Known for its stunning beauty and history, Auckland’s Bay of Islands is a diverse subtropical micro-region. The place is an abode for those who love beaches and water activities. Plenty of activities such as short walks, tours and attractions, and much more can be done around here.
This place is one of the greatest holiday destinations of New Zealand, amazingly beautiful and historically significant. The place is enjoyed by domestic and international guests alike. The place can be enjoyed by all sorts of people from the calm and relaxed to the adrenaline pumped guests. Guests can relax with a massage, beauty or body treatment, enjoy the locally caught seafood at one of the restaurants or cafes around, or even catch their own with the help of one of the local Auckland’s Bay of Islands fishing Charter. Other activities such as taking a flight over the Bay of Islands, a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, viewing dolphins, parasailing to 1200 feet, sailing through 144 islands, or even an overnight cruise in the Bay are the top options for guests. Exploring the regions of historical past of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and experiencing a Maori Cultural show are some of the many things that Auckland’s Bay of Islands has to offer to suit all the guests.
Location: New Zealand
Nearest airport: Auckland
How to reach: from Auckland by road
Famous for: Scenic landscapes, Beautiful beaches,
Spectacular waterfalls,
Marine life
Months open: All year
Best time to Visit: mid-November to March
Paihia Wharf, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell, Giant Kauri Trees of the Waipoua Forest, Wairere Boulders,Haruru Falls, Rainbow Falls, Pompallier Mission and Printery
Kerikeri Mission Station, Poor Knights Islands, The Hole in the Rock Cruises, Cape Brett Lighthouse, Ninety Mile Beach, Taronui Bay, Rangihoua Heritage Park, Whale Bay – Tutukaka Coast
Waewaetorea Island, Glow Worms of the Kawiti Caves
The secret white sand coves, the forested slopes, and the glittering expanse of the pristine blue sea have made Auckland’s Bay of Islands region a yachting paradise and one of the top spots for anyone looking for a slice of seaside bliss. This is a place where guests can just kick back for a few days and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Hop on a sightseeing boat tour from Russell or Paihia to soak up the sun and completely experience the coastline and islands offshore.
Guests can hit a few of the region’s historic sights once the travel batteries are recharged. The small towns of the Bay of Islands used to be at the heart of the beginning of New Zealand’s colonial-era although they may now seem like sleepy idylls. guests have the great opportunity to learn about the early days of the British Colony, with its whaling stations and the missionaries in Keri Keri and Russell. Later they head to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds near Paihia where the modern history of the country officially began.
The Paihia Wharf is one of the main departure points for dolphin swim cruises and whale watching which is very famous around the world. The place is also close to many beaches giving guests good access to hit them.
Waitangi is the ground where the country’s historic document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. This is a key site for the country’s national Holiday commemorations.
Russell township is where New Zealand’s first seaport was established. It is also well known as a departure point for wildlife tours and other cruises.
Found just at a small distance from Paihia is the dazzling Haruru Falls. The name of the Falls is derived from a Maori and roughly translates to Big Noise. It is an excellent spot for kayaking.
The Rainbow Falls is a spectacular single drop waterfall on the Keri Keri river. The beautiful scenery surrounding the falls make it a great picnic spot.
The Hole in the Rock (literally) is an amazing natural piece of beauty and with a small sea vessel, guests can pass through the Hole.
The Cape Brett’s Lighthouse that has been operating since 1910 continues to lighten up even today and a visit to this lighthouse will take one through some amazing trails.
The Rangihoua Heritage Parks was opened in 2014 and it houses many historical places, one of which is the site where the country’s first Christmas Day celebrations took place.
A white-lined white sand beach, the whale bay is situated on the hidden Tutukaka Coast of the Bay of Islands. The beach is well known for its great secluded settings.
The Pompallier mission, named after the first apostolic bishop that arrived in New Zealand, is a very well preserved Heritage site. A great opportunity to view the remnants of the religious past of the place.
The Ninety Mile Beach situated in the Far North is, in fact, a 55-mile long golden sand beach that gives a great tour of the culture and history of the area.
The Waipoua forests are the home to large Kauri trees among which one dates back more than 2000 years old and is the oldest living Kauri tree of the country.
The Kawiti Caves are home to the endemic and tiny glow worms which spotlight the cave’s ceilings with twinkling lights.
Keri Keri is one of the favorite residences of artists and retired people of the country due to its amazing ambiance. Many art galleries, craft boutiques, and other things can be found in the town.
Situated near the Hokianga Harbor in the Kauri forests, the Wairere Boulders is a great place for people who want to truly indulge themselves in nature.
Waewaetorea Islands with beautiful white sand, clear blue water, an amazing variety of wildlife, and the archaeological past is a great place for nature lovers.
Where to stay:
One of the best places to stay out in Auckland’sBayof Islandsis the Paihia Beach Resort & Spa. As the name suggests, this resort will give you a fully relaxed experience.
Another great place is the Waterfront Suites – Heritage Collection. You can have a luxurious experience here.
The Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is another option for lodging. It will provide you with one of the best views all around.
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