The Bay of Islands stretches across 144 islands scattered through turquoise waters on Northland’s east coast. You’ll find pods of dolphins playing in boat wakes, some of New Zealand’s most significant historical sites, and a coastline that rewards both adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re after water-based activities, cultural experiences, or simply a beautiful place to unwind, the bay delivers. Here are the experiences that make this region special.
Dolphin & Marine Encounters
The Bay of Islands is home to over 500 bottlenose dolphins year-round, plus visiting orcas, whales, and other marine life. Watching dolphins surf in your boat’s wake or glide beneath the surface never gets old, no matter how many times you see it.
The bay is a Marine Mammal Sanctuary, which means licensed operators follow strict protocols to protect the wildlife. You’ll watch from the boat as dolphins play, hunt, and sometimes approach out of curiosity. Winter months can bring orcas and humpback whales passing through on migration.
Most cruises combine dolphin watching with other activities like the Hole in the Rock or island stopovers. The calm, sheltered waters and abundant marine life mean every trip is different.
The Hole in the Rock Cruise
This is the Bay of Islands’ signature experience. The journey takes you weaving through the islands, past dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches you can’t reach by road, all the way out to Motukokako (Piercy Island).
The highlight? Cruising through the natural rock archway itself. When conditions are calm, your skipper pilots the boat straight through. When it’s too rough, you’ll cruise around the island instead, which is equally spectacular.
Most cruises include dolphin watching and stop at Urupukapuka Island for swimming or walking. It’s a half-day well spent, with options from large catamarans to smaller, faster boats depending on your preference.
Read more about the Hole in the Rock | Find cruise operators
Diving
The Bay of Islands sits where warm water meets Northland’s coast, creating diving conditions you won’t find elsewhere in New Zealand. Tropical and subtropical fish mix with temperate species, visibility is consistently good, and the sheltered bays mean you can dive most days of the year.
The draw here is the variety. You can explore the HMNZS Canterbury wreck resting intact at 22-38 meters, dive the historically significant Rainbow Warrior, or explore marine reserves where fish have no fear of divers. Kelp forests, underwater caves, and volcanic terrain provide dramatic backdrops for all experience levels.
Most dive trips start from Paihia, putting you a short boat ride from world-famous wrecks and dozens of reef sites. Water temperatures range from 15°C in winter to 22°C in summer, with 7mm wetsuits standard.
Learn more about diving in the Bay of Islands | Find dive operators
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
If you want to understand New Zealand, you need to visit Waitangi. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, essentially New Zealand’s founding document.
The grounds spread across the waterfront with views over the bay, but it’s the cultural experiences that make this special. The museum presents both sides of New Zealand’s complex history. Daily cultural performances feature waiata (songs), haka, and poi, and you can see the impressive 35-meter waka (war canoe) that requires 80 warriors to paddle.
The Treaty Grounds also host New Zealand’s national day celebrations every February 6th. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore properly.
Learn more about Waitangi | Book your visit | Waitangi Day celebrations
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands make it ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, even if you’re a complete beginner. Dozens of islands, coves, and beaches are waiting to be explored, many of which most tourists never see.
Guided kayak tours are worth considering. Local guides know where to find caves, the best snorkeling spots, and which beaches are perfect for a secluded lunch break. Many tours include Haruru Falls, where you can kayak right up to a waterfall surrounded by native bush.
If you prefer to go at your own pace, rental options are available. Paddleboarding is also popular, especially in the calmer bays around Paihia and Russell. There’s something special about standing on your board at sunrise with glass-calm water and the islands silhouetted in the distance.
Go Fishing In the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a world-class fishing destination with something for everyone. The sheltered waters are abundant with healthy fisheries year-round, from prized snapper and kingfish to trophy-sized marlin and swordfish.
For casual anglers, fishing charters target snapper, kingfish, tuna, and more throughout the year. A few hours on the water can be rewarding and delicious, many charters are happy to cook your catch for lunch on board. It’s a great experience for families and beginners, with experienced skippers handling all the technical details while you relax and fish.
If you’re after something bigger, game fishing season runs December to April. This is when serious anglers pursue world-class striped marlin, blue marlin, and swordfish. The Bay of Islands holds numerous world records for these species, and landing one of these trophy fish is a genuine thrill. Charter operators range from family-friendly boats perfect for your first fishing experience to specialized game fishing vessels for experienced anglers seeking the ultimate challenge.
Game fishing in the Bay of Islands | Find recreational fishing charters
Island Hopping & Russell
One of the best things about the Bay of Islands is that the islands aren’t just scenery. You can actually explore them. Regular ferry services connect Paihia with Russell and several islands, making island hopping easy and fun.
Russell is an absolute gem. As New Zealand’s first capital and former “hell hole of the Pacific” (it was quite the rowdy whaling town), it’s now a charming village with excellent cafes, historic buildings, and waterfront walks. You can visit Christ Church, New Zealand’s oldest surviving church, complete with musket ball holes from the 1845 battle.
Urupukapuka Island offers walking tracks with spectacular views, archaeology sites, and beautiful beaches. Moturua Island is a predator-free sanctuary with regenerating native bush and excellent snorkeling. Roberton Island has a striking lagoon perfect for swimming, while Waewaetorea Island provides a quieter, more secluded experience.
Pack a picnic, spend the day exploring, and catch a later ferry back. Each island has its own character and stories.
Ferry services and schedules | Russell | Urupukapuka Island | Moturua Island | Roberton Island | Waewaetorea Island
Walking & Hiking
The Bay of Islands offers walks for all fitness levels, from 20-minute strolls to challenging full-day hikes. The variety is what makes it special.
The Cape Brett Track is the most famous, taking you to the historic lighthouse with stunning coastal views. It’s a challenging 16km return, but you can do a shorter version or arrange a boat pickup. The Manginangina Kauri Walk near Puketi Forest lets you stand among ancient kauri trees that are hundreds of years old.
For easier options, the Haruru Falls walkway is a pleasant bush walk, or the tracks around Russell and Urupukapuka Island offer coastal scenery without too much effort. Many walks incorporate Māori history and native bush, so you’re learning while you explore.
Beaches & Pure Relaxation
Sometimes the best activity is doing absolutely nothing, and the Bay of Islands has beaches that make relaxation easy. Paihia Beach and Long Beach (Oneroa Bay) are the main town beaches, great for families with safe swimming and facilities close by.
Venture further and you’ll find gems like Oke Bay on the Cape Brett Peninsula, or the secluded beaches on Urupukapuka Island accessible only by boat. Many of the best spots require a bit of walking or a ferry ride, which means fewer crowds.
Summer is the prime time for swimming, with water temperatures reaching their warmest. Snorkeling is excellent at several beaches, especially around the islands where you’ll see colorful fish and interesting rock formations.
Discover the best beaches in the Bay of Islands
Cultural Experiences & Māori Tours
Beyond Waitangi, there are some excellent ways to connect with Māori culture throughout the region. This is Ngāpuhi territory, and the experiences here feel genuine because they’re often led by locals sharing their own heritage.
Taiamai Tours is a standout. You’ll find yourself paddling a 40-foot waka taua through mangrove-lined estuaries toward Haruru Falls, learning traditional paddle techniques and haka as you go. Your Ngāpuhi guides share stories their ancestors told in these same waters. It’s hands-on in the best way, and National Geographic named it one of the top 50 tours of a lifetime for good reason.
Other experiences might have you learning about native plants and their traditional uses, understanding navigation by stars, or sharing a hangi meal. If you haven’t tried hangi, you’re missing out. Food cooked in an earth oven for hours comes out incredibly tender with a smoky flavor you won’t get any other way.
The guides are usually locals sharing their own iwi’s stories and practices, which makes it personal rather than performative. Once you understand the cultural significance of the places you’re seeing, everything else in the Bay of Islands makes more sense.
Learn more about Māori cultural experiences
Planning Your Visit
The Bay of Islands rewards both quick visits and longer stays. Whether you have a day or a week, there’s plenty to fill your time. Our complete planning guide covers the best time to visit, how to get here, what to pack, and how long you should plan to stay.
Ready to Explore?
The beauty of the Bay of Islands is that whether you’re an adventure junkie, a history buff, a beach bum, or all of the above, you’ll find your perfect days here. The hardest part is choosing what to do first.
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