Beaches & water in the Bay of Islands
Warm, sheltered and impossibly blue, the water is the Bay of Islands' playground. Swim from golden coves, sail among the islands, paddle a kayak into hidden inlets, or chase marlin on a game-fishing charter. With its subtropical climate and calm bays, this is a place made for the water — for every age and every level. Here's how to make the most of it.
The beaches
The bay's coastline is dotted with sheltered, golden beaches. Near Russell, Long Beach (Oneroa) and Tapeka Point are favourites for a calm swim; Paihia's town beaches are handy and pretty; and the islands hide secluded coves — Urupukapuka and Roberton (Motuarohia) — reached by boat or kayak. The warm, protected water is ideal for families. See our things to do guide.
Sailing, kayaking & fishing
The Bay of Islands is a sailing paradise — sheltered waters and endless islands to explore under sail — and a joy for sea kayaking, paddling to coves, mangroves and the Haruru Falls. Anglers are spoilt too: this is a storied big-game fishing ground for marlin and tuna in season, with snapper year-round. Charters and trips suit all levels. See our kayaking & water sports page.
Diving & marine life
Below the waterline, the region rewards divers. The wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, off the Cavalli Islands near Matauri Bay, is now a fish-filled artificial reef and a moving dive, while the celebrated Poor Knights Islands lie further south near Tutukaka. Above the surface, keep watch for dolphins, penguins and seabirds — best enjoyed from a boat, as swimming with dolphins is no longer permitted here. See our marine wildlife page.
Beaches & water: your questions
The bay is fringed with golden, sheltered beaches. Near Russell, Long Beach (Oneroa) and Tapeka Point are lovely for swimming; Paihia has pretty town beaches; and the islands hide secluded coves reached by boat or kayak — Urupukapuka and Roberton (Motuarohia) among them. The calm, subtropical water is ideal for families. See our things to do guide.
Superb — it's one of New Zealand's premier sailing grounds, with sheltered waters and countless islands to explore by yacht or catamaran. Sea kayaking is wonderful too, paddling to coves, mangrove creeks and the Haruru Falls. Trips run for all levels, from a few hours to a full day. See our kayaking & water sports page.
Yes — the bay is a famous big-game fishing destination, put on the world map by the writer Zane Grey in the 1920s. Charters chase marlin and tuna in season (summer to autumn) and snapper and kingfish year-round. Whether you're a keen angler or a first-timer, a charter can be arranged. See our Northland day trip.
There is. The wreck of the Rainbow Warrior — the Greenpeace ship sunk in 1985 — lies off the Cavalli Islands near Matauri Bay, north of the bay, and is now a spectacular, fish-rich dive. The famed Poor Knights Islands are further south near Tutukaka. Local operators run dive and snorkel trips in season. See our water sports page.
You can no longer swim with dolphins in the Bay of Islands — the Department of Conservation ended the activity in 2019 to protect the local population — but you can still watch them from cruise and dolphin-spotting boats, often at close range. It's marine wildlife enjoyed responsibly. See our marine wildlife page and our cruises guide.