Welcome to the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is the jewel of New Zealand's subtropical north — a sheltered maze of 144 islands scattered across deep blue water and turquoise shallows, ringed by golden coves and flowering pōhutukawa. It's a place to sail and cruise, swim and fish, and to stand where the nation began: at Waitangi, where the Treaty was signed in 1840, and in the first capital of Russell. Warm, beautiful and steeped in story, it's the heart of the Ngāpuhi homeland and one of the country's finest holidays. This is the guide we give our own guests.
144 islands & the Hole in the Rock
The bay itself is the great drawcard. Cruise or sail among the islands to Motukōkako — the Hole in the Rock — at Cape Brett, keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way, or take the ferry to an island for a swim and a walk. Sea kayaking, diving and world-class game fishing round out the water. It's a boater's paradise. See our Northland day trip.
Waitangi, Russell & Kerikeri
The Bay of Islands is the cradle of modern New Zealand. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Treaty was signed in 1840 — the birthplace of the nation, told through a carved meeting house, a great waka and a fine museum. Across the water, Russell (Kororāreka) was the country's first capital, and at Kerikeri stand its oldest stone and wooden buildings. History runs deep here. See our Māori culture overview.
Cape Reinga & the far north
From the bay, the road runs to the very top of the country. Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) — where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific and, in Māori belief, spirits depart — is a moving day trip, taking in the vast sweep of Ninety Mile Beach and the giant Te Paki sand dunes. It's a long but unforgettable journey north. See our North Island guide.
The essentials
Planning the Bay of Islands: your questions
Absolutely — the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and historic regions, and a highlight of the "winterless north". Cruise among 144 subtropical islands to the Hole in the Rock, stand where the nation was founded at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, wander historic Russell and Kerikeri, and swim from golden beaches. It's scenic, warm and rich in story.
Allow 2–3 days for the essentials — an island cruise, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and time in Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri — and a fourth day if you'd like the long day trip up to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. It's an easy, relaxed base in the subtropical north. See our best time to visit guide.
The Bay of Islands is famous for its 144 islands and turquoise water — perfect for sailing, cruising and dolphin-spotting — and for the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. It's also the birthplace of modern New Zealand, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, and home to the country's oldest buildings at Kerikeri and the first capital at Russell. Nature and history in one. See our Māori culture overview.
Most visitors drive — the Bay of Islands is about 3 hours north of Auckland on good roads, with Paihia the main base. You can also fly into the Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport from Auckland, or take a coach. It sits at the top of the North Island, an easy and scenic drive north from the city. See our getting there guide.
The Bay of Islands is a year-round destination thanks to its mild, subtropical climate. Summer (December–March) is warmest and best for swimming, sailing and cruising, though busiest; autumn and spring are lovely and quieter; and even winter is mild and green. Book cruises and accommodation ahead over summer. See our best time to visit guide.