See You in the Bay – Video & Photo Competition 2026
Show us the Bay of Islands through your eyes — no filters, fancy gear, or professional skills required. This competition is for everyone
WIN $500 CASH + an experience in the Bay – just by showing us your Bay of Islands.
The See You in the Bay competition is open to everyone — visitors, locals, families, couples, friends, first-timers and regulars of any age.
Its easy, its fun and who would love to win NZ$500 plus and experience in the Bay of Islands!?!
Share your favourite moments — a sunrise paddle, a wildlife encounter, fish and chips on the beach, a hidden spot, or a snapshot of your trip. From photos to short videos or reels, all styles and skill levels are welcome.
- 3 categories – 3 chances to win
- Phone or camera – one moment or a whole adventure.
- Enter now and show us why the Bay is unforgettable.
Choose your way to tell the story:
Youth and Adult competition
Categories are;
- a reel
- photo or
- short film
Please read the Terms and Conditions
Competition closed at midnight 12th April 2026
📱 1. Bay in a Blink (Reel)
This category is proudly sponsored by Top Trail Bike Hire and Shuttles.
- Format: Vertical reel (up to 90 seconds).
- Perfect for TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
- Capture your Bay story in a quick, fun format.
- Grand Prize: $500 + Cycle hire and Shuttle for 2 people for 1 day on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail
- TOP TRAIL BIKE HIRE & SHUTTLES – offers top-quality e-bikes, friendly local service, and seamless shuttle support for riding onf NZ’s Official Great Rides the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
📸 2. Picture the Bay (Photo)
This category is proudly sponsored by Pioneer Waterfront Apartments
- Format: A single photo.
- Show why you love the Bay in one iconic shot.
- Grand Prize – $500 cash plus 1 night for 2 people at Pioneer Waterfront Apartments.
- PIONEER WATERFRONT APARTMENTS are located in the heart of Paihia directly across from Paihia beach in these spacious self contained apartments. Just 2minutes stroll to the wharf, restaurants and shops. Heated Spa and Paddling Pool plus Plunge Pool.
🎬 3. Bay on the Big Screen (short film)
This category is proudly sponsored by Carino Wildlife Cruises
- Format: Horizontal video (up to 90 seconds).
- A cinematic short film showing why you love the Bay.
- Grand Prize: $500 cash plus Carino wildlife day cruise for 2 adults
Sail the Bay of Islands with CARINO WILDLIFE CRUISES. Spot dolphins, penguins and seabirds, enjoy an island stop, snorkel in calm waters, and cruise with a family-owned, eco-friendly operator dedicated to marine conservation and ocean protection.
Youth category: 14yrs and under
📱 1. Bay in a Blink (Reel)
(Reels Edition) This category is proudly sponsored by Design & Print Kerikeri and Explore Bay of Islands
- Format: Vertical reel (up to 90 seconds).
- Perfect for TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
- Capture your Bay story in a quick, fun format.
- Grand Prize: $100 + Explore Return ferry to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for family of four
📸 2. Picture the Bay (Photo)
This category is proudly sponsored by Gold n Gifts and Explore Bay of Islands
- Format: A single photo.
- Show why you love the Bay in one iconic shot.
- Grand Prize: $100 + Explore Hole in the Rock cruise for 2 people
🎬 3. Bay on the Big Screen (Short Film)
This category is proudly sponsored by Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals and Flying Kiwi Parasail
- Format: Horizontal video (up to 90 seconds).
- A cinematic short film showing why you love the Bay.
- Grand Prize: $100 + Parasail for 2
Content:
- Must be filmed primarily within the Bay of Islands region (Paihia, Russell, Waitangi, Kerikeri, Kawakawa, Opua, and surrounding islands/waters).
- Focus on positive, inspiring, and family-friendly content.
- Original footage only. No stock footage. No AI generated content.
- Music: Must be royalty-free or licensed, or original composition. Entrants must provide proof of music rights if requested.
- Language: Predominantly visual, but any spoken dialogue or text overlays should be in English.
- Originality: All submitted content must be the entrant’s original work.
- Rights: By entering, participants grant Business Bay of Islands a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, and display the submitted videos for promotional and marketing purposes across all media channels, with appropriate creator credit.
Judging Criteria:
- Entries will be judged by a panel of tourism marketing experts, local representatives, and professional filmmakers
- Creativity & Originality (30%): How unique and imaginative is the storytelling and visual approach?
- Visual Appeal & Production Quality (25%): Is the footage high-quality, well-shot, and aesthetically pleasing?
- Adherence to Theme (20%): How effectively does the video highlight the Bay of Islands and inspire travel?
- Engagement & Impact (15%): Does the video captivate the viewer and leave a lasting positive impression?
- Suitability for Destination Marketing (10%): How well does it align with current marketing goals and appeal to target audiences?
- How to Enter:
- Complete the short registration here
- Upload your reel, film, or photo to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
- Use the phrase “See You in the Bay” in your caption or video.
- Tag @visit.bayofislands
- Use the hashtag 👉 #BOIfilm25, and add in #loveBayofIslands
- Make your post public so we can find it.
- No socials or having trouble uploading? Submit via the form at the bottom of the page.
Tips for Entrants:
- Tell a Story: Even in 90 seconds, a clear narrative or emotional arc can make a huge impact.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Let the stunning visuals speak for themselves.
- Embrace the Format: Think dynamic cuts, captivating music, and quick transitions for a Reel/Short.
- Authenticity is Key: Show real experiences and genuine moments.
- Vary Your Shots: Include wide establishing shots, close-ups of details, and dynamic action.
- Consider Your Audience: What would make you want to visit the Bay of Islands?
- Don’t forget to use the hashtag #loveBayofIslands when promoting your entry!
Reel specs
📱 Reel Dimensions
- 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Full-screen vertical
🎥 Safe Zone
To avoid text being cut off:
- Keep all titles/captions inside a safe area of 1080 × 1350 px (middle zone)
- Leave 250 px at the top and bottom free of important text
✔️ File Specs
- MP4 or MOV
- Frame rate: 30 fps preferred
- Max length:
- Instagram: up to 90 seconds
- Facebook: up to 90 seconds
Film specs
🎬 Horizontal Video Dimensions
- 1920 × 1080 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
✔️ Safe Zone (to avoid text being cut off)
Keep important text/logos inside:
- 1720 × 910 px (the inner “safe” area)
- Leave roughly 100 px padding top + bottom
- Leave 100 px padding left + right
✔️ File Specs
- Format: MP4 or MOV
- Frame rate: 24, 25, or 30 fps
- Length allowed in your comp: up to 90 seconds
Organised by:
Business Bay of Islands
In Partnership With:
- Carino Wildlife Cruises
- Edgewater Apartments
- Top Trail Bike Hire & Shuttles
- Design & Print Kerikeri
- Explore Bay of Islands
- Gold n Gifts
- Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals
- Flying Kiwi Parasail
Contact:
events@visitboi.co.nzfrom
T's & C's
Parasailing
Hole in the Rock
Paihia Mountain Bike Park
Otehei Bay
Entry Form