Things to do in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands blends turquoise water with deep history. Cruise to the Hole in the Rock, stand where the nation was founded at Waitangi, wander the historic streets of Russell and the Stone Store at Kerikeri, and swim from golden beaches — with the road north to Cape Reinga for the adventurous. Here are the essentials.
Cruises, Waitangi & the historic towns
Start on the water with an island cruise to Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, watching for dolphins. Ashore, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds tell the story of the nation's founding, while a ferry-hop to Russell and a drive to the Stone Store reveal New Zealand's oldest history. It's the classic combination. See our Northland day trip.
Beaches, water & Cape Reinga
Between the sights, the Bay of Islands is made for the outdoors. Swim, sail, sea-kayak or fish from the golden beaches and sheltered coves, or drive to the top of the country at Cape Reinga, taking in Ninety Mile Beach and the giant Te Paki sand dunes. From gentle to adventurous, the bay caters to every mood. See our beaches & water guide.
Villages, walks & local life
Some of the best moments are the gentlest — a harbourside meal in Paihia, an ice cream on the Russell waterfront, a walk to the Haruru Falls or up to a lookout, and a wander through Kerikeri's cafés and craft studios in the fruit bowl of the north. Relaxed, subtropical and welcoming, it rewards slowing down. See our where to stay guide.
Things to do in the Bay of Islands: your questions
Take an island cruise to the Hole in the Rock; visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds; explore historic Russell and the Stone Store at Kerikeri; swim and sail from the beaches; and take the long day trip to Cape Reinga. See our Northland day trip.
A perfect day is a morning island cruise out to the Hole in the Rock (watching for dolphins), then an afternoon at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or a hop across to Russell on the passenger ferry for its historic streets and a harbourside lunch. The bay is compact, so you can pack in water and history in one day. See our cruises guide.
Yes — families love the boat cruises and dolphin-spotting, swimming from golden beaches, the passenger ferry to Russell, sea kayaking, and the sandboarding dunes on a Cape Reinga trip. The Treaty Grounds' cultural performances engage all ages, and the calm, sheltered water is ideal for young swimmers. See our beaches & water guide.
It's the highlight — the bay is best seen from the water, so an island cruise or sailing trip is close to essential. Options range from fast cruises to the Hole in the Rock to leisurely sailing days, dolphin-watching and island stopovers at Urupukapuka. Even a short harbour cruise is worthwhile. See our Northland day trip.
Two to three days covers a cruise, Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri, and the beaches, with a relaxed pace. Add a fourth day if you'd like the long trip up to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. It's an easy, rewarding base in the subtropical north. See our best time to visit guide.