Bay of Islands, New Zealand: 144 Islands, Waitangi and the Hole in the Rock

The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular resort regions on the country's North Island, and the small town of Paihia is its gateway. With sparkling water, lush nature, and deep ties to the country's founding history, it's a place that rewards every kind of traveller.

In this complete guide to exploring the Bay of Islands from a base in Paihia, we cover the top sights and activities for 2026, the must-do cruises, how to get there, and the best time of year to visit — everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Let's start planning your 2026 Bay of Islands adventure!

Paihia and Russell: Where to Base Yourself in the Bay

Paihia is the ideal base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Located about a 3.5-hour drive north of Auckland, it draws travellers with its beautiful beaches, wide range of activities, and its place at the heart of the country's founding story. Despite its compact size, the town is packed with accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators, making it an easy and convenient place to stay.

Don't Miss These Popular Sights in Paihia

Paihia and its surroundings are full of attractions you won't want to skip.

• Treaty Grounds: The historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi — the founding document of New Zealand — was signed. There's plenty to see here, including Māori cultural performances, a museum, and the buildings where the treaty was signed. It's an essential stop for understanding the country's history and culture.
  • Treaty Grounds official website
• the town Wharf: The lively departure point for the cruises and ferries that are the highlight of any Bay of Islands trip. Cafés and souvenir shops line the surrounding streets, so it's a pleasant place to wander even if you're not boarding a boat. The maritime adventures that begin here are sure to get your heart racing.
• the village Beach: A beautiful beach stretching along the town centre. The waves are gentle, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing as well as kayaking and paddleboarding. At dusk, watching the sun sink into the sea makes for a wonderfully romantic end to the day.

For Active Travellers: Activities Around here

Surrounded by stunning nature, the waterfront offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

• Sea kayaking & paddleboarding: The calm bay is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Explore the water at your own pace and discover hidden coves and beaches. With plenty of rental shops around, it's easy to give it a go.
• Hiking & walking: The trails around town suit everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers. Choose according to your fitness level, from coastal walks with sweeping sea views to forest tracks like the Opua Forest the base Lookout Track.

Make the Most of Traveller Reviews When Planning

Hearing from people who have actually visited is incredibly helpful when planning your trip.

• Where to look: Check reviews on Tripadvisor and Google Maps, travel blogs, and social media (Instagram, X) — try searching hashtags like #BayOfIslands and #the mainland side.
• A word of caution: Reviews are personal opinions, and ratings can vary widely. Compare multiple sources and pick out the information that matches your own interests and goals. Be especially wary of older posts, as conditions may have changed since they were written.

Bay of Islands Boat Tours: Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett

If there's one highlight of visiting the Bay of Islands, it's the cruises! Weave through beautiful islands, encounter dolphins, and get up close to the famous Hole in the Rock — unforgettable experiences await. Here's a comparison of the three most popular cruise options.

Trip Prices and How to Book

Sailing prices vary depending on the itinerary, duration, and season, so treat the figures above as a rough guide (calculated at 1 New ZealandD = approx. ¥93 as of August 2026).

• How to book:
  • Online: Booking in advance through each outing operator's official website or platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide is the safest bet. Book early during peak season — you may also find discounts.
  • In person: You can also book at the tour desks around the harbour town Wharf or at the local i-SITE visitor information centre. This is handy for last-minute bookings or if you'd like advice on which tour to choose.
• Good to know: Excursions may be cancelled or modified depending on the weather. Check the cancellation policy before you book.

What Is the Bay of Islands? 144 Islands in Northland

New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is a drowned river valley on the east coast of the north island of New Zealand — not to be confused with the Bay of Plenty, further south on the same coast, about three hours north of Auckland in the Northland region. It contains roughly 144 islands — seven main islands and a scatter of small islands — and the whole area is protected as a maritime and historic park. For most visitors this is one of the country's great summer playgrounds, and for New Zealanders it is where the story starts. Few places anywhere are this concentrated: the sheltered water, the best beaches in the north, and the historical sites that shaped the development of New Zealand, all within half an hour of each other.

A few things worth knowing before you plan:

• The history is unusually dense. Captain James Cook named the bay in 1769. Whalers followed, then missionaries, then the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Several of the most important historic sites in the country sit within 30 minutes of each other here, and the mission stations at Kerikeri and Te Puna were among the earliest points of European settlement in New Zealand.
• The water is the attraction. Sailing, sea kayaking and snorkelling are all easy to arrange, and the sandy beaches around the bay are sheltered enough for swimming (for surf beaches you want the west coast). Serious divers head an hour south to the Poor Knights Islands, rated among the best dive sites anywhere.
• There are islands to explore, not just look at. Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island has a wharf, a café and walking tracks over the headlands. Most operators — Fullers Bay of Islands among them — stop at Otehei Bay on the way back.
• The fishing is legendary. The American writer Zane Grey based himself here in the 1920s and put the bay on the map for big-game fishing.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds: The Birthplace of New Zealand

A ten-minute walk north of the town sits the single most significant historic site in the country. One of New Zealand’s defining places, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where the Treaty of Waitangi — the founding document signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs — was signed on 6 February 1840. New Zealanders call this the birthplace of the nation, and the site works hard to tell both sides of that story rather than one.

Allow half a day. The grounds hold the Treaty House itself, the carved meeting house Te Whare Rūnanga, the Museum of Waitangi, and Ngātokimatawhaorua, one of the largest ceremonial waka (canoes) ever built — 35 metres of kauri that takes 80 paddlers to launch. Guided tours and a cultural performance are included with entry, and the guides are usually descendants of the people involved.

Russell: New Zealand's First Capital

Across the water from the village, Russell is a row of white weatherboard buildings under pōhutukawa trees — and it has a past. Known as Kororāreka, it was New Zealand's first European settlement and had a reputation as the "hell hole of the Pacific" in whaling days. Okiato, just south of the modern village, served as New Zealand's first capital in 1840 before the seat of government moved to Auckland a year later.

What remains is unusually old by New Zealand standards: Christ Church (1836) is the oldest church in New Zealand, its weatherboards still carrying musket holes from the 1845 fighting that began when the chief Hōne Heke had his men cut down the flagpole above the town. Passenger ferries run between here and Russell every 20 minutes or so and take about 15 minutes; the Opua car ferry crosses further south if you are driving.

Kerikeri and New Zealand's Oldest Buildings

Twenty-five minutes inland, Kerikeri is the Bay of Islands area's orchard town and the site of the country's oldest surviving buildings. The Stone Store (1836) is the oldest stone building in the country, and Kemp House (1822) next door is the oldest wooden one. Both stand beside the Kerikeri Basin. Nearby, the Rainbow Falls track and the Puketi kauri forest are both worth the short drive — check the Department of Conservation site for kauri dieback hygiene stations before you walk.

The Best Time to Visit the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a year-round destination, but is there a best time to go — and anything special about visiting in 2026?

the waterfront's Climate and the Best Season to Visit

Located in the north of New Zealand's North Island, town enjoys a relatively mild climate. The best time to visit is **summer (December–February)**, when warm, sunny days are most common, but **spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May)** are also pleasant and a great choice if you'd rather avoid the crowds. Winter (June–August) is a little cooler, but with fewer tourists around it's a calm, quiet time to visit.

the base: Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall (Guide)

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)	Rating
Jan	24	16	80	★★★★★
Feb	24	16	90	★★★★★
Mar	23	15	110	★★★★☆
Apr	20	13	120	★★★☆☆
May	18	11	140	★★★☆☆
Jun	16	9	170	★★☆☆☆
Jul	15	8	190	★★☆☆☆
Aug	16	9	160	★★☆☆☆
Sep	17	10	130	★★★☆☆
Oct	19	11	110	★★★★☆
Nov	21	13	90	★★★★☆
Dec	23	15	90	★★★★★

Source: compiled from average figures published by weather data sites. Actual conditions vary from year to year.

A Journey Through History and Culture

A visit to the Treaty Grounds, mentioned above, is the cultural centrepiece of any Bay of Islands trip. Around Waitangi Day (6 February), which commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the area comes alive with commemorative events and cultural celebrations — a truly special atmosphere (though expect crowds). Māori cultural shows and haka performances run throughout the year, so you can enjoy them even if your dates don't line up with the national day.

Is a Day Trip from Auckland Possible?

The drive from Auckland to the mainland side takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. A day trip isn't impossible, but with that much travel time it makes for a very rushed visit. If you want to properly enjoy a boat tour and the Treaty Grounds, we recommend staying at least one night, ideally two. With extra time, you can also venture out to the charming nearby towns of Kerikeri and Russell.

Dolphins, Beaches and Urupukapuka Island

With such beautiful waters on its doorstep, the harbour town is also a wonderful place for marine wildlife encounters and relaxing along the coastline.

Meeting the Wildlifes: Watching Tips

The Bay of Islands is renowned as one of the best places in New Zealand for wildlife watching.

• Best spots & season: Marine lifes can appear anywhere in the bay, but joining a trip gives you the best chance of seeing them. Sighting rates are said to be highest in **summer (December–February)**.
• Choosing a tour: Dedicated marine life-watching tours are popular, as are swim-with-thems tours. Strict rules govern interactions with seabirdss to protect them, so be sure to follow your guide's instructions and enjoy the encounter responsibly.

Soak Up the Coastline

The shoreline running from the town to the neighbouring settlements of Waitangi and Opua is perfect for a leisurely walk.

• the village–Waitangi Walkway: Mostly flat and easy going, this path lets you walk all the way to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds while enjoying the sea views.
• Photography: Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, boats crossing the bay, and the contrast of lush greenery against blue water — photo opportunities are everywhere.

Blissful Bay Time

Between sightseeing and activities, there's nothing better than unwinding on the shoreline.

• here Shoreline: Superbly accessible, with cafés close by.
• Te Tii Bay: Just north of the waterfront Bay, and often a quieter spot to relax.
• Long Shoreline, Russell: A beautiful sand in Russell, just across the water by ferry from town. Well worth the short trip.

How to Choose a Bay of Islands Boat Tour

With so many tours on offer in the Bay of Islands, deciding which one to book can feel overwhelming. Here's a step-by-step approach to finding the tour that's right for you.

Popular Tours and What They Include

Tours departing from the base cover a wide spectrum.

• Classic boat trips: The Hole in the Rock outing and wildlife-watching boat tours mentioned above are perennial favourites.
• Adventure tours: High-speed boat rides for thrill-seekers, kayak tours exploring sea caves, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Guided tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Māori cultural experiences.
• Combo tours: Packages combining a trip with land-based sightseeing (such as a stroll around Russell) — great for making the most of limited time.

Typical Tour Prices and Booking Tips

Tour prices vary widely by itinerary, but as a rough guide expect $100–$160 New ZealandD (approx. ¥9,300–¥14,900) for a half-day sailing and $150–$250 New ZealandD (approx. ¥14,000–¥23,300) for a full-day tour (calculated at 1 New ZealandD = approx. ¥93 as of August 2026).

• Use booking sites: Deals and discounts pop up regularly, so compare several platforms.
• Family / student discounts: If they apply to you, check whether a discount is available.
• Packages: Some operators offer bundles that include accommodation.

Well-Reviewed Tour Operators

The Bay of Islands is home to many tour companies, but among the larger and most consistently well-reviewed operators, these names come up often.

• Fullers GreatSights: Runs many of the classic tours, including the Hole in the Rock (Motukōkako, also called Piercy Island) excursion.
• Explore Group: Popular for marine life watching and sailing experiences.

That said, don't choose on company size alone — compare tour content and reviews carefully to find the one that best matches what you're after.

Getting to the Bay of Islands from Auckland

Here's a rundown of how to reach the mainland side in the Bay of Islands. Most international visitors travel via there, and from there you have several options.

Renting a Car: Pros, Cons, and Things to Know

A rental car is one of the best ways to explore New Zealand at your own pace.

• Pros:
  • Freedom: Travel on your own schedule and linger wherever you like, for as long as you like.
  • Access: Reach places that public transport can't — perfect for hunting out hidden bayes and lookout points around the Bay of Islands.
  • Luggage: Travelling with lots of bags is far easier by car.
• Cons and things to note:
  • Driving documents: Depending on your home country, you may need an International Driving Permit along with your driver's licence and passport — check the requirements for your licence before you travel.
  • Driving on the left: New Zealand drives on the left. Watch out for local road rules that may differ from home, such as roundabouts.
  • Insurance: Make sure you take out cover with adequate protection.
  • Costs: Budget for the rental fee, fuel, and insurance.
  • Driver fatigue: Some legs of the journey can involve long stretches behind the wheel.
  • Useful resource: The official Tourism New Zealand rental car guide covers the essentials.

Public Transport (Bus)

If you're on a budget or would rather not drive, the long-distance bus is a solid option.

• InterCity: New Zealand's major intercity bus operator, with a route from the city to the town.
• Booking: Book online in advance. Same-day tickets are available if seats remain, but fares can be higher.
• Convenience: The bus stop is right in central the village, which is handy — but plan how you'll get around once you arrive (on foot, by taxi, or on local tours).

Wrap-Up: Plan Your Best-Ever Trip to Explore Bay of Islands

In this guide we've covered everything you need for a 2026 Bay of Islands trip based in here — the top sights and activities, the must-do boat trips, and how to get there.

• the waterfront has it all: Beautiful nature, rich history, and a huge range of activities make it the ideal base for exploring the Bay of Islands.
• The outings are unmissable: From the Hole in the Rock to them watching, unforgettable experiences on the water await.
• Planning pays off: Use the tips on the best season, transport options, and tour selection to build an itinerary that suits you.

We hope this article helps you plan your 2026 Bay of Islands adventure. Sparkling seas, lush landscapes, and warm-hearted locals are waiting for you — here's to an unforgettable trip to New Zealand.

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Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI-generated information. While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, details may become outdated or change over time. For information that changes frequently — such as prices and opening hours — always confirm the latest details on official websites. This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute advice for individual circumstances. The content may be updated in the future based on first-hand experience and additional information.