The must-see things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Last updated on May 17th, 2026 at 05:39 am

Islands and dolphins, forests and birdlife, beaches and snorkelling, and historic sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding treaty was signed – this is the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is a North Island “must-see” and this post will tell you what not to miss in this top North Island destination.

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or Tripadvisor, or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use all three.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. Two key activities in the Bay of Islands are:

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!

Before I get into the eight must-do things to do in the Bay of Islands, a quick note for those who are really short on time or have a cruise shore day…….

Short on time or on a cruise – need a short trip or a day trip?

If you are on a cruise and want a good taste of the area, or are just short on time, then there are a few day trips or short tours that can give you a great overview of the area:

Bay of Islands Trike Tour Experience – 30 mins or 1 hour
Scenic Bay of Islands Tour – 1 hour

Bay of Islands – Explorer Tour – 4-5 hours
Bay of Islands: Nature Adventure – 4 hours
Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion 5.5 hours
Shore Excursion to Historic Kerikeri including Lunch 4 hours

1. Enjoy a boat cruise and dolphin watching to the “Hole in the Rock”

sailing-and seeing-dolphins-is-one-of-the-best-things-you-can-do-in-the-bay-of-islands-new-zealand — Dolphin in the Bay of Islands on the way to the Hole in the Rock

The iconic trip in the Bay of islands is to the “Hole in the Rock” and its pretty much a must do – or at least to get out in the islands on a cruise boat or a sailing trip. Get more detail (in nos. 1-3) in 10 fun and exciting things to do in Paihia and the Bay of Islands, but some key options are:

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock
Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – sails islands but not the hole in the rock
Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson – sails the islands but not the hole in the rock
Check Bookme – for a deal on a trip to the Hole in the Rock or other great deals!
Another amazingly popular option is to go cruising overnight on The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise.

2. Take the ferry to Russell and explore this historic township and the Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve

Get the ferry from Paihia to the quaint township of Russell which was the first capital of New Zealand! Its a lovely little village to explore and eat in too – its known for its oysters! A couple of very interesting buildings to visit are Pompallier Mission House and gardens and its old book printing workshop, and Christ Church – New Zealand’s oldest existing church and cemetery.

Walk up to Flagstaff Hill from Russell in one of two ways. Either via the coast at low tide, or go straight up from the township on a very short walk. Either way, its a pretty bushwalk to the top with lovely views of the Bay of Islands. Watch for wekas and learn about Hone Heke and NZ history here. I highly recommend this walk and reading the information panels! You will learn about a folk hero and the start of modern New Zealand.

3. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds – with an extra treat for botanists

Marae-at-Waitangi-Treaty-Grounds-near-Paihia-Bay-of-Islands-New-Zealand — Marae at Waitangi Treaty Grounds near Paihia – photo credit Steve

Learn about Māori culture and history. This is where the founding document of NZ was signed. I don’t recommend unless you are interested in the history and culture, and if that is the case then I recommend you do the full combo Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Combo Pass (Hāngī + Concert + Admission) – not just entry to the grounds.

For botanists and flower lovers, and really it is just interesting, there are some rare flowers / plants here in the heritage gardens of the grounds too! First there is a very rare sight in the world of botany, two Middlemist’s red camellia. These are the oldest camelias in NZ and were planted by Agnes Busby when she came to live at Waitangi in 1834. The only other one is in the garden at Chiswick House in London.

Also you will see a rare historic rose – the Slater’s Crimson China Rose. This is a very old cultivated rose (pre-1658) and was introduced to New Zealand around 1812-1814.

5. Visit the Stone Store and Mission House in Kerikeri

Mission-House-in-Kerikeri-Bay-of-Islands-New-Zealand — Mission House in Kerikeri

The Stone Store and Mission House are New Zealand’s oldest standing buildings. Sure they are not old in European terms or even North American terms, but they count here. They are quite pretty buildings and sit in a very attractive location with pretty restored mission gardens around them.

The Mission House is one of the first places where Māori invited visitors to to live among them. It was built under the protection of local Ngā Puhi chiefs who were keen to trade and obtain the technology of Europe. You can learn more in the nearby Kororipo Pā – see No. 8 below.

6. Enjoy Urupukapuka island

A-hidden-gem-campsite-on-Urupukapuka-Island-in-the-North-Island-New-Zealand — A hidden gem of a campsite on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands

This is one of the most unknown and best things you can do in the Bay of Islands imho! Urupukapuka has three DoC campsites – on gorgeous beaches – swim, snorkel and chill – just look at the photo above! The island also has plenty of walking to do including the 7.3 km Urupukapuka Island loop track that takes about 5 hours. I highly recommend doing the walk – it has an excellent mix of coastal cliffs, beaches, bush, swamps and ponds, and birdlife.

To get there, take a ferry from Paihia or Russell and either camp or go early enough to do do the loop and return in a day. (I also highly recommend camping.)

If time is short and you want to spend a day getting to see as much as possible, you can do this cruise, island hopping, plus walking on Urupukapuka, or this similar one, also from Paihia! Both are quite a good deal!

You can rent kayaks and paddleboards on the island where the ferry comes in too! The same people also provide a guided walk where you will learn more about the island and its history and flora and fauna.

7. Soak in natural hot springs

Ngawa-Springs-Hot-Pools-Northland-New-Zealand — Ngawa Springs Hot Pools – credit to Ngawa Springs

I loved these very rustic hot pools when I first went. Now they are a bit fancier than they were but are still quite rustic. There are a number of pools with different temps and uses. This is not like Rotorua or Taupo with the masses and with all the fancy-ness, but it is an absolute favorite of mine for that very reason. It will for sure soak away your aches and pains!

Notes:

Bookme has Waiariki Soak and Replenish Couples Package deals, and ordinary single entry deals at selected times
If you go on a sunny day make sure you have a hat and sunnies!
Don’t take valuables as there is only a basic change room.

8. Go on a walk with historic significance

Kororipo-pa-in-Kerikeri-Bay-of-Islands-New-Zealand — Kororipo pā in Kerikeri

1. Kororipo Pā Historic Walk – 1.5km return / 1hour

Walk from the Stone Store and Mission House to this pā. A pā is a fortified Māori settlement, and this 18th-century one was the former headquarters of Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika – quite a folk hero and a very influential leader. See the structure of the pā and learn all about Hongi Hika as well as enjoying the pretty views!

2. Flagstaff Hill – 2.9km via low tide route / 0.5 – 1 hour

If you are doing walks 3 or 4 above, you can add this in for a great day out walking and more. of course don’t forget to get an ice-cream or something cold in Russel!

3. Marsden Cross Track – 3km / 0.5-1hour return

This track goes across farmland to Rangihoua Heritage Park and the historic Marsden Cross. This is the site where Samuel Marsden established the first Mission Station and celebrated the first Christmas Day in New Zealand in 1814. Some call it the birthplace of the country as it was the first place of European settlement.
Note for botanists and flower lovers: you should see the briar rose Rosa eglanteria that was planted here originally by the first missionaries!

9. Go on a walk and see giant kauri trees – or just for the scenery

Go-walking-from-Paihia-Bay-of-Islands-New-Zealand — Go walking from Paihia – coastal, bush or both!

1. The Urupukapuka Island loop track – 7.3 km / 5 hours.

I highly recommend doing this walk on Urupukapuka Island if you have the time to go. It has an excellent mix of coastal cliffs, beaches, bush, swamps and ponds, and birdlife. You can camp on the island in one of three DoC campsites!

2. The Kerikeri River Track to Rainbow Falls – 8.5km / 2-2.5 hours return

I really enjoyed the easy Kerikeri River Track. On the way to the Rainbow Falls you will find the remains of an old power house, a waterfall (Wharepoke Falls), fairy pools, beautiful bush and the finale at the Rainbow Falls. The falls have a pool you can swim in – a nice bonus! You can do the walk one-way if you can arrange transport at either end.

3 & 4. Manginangina Kauri Walk – 0.5km / 30 mins and the Puketi Nature Trail 1.4km / 0.5-1 hour

Two short and sweet little walks amongst the giant kauri trees! They are close by each other so its worth doing both. They are really pretty and generally there are few if any people there.

5. Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway – 6.5km one way / 1-1.5 hours

Boardwalks, beach, bush, paths, views and lots of beautiful tui birds! Follow the coast from Paihia to Opua Ferry Landing. Return the same way or take the ferry to Okiato on the other side of the bay and continue with the Okiato to Russell Walkway.

6. Okiato to Russell Walkway – 10km one way / 2.5-3 hours

Boardwalks through lovely wetlands as well as native bush and again, lots of tui! The Russell end has a lot of road and by sticking to the road (not the full trail) you can shorten the time it takes and get to Russell quicker.

7. Pahia – Opua – Okiato – Russell – Paihia loop walk and ferry – 3.5-4.5 hours walking + ferries

Literally do a day walk combining the two walks above with ferries to make it a circular loop. Ferry timetables are here.

10. Wine and oysters – eat like a local!

Enjoy-the-wine-and-the-views-at-Omata-Estate-Winery-Russell-Bay-of-Islands-New-Zealand — Views from Omata Estate Winery near Russell and Paihia!

I’ve mentioned Russell – known for its oysters! That’s one of the first things on most peoples list.

But there are also some good wineries in the area.

Paroa Bay Winery is a boutique vineyard known for its Chardonnay as well as its Syrah. You can have tastings and lunch/dinner at the very highly rated Sage Restaurant. (They also have complimentary shuttles from Russell Wharf and you can stay there too!)

Omata Estate is a very popular NZ brand known for its Chardonnay as well as its Syrah and Pinot Gris. It has a cellar door, fabulous gourmet platters and wood-fired pizzas, wine tastings – and lovely views of the vines and bay to add to the enjoyment!! You can glamp here too!

Nearer to Kerikeri are Marsden Estate Winery and Sovrano Estate (boutique organic). Both have restaurants, tastings and tours! Also Kapiro Vineyard is nearby and is rated for its Pinot Gris!

Head off on a Wine, Spirit, & Craft Beer Tour to get a sample of local drinking. This includes a platter lunch and wine at Marsden Estate, beer from the Phat House Brewery, and Spirit tasting at Bad Habits.

Bay of Islands Mini Itinerary (2 Days)

Day 1: Boat cruise round the islands or to the “Hole in the Rock.” Visit Russell and Flagstaff Hill.

Day 2: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, kayaking or walking, sunset on the tall ship

Bay of Islands Mini Itinerary (3-4 Days)

Day 1: Boat cruise round the islands or to the “Hole in the Rock.” Visit Russell and Flagstaff Hill – enjoy the oysters and wines.

Day 2: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, kayaking, sunset on the tall ship

Day 3: Take the ferry to overnight at Urupukapuka Island, or, go hiking and in the afternoon join the Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise.

Day 4: Return from Urupukapuka after hiking the loop trail, or return from your overnight cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days should I spend in the Bay of Islands?
A: 2–3 days allows for the basics – an island cruise, cultural sites, and water activities. 4-5 days will give you much more insight and depth to your stay with camping or overnight boating options in the islands and exploration of things like the hot pools and some of the local walks and waterfalls.

Q: Where should I stay in the Bay of Islands?
A: Paihia is convenient but busier. Russell, a ferry ride away, is calmer, historic, and more ‘charming’ – especially in the evenings. Consider staying overnight, don’t just day-trip. Kerikeri is worth considering for a night or two as well although Paihia is a good base. See below for good options.