Experience the best of Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a sheltered bay in New Zealand's far north, dotted with islands and historic settlements, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
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The Bay of Islands lies on the north-east coast of New Zealand's North Island, a drowned valley of more than 140 islands and sheltered inlets. Paihia, on the western shore, is the main base. At Waitangi, the Treaty Grounds mark the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, with a carved meeting house and a huge ceremonial war canoe. Across the water, Russell, once a rowdy whaling port, has New Zealand's oldest surviving church, built in 1836.
Boat trips head out among the islands to the Hole in the Rock, a natural arch at Cape Brett, and dolphins are often seen in the bay. Kerikeri, inland, has the Stone Store of the 1830s, the oldest stone building in the country, beside the Kerikeri Basin. Further north lie Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga, and the giant kauri trees of Waipoua Forest, including Tāne Mahuta, stand on the west coast.
Rock oysters, fresh snapper and crayfish come from the bay's waters, with citrus, avocados and kiwifruit from the Kerikeri orchards. The sea is warmest from January to March, and winters are mild and damp.
- Free cancellation on 78% of experiences
- 4.7 across the top 24
Cruises and boat trips in Bay of Islands
16
Likely to sell outFree cancellation
Likely to sell outFree cancellation
Outdoor and adventure activities in Bay of Islands
15- Likely to sell outFree cancellation
Go beyond Bay of Islands
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Auckland · 184 kmAuckland Harbour Bridge
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Auckland · 184 kmWaiheke Island
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Coromandel · 207 kmMercury Bay
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Coromandel · 207 kmCoromandel Forest Park
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Tauranga · 326 kmWaimarino Adventure Park
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Waitomo · 344 kmRuakuri Cave
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Rotorua · 371 kmLake Rotorua
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Rotorua · 371 kmTe Puia
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Taupō · 425 kmMine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
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Taupō · 425 kmLake Taupo
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Napier · 530 kmMission Estate Winery
Questions about Bay of Islands
- What are the top attractions in Bay of Islands?
- Ranked by the experiences that visit them, the top attractions in Bay of Islands are Waitangi, Haruru Falls, Cape Reinga, Te Paki.
- What is the most popular experience in Bay of Islands?
- By number of traveller reviews it is "Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers", rated 4.9 out of 5 from 854 reviews.
- How long do tours and tickets in Bay of Islands take?
- The typical experience in Bay of Islands lasts about 4.5 hours; the middle half run between 2.5 hours and 6 hours.
- Can I cancel a booking in Bay of Islands?
- The operator lists free cancellation on 79% of the 76 experiences we hold for Bay of Islands. The cut-off differs by experience and is shown on each product page before you choose a date.
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