If there is one destination in New Zealand's North Island that captures everything the country does best — stunning natural scenery, rich history, abundant wildlife, and a warm, unhurried pace of life — it's the Bay of Islands.
For Australians visiting New Zealand for the first time, this is often the destination that seals the love affair. And for those returning, it's the place they most want to go back to.
Where Is the Bay of Islands?
The Bay of Islands sits on New Zealand's Northland coastline, roughly 240 kilometres north of Auckland. It's a sheltered sub-tropical bay scattered with 144 islands, covering an area of over 800 square kilometres of gloriously clear water. The main township is Paihia, a relaxed waterfront village that serves as the hub for most tours and cruises. Just a short ferry ride across the bay lies Russell — New Zealand's first permanent European settlement, and one of its most charming small towns.
Waitangi: Where New Zealand Began
No visit to the Bay of Islands is complete without time at Waitangi. This is where, on 6 February 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs — the founding document of the New Zealand nation.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a deeply moving and beautifully presented cultural site. Here you'll find Te Whare Rūnanga — a magnificent carved meeting house representing all the iwi of New Zealand — the Treaty House where the treaty was signed, and Ngātoki Matawhaorua, a 35-metre war canoe carved from three kauri trees and one of the largest in the world.
Cultural performances and guided tours bring this history to life in a way that feels genuine and respectful. Allow at least two to three hours here — it's worth every minute.
Russell: New Zealand's Prettiest Historic Town
A short passenger ferry from Paihia, Russell is one of those rare places where time seems to have slowed down deliberately. The waterfront is lined with pohutukawa trees, charming cafes, and heritage buildings dating back to the earliest days of European New Zealand.
Christ Church — New Zealand's oldest surviving church, built in 1836 — still has musket ball holes in the walls from the turbulent early colonial period. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, reputedly the oldest hotel in New Zealand, has a lovely waterfront verandah and outstanding fresh seafood. Russell is the kind of town where you wander without an agenda and enjoy the wandering.
Dolphins, Sailing, and the Open Bay
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's premier marine wildlife destinations. The warm, sheltered waters are home to year-round populations of common and bottlenose dolphins — and unlike many wildlife encounters, these are the genuine, wild kind.
Dolphin cruises operate daily from Paihia, and sightings are consistently excellent. Common dolphins in particular often travel in large pods and will ride bow waves, leap alongside the boat, and generally delight everyone on board.
At Cape Brett on the outer edge of the bay, a sea cave has been worn through a rocky headland known as the Hole in the Rock. Depending on sea conditions, cruise boats pass right through it — a genuinely spectacular moment.
The Best Time to Visit
The Bay of Islands has a sub-tropical climate — warmer and sunnier than the rest of New Zealand for much of the year. Autumn (March to May) is arguably the sweet spot: warm, calm, and much quieter than summer. Summer (December to February) is peak season with all activities running at full capacity.
Bay of Islands on a Tours New Zealand Itinerary
The Bay of Islands features in several Tours New Zealand North Island itineraries, always with enough time to absorb the history, get out on the water, and experience Russell properly. Your escort will handle all transfers, cruise bookings, and reservations.
Visit toursnewzealand.com.au or call our friendly team on 1300 583 470 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm).
Tours New Zealand — Small group, fully escorted New Zealand tours for Australian travellers. Australian owned and operated.