The bay of islands - Coastal paradise

Just a 40-minute flight from Auckland lies one of New Zealand’s most alluring coastal destinations - the Bay of Islands.

Nicknamed the ‘Winterless North’, the region’s immaculate shoreline, glittering ocean waters, and verdant rainforests are a panacea for city-weary souls. Furthermore, recreational opportunities abound here, from parasailing and skydiving to sailing and scuba diving.

Encompassing a lush subtropical coastline and 144 islands, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is a coastal nirvana. Some travellers describe this enchanting region, with its ancient native forests and sparkling seas, as the world’s most beautiful place. Those who love unspoiled nature will be in their element in this idyllic destination. However, its pristine environment is only one of the Bay of Islands’ many charms. The area also has quaint towns, fascinating cultural sites, and an array of land- and water-based activity options. There is so much to see and do in the Bay of Islands; however, here is a selection of its most outstanding destinations and attractions.

Towns in the Bay of Islands

1. Paihia – start of your adventure trip

Paihia is the Bay of Islands’ biggest town and its adventure hub. It is the kick-off point for most of the region’s activities, including kayaking, paragliding, skydiving, and island cruises. Additionally, this small city has beautiful golden-sand beaches, excellent restaurants, and trendy boutiques.

2. Russell – a quiet and relaxed paradise

A smaller, quieter, and more relaxed alternative to Pahia is the quaint town of Russell, New Zealand’s original capital. This historical settlement was among New Zealand’s first seaports, established in the 1830s. In its early years, the town was a far cry from the ‘Romantic Russell’ people call it today. Filled with bars and brothels, it was a lawless place that sailors dubbed the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’. However, over the centuries, Russell has transformed into a bohemian hub dotted with art galleries, seaside cafes, and heritage buildings. You can take a historical tour or meander up Flagstaff Hill for stellar views over the town, bay, and islands. Afterwards, pop in for a pint at the 19th-century Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Russell is accessible via a 10-minute ferry trip across the bay from Paihia.

3. Kerikeri and Kawakawa - laid back spirit at the beach

Smaller towns include Kerikeri and Kawakawa. Kerikeri is just a short drive from Paihia and makes for a laid-back day away from the crowds. Its main attraction is Rainbow Falls, where the water plunges into a picture-perfect swimming hole. You can access the waterfall via an easy 10-minute walk, and it is as stunning as it is accessible. If you have time, the historical Stone Store is also worth visiting. This beautifully preserved structure is one of New Zealand’s oldest stone buildings.

For an entirely different experience, visit the little town of Kawakawa. Highlights include its handmade chocolate factory and colourful Hundertwasser Toilet and Centre. This complex is arguably the Bay of Islands’ quirkiest tourist attraction. The story began when the community decided it needed to boost its tourism appeal. Consequently, the town erected a bizarre toilet featuring interesting design structures and vibrant colours. When the bathroom became a hit with visitors, Kawakawa created a network of buildings around it. The Hundertwasser Centre is now one of the area’s most famous icons.

Historical highlights of the Bay of Islands

Just a short drive from Paihia is the Bay of Island’s most significant historical site - the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. On this hallowed land, representatives of the British Empire and 540 Māori chiefs (rangatira) signed the historical Waitangi Treaty. The treaty was New Zealand’s founding document, establishing it as a nation. You can learn about the country’s controversial history at the onsite museum.

For a lighter historical experience, head to the legendary Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell for a meal or drink. The hotel is home to New Zealand’s oldest licensed pub. As its slogan states, the tavern has been ‘refreshing reprobates and rascals since 1827’. At this time, Russell was a hub of disrepute with no policing. Dotted with brothels and seedy speakeasies, it attracted a motley mix of sailors, whalers, prostitutes, and criminals. In this lawless era, a Scottish ex-convict named Johnny Johnston arrived in Russell and turned over a new, more respectable leaf. He learned to speak the indigenous Te Reo language and established good relationships with the local Maoris.

Johnny set up a small tavern, initially dubbed ‘Johnny Johnston’s Grog Shop’. However, he soon changed the name to the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in honour of the world’s then-richest man. He hoped to give an air of affluence and elegance to the notorious ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’. The pub's many relics and memorabilia items reflect its chequered past. Among them are numerous whaling artefacts from the 1800s, when Russell was the Southern Hemisphere’s largest whaling centre.

Russell is also home to the country’s oldest church and the Pompallier House, its first Catholic Mission and print house. Furthermore, the waterfront area features many 19th-century heritage houses built on whalebone foundations and crafted from kauri timber. Kauri trees are endemic to New Zealand and once covered large swathes of the island nation. However, illegal logging and deforestation have decimated their numbers. Consequently, the country now protects these ancient giants.

Activities in the Bay of Islands

1. By boat

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Bay of Islands activities. Its azure seas, jungle-swathed interior, and spectacular views lend themselves to diverse leisure pursuits. A Hole in the Rock cruise is a must-do if you have the budget. This ocean adventure takes you by boat to one of New Zealand’s most famous and unforgettable natural icons.

Fierce winds and crashing waves carved a tunnel through the base of this islet, called Motukokako. Boat tours travel directly through the 18-metre-high hole, offering excellent photo opportunities. An even more luxurious option is to visit the Hole in the Rock on a sailing charter. These full-day tours also take you to other islands, deserted beaches, and amazing snorkelling and diving spots.

2. From the air

Parasailing is among the best ways to appreciate the Bay of Islands’ phenomenal scenery. Seeing this picture-perfect gulf and its emerald islands from above while drifting through the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For thrillseekers, skydiving offers equally amazing views and beach landings when the winds are right.

3. Under the water

You can also experience the Bay of Islands’ diverse marine species by snorkelling or scuba diving in its crystal-clear waters. Resident inhabitants include bottlenose dolphins, sting rays, moray eels, anemones, nudibranchs, and a profusion of fish. A regional diving highlight is the White Reef, made up of white rock outcrops dotted with kelp forest and countless sea urchins. Putahataha Island is another exceptional scuba site.

The many cracks and crevices along the island’s rocky shoreline offer safe havens for eels, octopuses, crayfish, and other ocean animals. More experienced divers can explore the region’s shipwrecks, such as the Canterbury Wreck and the Rainbow Warrior. These submerged vessels have become artificial reefs teeming with oceanic life.

A paradise full of opportunities to explore

The Bay of Islands is an irresistible travel destination with abundant natural, historical, and recreational attractions. Furthermore, it is easily accessible and allows visitors to see and do an enormous amount of activities relatively quickly.