
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an elegant, vast and stunning district on the beautiful east coast of Northland, New Zealand. The 144 subtropical islands are centred around the main hub of Paihia, Opua and Waitangi, our nation’s birthplace. Where you can find most of the water-based activities of the area. Go out on a cruise to check out the wildlife or the breathtaking scenery. Go swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing. Across the water from Paihia is Russell, the first capital of New Zealand which is surrounded by history. Inland are the towns of Kawakawa and Kaikohe where there are heaps of natural features, historical sites and great food to experience, not to mention the array of award-winning wineries to indulge in.
Where to start?
Our pick of the best
What's on at the bay
HotPrintz Bay of Islands Run/Walk Festival
18 May 2025Sponsored by Hotprintz The perfect outing to get active in the sun and take in the beautiful scenery of the Bay of Isla...
Moana – Free Movie Night – Bay Of Islands
20 June 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pmFree Outdoor Movie – Moana! Gather your friends and whānau for a magical outdoor movie night featuring Disney’s Moa...
Brew of Islands
28 June 2025Get ready for a craft beer adventure like no other in the stunning Bay of Islands! Brew of Islands brings together the ...
Fifth Annual Tohunga Tumau: Puanga Matariki Dinner
28 June 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 11:30 pmWe are brining Tohunga Tumau back to Northland for the fifth year! Showcasing the best of modern Māori cuisine, as part...
Where will you start your journey?
Here on a corporate occasion or for work?
Looking for inspiration?
4 day adventure itinerary
Looking for a long weekend to leave you sandy, breathless, excited and wide-eyed? Check out this action filled programme and start packing!
Cultural itinerary
The Bay of Islands has some of New Zealand’s earliest historic sites. The first capital city of New Zealand was Russell, also known at one point as the Hellhole of the Pacific!
3 day relaxation itinerary
If you need a little R&R in beautiful surroundings with top notch food and wine, you’ve come to the right place. Book yourself a long, luxurious weekend in some of the Bay of Islands’ premier destinations and forget the world for a while.