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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!
Quick Pick: My Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My FAVORITE thing I did in the Bay of Islands is this half-day island cruise. Head to the iconic Hole in the Rock, view marine life, go snorkeling, and hike up to an incredible viewpoint!
Check out the 360+ reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is popular – secure your spot in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
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 300+ 5-star reviews here). I know you’ll have just as much fun cruising through the Hole in the Rock as I did!
Don’t miss out, book this cruise here before it sells out!
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.
Book your entry ticket in advance here OR book the Maori cultural experience and dinner!
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!
Check the schedule and reserve your spot here to see some dolphins!
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.
Read the “glowing” reviews and book your spot here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
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!
Check availability for this epic overnight cruise here!
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!
Check prices and availability for this Cape Reinga tour here!
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!
Book this 5-star helicopter flight here!
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.
Book this fun sailing experience here!
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.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
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!