories of Māori uses of native plants.
- Mimiwhangata Coastal Park – A less-visited reserve offering quiet beaches and snorkelling.
Sample Bay of Islands Itineraries
One-Day Bay of Islands Adventure
- Morning – Start at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Late morning – Cruise to the Hole in the Rock with island stop
- Lunch– Fresh seafood in Russell at the Duke of Marlborough
- Afternoon – Flagstaff Hill walk, then drive back via Haruru Falls
- Evening – Relax in Paihia
This itinerary balances history, culture, and nature, and a little relaxation. But it’s only the beginning of things to do in the Bay of Islands. A fact evidenced by suggestions offered by Northlandnz.com and Neverendingvoyage.com, two of many places to explore your options further. As we said, at the beginning, the problem here is abundance of choice.
Two-Day Option
- Day 1 – Waitangi + cruise + Russell
- Day 2 – Kerikeri Stone Store, Puketi Forest, and a soak at Ngawha Springs (Optional: Wine tasting at Paroa Bay Winery)
Practical Travel Tips
- Best time to visit – The Bay of Islands shines year-round, but summer (Dec–March) is the best of year for swimming and island cruises.
- Transport – Ferries run between Paihia and Russell, but public transport is limited; allow driving time if visiting Kerikeri or Kawakawa.
- Packing list – Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and a light rain jacket.
- Conservation – Respect local wildlife, stick to marked trails, and follow guidelines when visiting sacred Māori sites. (Hint: the Department of Conservation offers lots of useful guidance here.)
- Bookings – Cruises and cultural tours can sell out in peak season—book ahead where possible.
Visiting the Bay of Islands
From the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to the sparkling waters around the Hole in the Rock, the Bay of Islands offers an incredible range of day attractions. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, natural wonders, or time on the ocean, there are endless things to do in the Bay of Islands.
If you would like to see the best of the region with ease, join us for a guided Bay of Islands tour and let our local experts show you the magic of this remarkable place. Or contact us to discuss transport and tour options in this unmissable part of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
