Discover the Far North of New Zealand
Explore
North Island
Bay of Islands
Te Pewhairangi
Where sheltered blue waters, seaside towns, and the birthplace of modern New Zealand come together.
3 Tours Visit Here
Kauri, Koromiko, Kōwhai
1 Customisable Day
Choose your own adventure
Discover the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a place where calm blue water, green headlands, and relaxed seaside towns create one of New Zealand’s most memorable coastal landscapes. Set in the subtropical north, the region is known for its island dotted waters, warm climate, and deep connection to the country’s early stories. From Paihia and Russell to Waitangi’s powerful sense of place, the Bay of Islands brings together natural beauty, cultural significance, and an easy coastal rhythm.
144 Islands
A subtropical maritime region shaped by sheltered bays, sandy coves, and island scattered waters.
Waitangi’s Significance
Home to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed.
Historic Russell
One of New Zealand’s earliest European settlements, known for its waterfront charm and layered past.
Paihia by the Water
A relaxed seaside base for exploring the bay, with easy access to cruises, ferries, coastal views, and nearby historic sites.
The Bay of Islands is a subtropical maritime region of sheltered bays, beautiful beaches and an island-scattered coastline. For centuries, Māori communities lived, travelled and traded around these abundant waters, forming deep connections between people, land and sea. The region later became one of the earliest meeting places between Māori and Europeans, and at Waitangi, the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 helped shape modern Aotearoa New Zealand.
Today, the bay feels made for exploring. Boats move between its 144 islands, quiet coves and open headlands, while dolphins, penguins, whales, gannets and other wildlife inhabit the surrounding waters. Paihia brings a lively waterfront atmosphere, ferries cross to historic Russell, and beaches and coastal views are never far away.
What makes the Bay of Islands so memorable is the way these experiences come together. Island scenery, wildlife encounters, seaside towns and nationally significant stories all form part of the same journey, creating a destination that feels both wonderfully restorative and deeply meaningful.
What You'll Experience
Some of New Zealand's most treasured experiences, all part of your time in the Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Step onto the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided journey through the stories, meeting places, and taonga (treasures) that shaped modern Aotearoa New Zealand. Explore the country’s most important historic site with expert commentary, from the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to the carved meeting house, contemporary museum spaces, heritage buildings, and the world’s largest ceremonial waka (canoe), for a powerful window into New Zealand’s founding story.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840, making Waitangi one of the most significant places in New Zealand’s national story.
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Discover the Far North
Set out on a full-day coach journey to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, at the northern tip of New Zealand, as a knowledgeable local guide brings the Far North’s rich history and Māori culture to life. Travel along the vast, sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach/Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe, try sandboarding down immense dunes, stand beneath the iconic lighthouse and watch the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean. A picnic lunch is also included during the day.
In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is where spirits begin their journey back to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
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Hole in the Rock Cruise & Tour of Russell
Cruise by purpose-built catamaran through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula to Motukōkako/the Hole in the Rock. Look for dolphins, whales and seabirds, admire the famous rock arch and, when conditions allow, enjoy the added thrill of passing through it into Grand Cathedral Cave. Spend time at Otehei Bay before returning to Russell, where a local guide reveals its rip-roaring past, historic buildings and sweeping views from Flagstaff Hill.
Russell’s Christ Church is New Zealand’s oldest surviving church, and bullet holes from the town’s turbulent past can still be seen in its walls.
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Reed Memorial Park
On the journey to the Bay of Islands, step into a surviving pocket of Northland’s original kauri forest at Reed Memorial Park. Follow an elevated canopy walkway through native bush for close-up views of immense kauri trunks and the living forest around them. This gentle walk offers a peaceful encounter with trees known to be at least 500 years old and a glimpse of the ancient landscape that once covered the region.
The park was named in 1956 after author and publisher A H Reed, who had a particular interest in long-distance walking, the natural environment and kauri trees.
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Whangārei Falls
On the journey to the Bay of Islands, pause at Whangārei Falls (Otuihau), where the Hātea River plunges over dark basalt cliffs into the pool below. Take in the 26.3-metre waterfall from the surrounding viewing areas and enjoy a refreshing introduction to Northland’s lush scenery. The tumbling water, rocky cliffs and native greenery create a memorable natural interlude on the journey through New Zealand’s north.
Whangārei Falls cascades over basalt cliffs left behind by ancient lava flows.
Historic Russell at Leisure
Enjoy time at leisure in Russell, a picturesque seaside town with a remarkable past. Wander along the waterfront, admire its preserved historic buildings, browse local shops or settle in for dinner at one of the town’s cafés and restaurants. With boats crossing the bay and early New Zealand history woven through its streets, Russell offers a relaxed setting in which to explore, dine or simply unwind at your own pace.
Russell spent around a century as a port for whaling and trading, helping shape the lively maritime character still associated with the town.
Customise Your Day Here
The Bay of Islands offers a Your Choice day, where guests pick one of two included excursions. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Far North, or discover the islands, waterways and history of the Bay. Either way, a full day of exploration awaits.
Option A
Discover the Far North
Full Day (7:00am - 7:00pm)
Journey to Cape Reinga, where the North Island reaches towards the horizon and the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. According to Māori legend, this sacred place is where spirits begin their journey to Hawaiki. Travel along the sweeping sands of Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe), stand beneath the iconic lighthouse and feel the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes. Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide brings the Far North’s rich history, culture and landscapes vividly to life.
- Stand beneath the Cape Reinga lighthouse
- Journey along Ninety Mile Beach
- Sandboard down the sweeping dunes
- Hear Māori legends and local stories
Explore this option
Option B
Hole in the Rock Cruise & Tour of Russell
Full day
Cruise through the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands and along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula, passing its historic lighthouse before reaching the famous Hole in the Rock. Weather permitting, glide through the rock into Grand Cathedral Cave. Along the way, your skipper shares stories of the bay as you watch for dolphins, whales and seabirds. Pause at Otehei Bay to swim, stroll or enjoy lunch, then return to Russell for a guided tour filled with colourful tales of its rip-roaring past, historic buildings and sweeping views from Flagstaff Hill.
- Cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock
- Watch for dolphins, whales and seabirds
- Swim or stroll at Otehei Bay
- Hear Russell’s colourful stories
Explore this option
Available on: One excursion is included on every Pure Discoveries® tour that visits the Bay of Islands. You choose your option when you book.
Where You'll Stay in the Bay of Islands
On selected departures, our usual accommodation may be substituted with another carefully selected property, based on availability.
2 nights
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Established 1827
Located on the waterfront of Russell in the Bay of Islands, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a historic landmark holding New Zealand's first liquor licence. Lovingly restored, it blends historic charm with modern comfort. The on-site restaurant offers harbour views and locally sourced produce.
- Waterfront location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Historic (est. 1827)
Alternative accommodation
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set on the waterfront near Paihia, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is surrounded by subtropical gardens within the Waitangi National Trust Reserve. Relax beside the lagoon-style swimming pool, take in tranquil views across the bay, or enjoy locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant and bar.
- Waterfront location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Subtropical gardens
- Outdoor swimming pool
On Tour in the Bay of Islands
See how this destination features on our small-group tours.
How Pure Discoveries® Visits
Travel north from Auckland, stopping on the way to walk among mature kauri on the elevated canopy walkway at Reed Memorial Park and admire picturesque Whangārei Falls. In the Bay of Islands, uncover the Māori and early European history of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds before settling in for two nights by the water in Russell, with time to explore the historic seaside village at leisure.
The following day, customise your tour with a Your Choice experience. Choose Discover the Far North, venturing to Cape Reinga via the sweeping sands of Ninety Mile Beach, or the Hole in the Rock Cruise & Tour of Russell, cruising through island-dotted waters before exploring historic Russell. Either way, it is an unforgettable day in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
Tours That Explore the Bay of Islands
These Pure Discoveries® tours include the Bay of Islands in their itinerary.
Both Islands
23Days
Days 2-3 here
A 23-day guided journey across both islands, designed as the full New Zealand experience. A seamless adventure for travellers who want the complete story.
Featured Experience: Discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands, shaped by its sparkling coastlines
Both Islands
20Days
Days 2-3 here
A 20-day guided journey across both islands, designed for travellers who want New Zealand's coastal beauty at the heart of the trip, alongside classic New Zealand highlights.
Featured Experience: Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, steeped in New Zealand's history
North Island
11Days
Days 2-3 here
An 11-day guided journey through the North Island, from top to bottom, designed for travellers who want the full North Island experience woven into one complete journey.
Featured Experience: Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, steeped in New Zealand's history
Nearby Places
More to explore around the Bay of Islands
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