Starting to dream about a Northland itinerary for your trip? Looking at things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand?
The north of New Zealand – Northland and the Bay of Islands – is a beautiful part of the country to visit. While the South Island often gets the glory for its rugged peaks, the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’ is the historical and coastal heart of the country.
This region is packed with beautiful beaches, iconic and historic sites and much rich Māori culture and heritage.
Plus, I get to boast about all these very cool things to do in Bay of Islands in the north of New Zealand – that is where I am from!
So read on. We have lots to share! Let this be your definitive guide to the best things to do in Bay of Islands – Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, Ōpua, Kawakawa, and Kerikeri – New Zealand.
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Check out these 4x North Island Itineraries.
Welcome to Bay of Islands, New Zealand
As the site of the country’s most significant historical beginnings, it is a spectacular place to start your journey.
For many, it is the starting point of their New Zealand itinerary, located just three hours north of Auckland. It makes sense to land and head north to start exploring New Zealand right from the top.
Things To Do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand
There are loads of cool things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
1. Explore Paihia: Coffee, Wharf & Larry’s
Paihia is the ‘hub’ of the Bay. Start your morning with a walk along the waterfront.
Grab a flat white from one of the many cafes, stroll the length of the wharf to see the tour boats prep for the day, and—most importantly—visit Larry’s (aka. Celeni’s). This iconic ice cream shop right on the main road is a local legend. Grabbing a scoop and walking the waterfront is a must! 🙂
2. Paihia Beach – Things To Do in Bay of Islands
The main beach in Paihia is perfect for a morning dip. (Ha. If you aren’t shy of the cold like me!). Albeit it is beautiful in the summer and truly just as sweet for a morning walk even in the winter.
If you are feeling active, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard. The water is generally calm, making it an ideal spot for beginners to explore the coastline or paddle out toward Motuarahi Island just out from the beach in Paihia.
3. Fish and Chips at Ti Bay
For a true Kiwi experience, head to Ti Bay Takeaways. Located just a few minutes from the centre of town, it is widely considered the best spot for fresh snapper and chips.
The best thing though? Don’t take them back to your hotel. Walk across the road to Ti Beach, sit on the grass under a pōhutukawa tree, and enjoy your meal as the sun begins to dip.
This has been our favourite family outing for fish and chips in Paihia since way back! 🙂
4. Let the Kids Loose at the Paihia Playground
If you are travelling with family, the playground located right on the Paihia waterfront is a lifesaver. It is modern, fenced, and positioned so that parents can enjoy a coffee from nearby while the kids burn off energy with a view of the ocean.
It is stunning and only just a short walk around the ‘Bluff’ from the main Paihia town.
5. Walk Across the Waitangi Bridge
The walk from Paihia to Waitangi follows the coastal curve and takes about 20 minutes.
As you cross the Waitangi Bridge, look to your left to see Te Tii Marae. This is a site of immense political and cultural significance. You will often see traditional carved Māori Po (carvings) on the grounds of the Marae (Māori meeting place).
6. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
This is arguably the most important historic site in New Zealand and certainly the top of things to do in Bay of Islands. It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Visit the museum and the beautifully carved Meeting House (Te Whare Rūnanga) and see the world’s largest ceremonial Waka (war canoe).
The guided tours and cultural performances are world-class and essential for understanding the heart of Aotearoa and the history of New Zealand and Māori culture.
7. Take the Passenger Ferry to Russell
The ferry departs from the Paihia wharf every 20 minutes. It’s a short, scenic 15-minute ride across the harbour to Russell (Kororāreka).
Today it is a peaceful, boutique village, but in the 1800s, it was known as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’. It was once a lawless port for whalers and traders. For which you can still see the history of today. (Well, history for New Zealand age-wise that is!).
8. Visit Russell – Things To Do in Bay of Islands
Once you step off the ferry, visit Christ Church, the oldest existing church in New Zealand. (Look for the musket ball holes in the wood from the 1845 Battle of Kororāreka!).
Then, head to the Russell Museum to see a scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour.
Finish with a drink at the Duke of Marlborough, which holds New Zealand’s first liquor license. It has a stunning view and especially at sunset looking out towards Paihia over the harbour.
9. Walk up Russell Flagstaff Hill
For the best mainland 360-degree view of the Bay of Islands, hike or drive up to Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki) in Russell. It is famous as the site where Māori chief Hōne Heke famously cut down the British flagstaff four times in protest against the Crown.
10. Swim at Long Beach, Russell
A 15-minute walk from the Russell wharf brings you to Long Beach (Oneroa). Unlike the harbour-facing beaches, this is a wide, ocean-facing beach. It is perfect for a long walk or a quiet afternoon swim away from the main tourist crowds.
We loved to come here growing up to go ‘Boogie Boarding’ in the waves!
11. Day Trip to Cape Reinga
Paihia is the main jumping-off point for tours to Cape Reinga. This is a full-day adventure that takes you to the very tip of the North Island.
You’ll visit the iconic lighthouse, watch the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide, and—if you take a bus tour—experience the thrill of driving along Ninety Mile Beach.
Or if you have rented a car in New Zealand this is an awesome day trip to self-drive Paihia to Cape Reinga.
- Read All About The Day Trip From Paihia To Cape Reinga.
12. Stop at Haruru Falls
Just a short drive from Waitangi, Haruru Falls is a breathtaking horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
In Māori, “Haruru” means “big noise,” and you’ll hear why as you approach. It’s impressive!
If you are heading from Paihia to Kerikeri this is well worth a stop on the way.
- Tip: There is a great walking track that leads from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to the falls through a mangrove forest. If you have a morning free this is a beautiful short walk in New Zealand bush.
13. Admire Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri
Drive 20 minutes north to Kerikeri to see Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa). It is an easily accessible, 27-metre drop that creates constant rainbows in the mist on sunny days!
There are several viewing platforms, and the swimming hole at the bottom is popular in summer.
14. Step Back in Time at the Stone Store
The Kerikeri Mission Station is home to the Stone Store (1832) and Kemp House (1821). These are New Zealand’s oldest stone and wooden buildings, respectively.
The basin is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Or – we highly recommend – get coffee and morning tea at the Honey House Café next to Kemp House.
15. Ride the Kawakawa Vintage Railway
In the quirky town of Kawakawa, you can ride the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. It is unique because the train runs right down the middle of the town’s main street!
It’s a nostalgic and fun way to see the Northland countryside.
- Fact: Not to mention (dare I mention!) this is the small town that I was born in the Bay of Islands!
16. Use the Hundertwasser Toilets
While in Kawakawa, you must visit the public toilets. These are quite seriously one of the most (now) iconic things to do in Bay of Islands.
Designed by the world-renowned Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, these are a masterpiece of mosaic tiles, sunken sculptures, and recycled glass bottles.
They must surely be one of the only toilets in the world that people queue up just to photograph. Well, they are in New Zealand!
17. The Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walk
This 3-hour (one way) bush walk is a local favourite. It winds through native forest and along the water’s edge, offering spectacular views of the bay. It’s part of the Te Araroa trail and ends at the Ōpua Marina.
18. Explore the Ōpua Marina
Ōpua is the maritime gateway for international yachts. Grab a coffee at the marina cafe, watch the impressive vessels, and keep an eye out for the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner that often departs from here for day sails.
19. Take the Car Ferry to Okiato
If you are driving, the car ferry from Ōpua to Okiato is the easiest way to reach Russell. Okiato was actually the site of New Zealand’s first capital. From the ferry landing, it is a scenic 10-minute drive into Russell.
20. Sail to the Hole in the Rock & Urupukapuka
No trip is complete without a boat tour to the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Most tours also stop at Urupukapuka Island, the largest in the bay. Hike to the island’s ridges for incredible views, or relax at the Otehei Bay cafe.
Practical Information: Things To Do in Bay of Islands
Getting There & Around
- Drive: 3 to 3.5 hours north of Auckland on State Highway 1.
- Fly: Air New Zealand flies daily into Bay of Islands Airport (Kerikeri), a 20-minute drive from Paihia.
- Bus: InterCity offers regular services from Auckland to the Paihia wharf.
- Ferries: Within the Bay, use the passenger and car ferries. These are a fantastic way of getting to Russell from Paihia or Opua.
- Rental Car: A car is highly recommended for visiting Kerikeri and Kawakawa and making the day trip to Cape Reinga.
Where to Eat in Paihia
- Charlotte’s Kitchen: Located at the end of the Paihia Wharf. Famous for its pizzas and slow-roasted pork knuckle. Delish!
- Terra Restaurant: For a refined, fine-dining experience using local Northland ingredients.
- Phat House Brewing Co: Located in Haruru, great for craft beer and wood-fired pizzas.
- Fish & Chips from Ti Bay Takeaways: Seriously the best and most iconic of things to do in Bay of Islands is to get fish and chips and each them on the beach!
Where to Stay in Paihia, Bay of Islands
- Luxury: The Waterfront Suites (Paihia) or The Duke of Marlborough
- (Russell).
- Mid-Range: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or Paihia Beach Resort & Spa.
- Budget/Camping: Waitangi Holiday Park (great for campervans) or Haka House Paihia (backpacker).
Final Thoughts?
The Bay of Islands is an amazing destination. I know Im bias, because it really is my hometown. But for all the places we’ve travelled in the world, there is no place like home. I feel very proud to share all these amazing things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Enjoy the ‘Winterless North’! 🙂
More About Travel in New Zealand
- Franz Josef Or Fox Glacier?
- Family Friendly Walks In Franz Josef.
- Putaruru Blue Springs South Waikato.
- Wairere Falls Walk Near Matamata.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell Bay Of Islands.
- Visiting Milford Sound In Winter.
- Hooker Valley Track Mt Cook.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track In Wanaka With Kids.
Travel Planning for New Zealand & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, adventure ticket, local tours and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travel anywhere in the world!