144 islands. One perfect corner of the Pacific.
Scattered across a sheltered harbour on New Zealand's Northland coast, the Bay of Islands is the country's most celebrated coastal region — and the birthplace of its European history. 144 islands, islets and rocky outcrops punctuate a warm, turquoise sea that beckons sailors, divers, dolphin-watchers and deep-sea anglers in equal measure.
This is where New Zealand's founding document — the Treaty of Waitangi — was signed in 1840, where Captain James Cook first charted these shores in 1769, and where the oldest European settlement in the country still stands at Russell. History, culture, and one of the most beautiful natural harbours on earth, all within three hours of Auckland.
Year-round dolphin sightings and seasonal orca, humpback and Bryde's whale encounters in the bay.
New Zealand's most significant historic site. Māori cultural performances, museum, and carved meeting house.
One of New Zealand's great sailing destinations. Charter a yacht, join a tall ship, or let the racing keelboats inspire.
World-renowned for marlin, yellowfin tuna, kingfish, and snapper. The Ernest Hemingway of NZ fishing.
144 islands with sheltered sandy coves, clear water, and near-total seclusion accessible only by boat.
New Zealand's most famous boat journey. The iconic Cream Trip traces the route of the old dairy supply boat that served island communities — pausing at hidden bays, swimming spots, and the legendary Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. Dolphins escort the vessel through the channel. Truly unmissable.
Encounter wild common and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Swim with them when conditions allow — an unforgettable Bay of Islands experience.
Set sail on a classic tall ship through the bay's sheltered channels. Half-day and full-day options. Swimstops at deserted island beaches included.
Charter a professional game boat for marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and kingfish. Fully guided, all gear supplied. Half-day to multi-day charters available.
Guided tour of New Zealand's most significant historic site — including the world's largest carved Māori meeting house, war canoe, and a powerful cultural performance.
Paddle between islands at your own pace. Guided half-day trips explore sea caves, rocky headlands, and secluded beaches inaccessible by any other means.
Championship coastal golf courses with panoramic harbour views. Combine a round at Waitangi Golf Club with island cruises on your rest days. Part of our NZ Golf Tour series.
The Bay of Islands is anchored by three main towns — Paihia (the activity hub), Russell (the historic village across the water), and Kerikeri (the hinterland food and arts centre). Each offers a different pace and a different character.
Further out, the islands themselves reward those who charter a boat or join an overnight cruise — particularly Urupukapuka, the only island in the bay with designated camping.
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed on 6 February 1840, is New Zealand's founding constitutional document. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds sit on the bay's southern shore, preserved as the country's most significant historic site — a place of reflection, pride, and ongoing significance for Māori and New Zealanders alike.
New Zealand's oldest surviving European building, home of British Resident James Busby, now fully restored and interpreted.
A beautifully carved Māori meeting house representing all iwi of New Zealand. Guided cultural performances run daily.
The world's largest war canoe (waka taua) — 35 metres long, carved from two kauri logs — launched each Waitangi Day.
Haka, waiata and pōwhiri (formal welcome) performances run each afternoon. Guided tours cover the full historic site.
Peak season. Warm water, long days, and all activities running at full capacity. Book well in advance for accommodation and popular cruises.
Excellent. Warm and settled weather, fewer crowds, and still good water temperatures for swimming and diving. Kerikeri's orchards are at harvest.
Mild and uncrowded. Some attractions reduce hours or frequency. Still excellent for fishing, whale watching (humpback season), and Waitangi visits.
Beautiful and increasingly warm. All activities resume full operations. A sweet spot between winter quiet and summer crowds — excellent for families.
The Cream Trip was the single best day of our entire New Zealand holiday. We swam in three different bays, watched dolphins for an hour, and passed through the Hole in the Rock at sunset. Nothing prepared us for how beautiful it was.
We combined the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a dolphin cruise and an afternoon at Russell. The guide at Waitangi was extraordinary — passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply moving. The Bay of Islands exceeded every expectation.
Four days of big game fishing. We caught two marlin and a 40kg kingfish. The skipper knew these waters like his backyard. As a serious angler, this bay is the real deal — nothing I've experienced elsewhere comes close.
Bungy jumping, tandem skydiving, Franz Josef glacier heli-hiking and Shotover jet boating.
Explore AdventuresSauvignon Blanc cellar doors, long-table vineyard dining, and Wellington's culinary scene.
Explore Food & WineFrom Bay of Islands' coastal courses to Queenstown's alpine Millbrook and Jack's Point.
Explore Golf ToursTell us your travel dates and what matters most — wildlife, history, sailing, fishing, or simply the best beaches — and we'll put together a personalised Bay of Islands itinerary. No obligation, 48-hour turnaround.