8 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in the Bay of Islands

Looking for the best things to do in the Bay of Islands? You’ve come to the expert!

Living in New Zealand, I think the Bay of Islands is one of the top places to visit in the entire country. It’s filled with amazing scenery, wildlife, and breathtaking beaches. To me, it should be on everyone’s New Zealand bucket list.

On the surface, it appears as though the Bay of Islands is just about beaches and cruises, but if you dig a little deeper, you can enjoy even more unique experiences! I’ve narrowed it down to the best 8!

Things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

1. Cruise through the Hole In the Rock

The Hole in the Rock is an iconic landmark in the Bay of Islands and something you can’t miss seeing while you’re visiting! Over thousands of years, the water has carved an almost perfect circle into the rock and it is said to symbolize strength and adversity by the Maori people.

The best way to see the Hole in the Rock is to take this half-day cruise from Paihia or Russel. Not only will the cruise bring you to see the Hole in the Rock, but you will actually get to sail through it!

The cruise also includes tons of other fun activities around the Bay of Islands such as wildlife viewing, snorkeling, seeing Cape Brett Lighthouse, visiting two beautiful islands, and a hike to an epic viewpoint. But it was the crew that truly set this cruise apart!

The cruise costs $159 NZD and is one of the most popular tours in the Bay of Islands (look at the 530+ 5-star reviews here). I know you’ll have just as much fun cruising through the Hole in the Rock as I did!

Related Read: If the above tour is sold out, don’t worry! I outline the top 5 Hole in the Rock tours here so you can find another great option.

2. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Northland region and the Bay of Islands are important places for the Maori people. So, a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is the perfect way to learn about Maori culture and history.

Entry tickets cost $70 NZD, which allows admission for 2 consecutive days in a row. It also includes a guided tour, an educational film, and a Maori cultural performance. This was my favorite part, I got to witness a traditional Haka dance as well as some Māori weaponry and Poi twirling.

This site is super important because it is where the British and North Island’s Māori chiefs signed the Waitangi Treaty (New Zealand’s founding document) back in 1840. So it’s actually the birthplace of New Zealand!

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are located only a short 1.2-mile (2 kilometers) walk or drive from Paihia in the Bay of Islands and are open daily.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, you can book this evening Maori cultural experience instead. It includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel, a welcome drink, a traditional ‘hangi’ dinner, a live performance, and entrance to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

This experience costs $175 NZD. It only runs on select days of the week though, so make sure to check the schedule and secure your spot in advance.

3. See dolphins

One of the best and most popular things to do in the Bay of Islands is going on a dolphin-watching cruise. The entire bay is a sanctuary for dolphins and you can find pods of dolphins in the hundreds.

I highly recommend this island and dolphin cruise that leaves from both Paihia and Russel. It’s the one that I did and it lasts about 4.5 hours. Although dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, there is a very high chance of seeing them on this tour. I saw so many, and even saw a bunch of seals!

The tour cruises around 144 islands while providing interesting onboard commentary. The boat will also stop for a while at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island so you can enjoy the beach and water.

And if the weather is cooperating, you will get the chance to sail through the iconic “Hole in the Rock” archway – which is such a cool experience!

The half-day cruise starts at $160 USD per person, which includes the cruise, your crew, and lunch. With almost 200 raving reviews, this is a very popular activity, so make sure you book it in advance!

4. Check out some glow worms

Seeing glow worms in New Zealand is definitely a must-do, and in the Bay of Islands, you can visit the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves on a tour to see tons of luminescent glow worms!

This 3-hour tour from Waitangi or Paihia will bring you out to the Kawiti glow worm caves, where you will be led through the underground cave system by a local Maori guide. Here, you will see thousands of brightly lit-up glow worms surrounding you, it’s quite a breathtaking site!

The tour also includes a walk through the Opua Forest which is home to trees over a thousand years old! Honestly, this forest had some of the nicest flora and fauna that we’ve seen in all of New Zealand.

I loved that there was a maximum of only 11 people on this tour, so it never felt crowded. Be ready to learn a lot about New Zealand’s nature and the Maori culture!

Prices cost around $180 NZD, which I think is worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5. Go on an Overnight Adventure Cruise

If I had to choose the most fun activity on this list, this overnight adventure cruise would be it! This is the ultimate overnight trip in the Bay of Islands filled with amazing views, great vibes, and lots of fun activities.

On the cruise you can go kayaking under the stars, fish for your dinner, target practice, explore the island, and more. This cruise isn’t aimed only at young people either and the entire family can join for an awesome 22 hours of new activities in the Bay of Islands.

The cruise departs daily at 5 pm and returns the following day at 3 pm. These cruises include all your food, shared bunk-bed accommodation, transport (cruise), and all activities for $478 NZD per person. Of course, alcohol is not included in this price but they do have a licensed bar on board!

This is a popular tour with over 100+ 5-star reviews, so make sure you book in advance!

6. Visit Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach

If the Bay of Islands was as far north as you had planned to go then you’re likely missing the highlight of Northland – Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, one of New Zealand’s best beaches.

Cape Reinga is a truly stunning area that sits at the most northern point of New Zealand. Ninety Mile Beach is a very long and beautiful beach that’s not actually 90 miles long (it’s 55 miles) but it’s pretty hard to tell when you’re there!

If you have time, I recommend driving yourself and spending a few nights at Cape Reinga (there are a few great hotels nearby in both Kaitaia and Coopers Beach!)

But for those without transport or short on time, I recommend booking this half-day tour from Paihia. You’ll jump on a small plane to enjoy a scenic flight as your mode of transport to Cape Reinga – this saves you hours of driving!

Then once you land in Cape Reinga, you’ll visit Ninety Mile Beach, drive along the beach, explore Cape Reinga Lighthouse, and visit Tapotupotu Beach. You get a 2.5-hour guided tour around the area before hopping back on the plane to Paihia.

Overall, this is a great tour in the Bay of Islands if you aren’t planning on visiting the area independently. We love that it includes the scenic flight because seeing this area from above is breathtaking!

7. Go on a scenic flight

Views of the Bay of Islands only get better with elevation so if you aren’t scared of heights, then a scenic flight is something you should definitely add to your itinerary!

My favorite way to take in these amazing views is with this 20-minute helicopter tour. It takes you over the Islands to the Hole in Rock. If you thought the Hole in the Rock was cool from sea level, wait till you see it in the air!

The flight alone costs around $300 NZD, but there is also an option to land on the Hole in the Rock to take some seriously neat photos for $457 NZD per person.

This was such a unique experience and the pilot provided interesting commentary the entire time. If you need any more convincing, just look at the view from my picture above!

Related Read: For another awesome scenic flight, read about my Mount Cook Helicopter Ride.

8. Set sail on the R Tucker Thomson historic ship

Easily one of the most famous working boats in Northland, the R Tucker Thompson, is truly a sight to behold. At 85 feet long (26 meters), you can’t miss this replica vintage schooner in Russell Bay. In fact, this is one of the only places in the world where you can cruise the waters on such a heritage boat!

This half-day tour departs from Russell, but included in your ticket is a free ferry ride from Paihia to Russell should you need it. Just make sure to choose the “Departing Paihia” option when booking.

Relax as you set sail to discover the Bay of Islands from the water, help your skipper hoist the sail, and then climb up the rigging if you’re feeling brave!

The boat will stop for a time in a secluded bay where you can go swimming in the clear waters – working up your appetite for the delicious BBQ lunch they serve on board. This particular tour costs $179 NZD.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

There are two main towns perfect for exploring the Bay of Islands. They are Paihia and Russell. Both towns offer lots of accommodation options and sit on the shores of the bay.

With that said, Paihia is the more convenient option, and more tours are offered from there. The downside to Paihia is that it is much busier and in summer, is filled with tourists. Russell, on the other hand, remains far less crowded.

Here are the best places to stay in both Paihia and Russell!

Paihia

Centabay Lodge– This is easily my top choice in Paihia. Despite offering some dorm rooms, it’s not just a hostel but more of a cheap place for families and couples to stay. They offer dorm beds but also beautiful privates and they’re located right on the beach! Honestly, check this place out – but book in advance as it’s always sold out! You can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Austria Motel – If being close to town is important then you can’t beat the Austria Motel. This place is super affordable and offers studio and 2-bedroom apartments. This is a very welcoming place to stay with great facilities.

Chalet Romantica – As you may have guessed Chalet Romantica is for couples visiting the Bay of Islands. This small boutique hotel is one of the best rated in town and comes with all the nice luxuries without a ridiculous price. The views from the property are amazing and it includes breakfast for every room.

Russell

The Duke Of Marlborough – As the name suggests this is a rather nicer option in Russell however surprisingly the price doesn’t reflect that. It’s located right in town and on the water and the rooms are vibrant and decorated to the colors of the sea. Also, the reviews are very good! It can be booked online here.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks so much for reading my guide to all the best things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. I really hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to this stunning region. If you have any questions please leave them below.

Also if you liked this article then be sure to jump over to my blog on all things New Zealand for more great travel guides or check out these related articles below:

13 Best Places to Stop on the Drive from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands)

25 Most BEAUTIFUL Places to Visit in New Zealand (that You Can’t Miss!)

10-Day North Island Itinerary – 3 Tried and Tested Itineraries!