Getting to the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an easy, scenic journey north. It's about three hours' drive from Auckland up State Highway 1, or a short flight into Kerikeri, with Paihia the natural base. Whether you make a relaxed road trip of it or fly in to save time, reaching the subtropical north is simple — here's how to plan your arrival.
Driving north from Auckland
Driving is the most popular way. From Auckland it's about 230 km (3 hours) north on State Highway 1, through Whangārei, to Paihia and Kerikeri. It's a scenic run, and a car gives you the freedom to explore Kerikeri, the beaches and — with a tour — the far north. Guided trips from Auckland are an easy alternative. See our Auckland city tour.
Flights & coaches
Short on time? The Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri (KKE) has regular Air New Zealand flights from Auckland in under an hour, with rental cars on arrival and Paihia about 20–25 minutes away. InterCity coaches also connect the bay with Auckland and Whangārei. Either makes a car-free or time-saving visit easy. See our getting around guide.
Getting to the Bay of Islands: your questions
Most visitors drive — the Bay of Islands is about 3 hours north of Auckland on State Highway 1, with Paihia the main base and Kerikeri the largest town. You can also fly into the Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport from Auckland, or take an InterCity coach. It sits at the top of the North Island, an easy and scenic drive north. See our North Island guide.
It's about 230 km — roughly a 3-hour drive — north of Auckland up State Highway 1, through Whangārei. It's a straightforward, scenic run, and many visitors break the trip or join a guided tour from Auckland. Allow extra time on busy holiday weekends. See our Auckland city tour.
Yes — the Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri (KKE) has regular flights with Air New Zealand from Auckland, taking under an hour. It's a quick, convenient option, and rental cars are available on arrival. From the airport it's about 20–25 minutes to Paihia. See our getting around guide.
Yes — you can fly or coach in and use cruises, tours, the Paihia–Russell ferry and local transfers to get about, as most activities depart from Paihia. A car does give more freedom for Kerikeri, the beaches and the far north, but a car-free stay based in Paihia works well. We can arrange transfers and tours. See our Northland day trip.
It's possible on a long guided day tour, but with three hours' driving each way it makes for a big day with limited time in the bay. To do it justice — a cruise, Waitangi, the towns — we recommend staying at least one or two nights. See our where to stay guide.