Bay of Islands

Best arrival airport

Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri (KKE) — domestic only; about 25 min from Paihia

Getting around

Paihia is walkable and ferries reach Russell; a car or tour is best for the wider region

Typical transfer

Auckland Airport to Paihia: about 3 hr 15 min

Arriving and starting the trip

Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri (KKE) — domestic only; about 25 min from Paihia. Auckland Airport to Paihia: about 3 hr 15 min. Confirm the current timetable or road conditions before departure.

Without a car

Paihia is walkable and ferries reach Russell; a car or tour is best for the wider region. Check the live operator timetable because services and connections can change.

When a car helps

Paihia, Waitangi and Russell can be combined using walking, tours and passenger ferries. A car is useful for Kerikeri, coastal beaches and longer Northland drives; use the Opua–Okiato vehicle ferry when appropriate.

One day

Build a focused day around Paihia Waterfront, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Haruru Falls. Keep travel time realistic and prioritise one booked or weather-dependent activity.

Two days

Use the first day for the central highlights. On day two, add Opua Coastal Walkway, Russell or Te Ahurea, grouping places that sit in the same direction.

Three days

Add a regional day involving Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, Kerikeri Stone Store or Tapeka Point. Retain flexibility for weather, road conditions and operator changes.

Weather and seasons

Northland is mild but exposed marine trips still depend on wind and sea conditions. Use sun protection and keep a rain layer available.

Local conditions

Confirm sailing status, return times and operator instructions. Swim at patrolled beaches where available and follow local rāhui, track and marine-protection notices.

Bookings and live information

Book popular cruises, island trips, Waitangi experiences and peak-season accommodation in advance. Recheck official information shortly before travelling.

Paihia Waterfront

From the centre: In Paihia centre • usually walkable

Visit information: Public waterfront open at all times; ferry and cruise operators use scheduled departures

The main visitor waterfront for passenger ferries, cruises, beaches, restaurants and connections around the Bay of Islands.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

From the centre: 3 km • about 5 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Open daily; visitor hours and cultural-performance times vary seasonally. Closed Christmas Day

New Zealand’s most important historic site, with museums, heritage buildings, cultural performances and guided interpretation beside the Bay of Islands.

Haruru Falls

From the centre: 5 km • about 8 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Public lookout open at all times; walk and visit during daylight

A broad horseshoe-shaped waterfall near Paihia, viewed from a short roadside lookout or reached via the Waitangi–Haruru walking track.

Opua Coastal Walkway

From the centre: 6 km • about 10 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Open during daylight; some coastal sections can be affected by tide and maintenance

A coastal walking route between Paihia and Opua passing beaches, forest, mangroves and harbour viewpoints.

Russell

From the centre: About 15 min passenger ferry from Paihia

Visit information: Town accessible daily; ferries and individual attractions follow separate timetables

A historic waterfront town reached by passenger ferry from Paihia or vehicle ferry near Opua, with heritage buildings, beaches and dining.

Te Ahurea

From the centre: 18 km • about 20 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Tours and visitor access follow the operator’s current booking schedule; confirm before travelling

A living Māori cultural experience in Kerikeri sharing traditional structures, gardens, stories and the heritage of Ngāti Rēhia.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway

From the centre: 17 km • about 20 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Seasonal timetable: check the official schedule and book the intended departure before travelling

A volunteer-run heritage railway from Kawakawa, including a distinctive journey along the town’s main street and toward the Taumarere River.

Kerikeri Stone Store

From the centre: 24 km • about 25 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Nov–Apr daily 10 AM–5 PM; guided tours generally 10:30 AM–4 PM. Winter hours are shorter

New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building forms part of the Kerikeri Mission Station beside Kemp House.

Tapeka Point

From the centre: Ferry to Russell plus about 10 min local drive

Visit information: Public track open during daylight; avoid exposed sections in severe weather

A short but steep coastal walk near Russell leading to headland views across the bay and nearby islands.

Flagstaff Hill

From the centre: Ferry to Russell plus about 10 min walk

Visit information: Public reserve open during daylight; track may be slippery after rain

Maiki Hill above Russell combines important colonial history with a short uphill walk and wide bay views.

Rainbow Falls

From the centre: 23 km • about 25 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Public reserve open during daylight; track conditions can change after heavy rain

A 27-metre waterfall on the Kerikeri River, with upper lookouts and a walking connection toward the historic basin.

Te Waimate Mission

From the centre: 27 km • about 30 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Heritage property has seasonal opening days and hours; check the official listing before visiting

A rural mission site with a Georgian mission house, churchyard and stories of early Māori–missionary interaction.

Marsden Cross

From the centre: 35 km • about 35 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Heritage trail open during daylight; allow for rural road access, weather and the return walk

A remote historic site at Rangihoua Bay marking the location of New Zealand’s first Christian service in 1814.

Puketi Forest

From the centre: 35 km • about 35–40 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Tracks open subject to DOC alerts, weather and kauri-protection requirements; visit in daylight

A significant kauri forest with short boardwalks, longer tramping routes and native wildlife west of Kerikeri.

Cape Brett Track

From the centre: About 35 min drive to Rawhiti, then track access

Visit information: Track access requires advance arrangements; weather, water supply and hut bookings must be checked before departure

A demanding coastal track across private and conservation land to Cape Brett lighthouse and hut, requiring strong fitness and planning.

Matauri Bay

From the centre: 45 km • about 45 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Public beach access during daylight; respect local access, weather and sea conditions

A scenic Northland beach and settlement overlooking the Cavalli Islands, reached by road north of Kerikeri.

Whangaroa Harbour

From the centre: 55 km • about 50–60 min drive from Paihia centre

Visit information: Public harbour accessible daily; boat services, tracks and sea access depend on conditions

A dramatic natural harbour north of the Bay of Islands with boating, coastal scenery and steep volcanic landforms.

Urupukapuka Island

From the centre: About 40 min ferry from Paihia, plus boarding time

Visit information: Peak-summer passenger ferries run from Paihia and Russell; water taxis operate year-round when weather permits

The largest island in the eastern Bay of Islands offers beaches, archaeological landscapes, walking tracks and Otehei Bay facilities.

Moturua Island

From the centre: About 45 min boat trip from Paihia, plus boarding time

Visit information: No fixed opening hours; access requires private boat or booked water transport in suitable weather

A conservation island with sheltered bays, archaeological sites and a loop walking track, accessible only by boat.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

From the centre: Cruises depart Paihia • typically a half-day boat trip

Visit information: Scheduled departures from Paihia and Russell; sailings and passage through the hole depend on sea conditions

A booked boat journey through the Bay of Islands toward Cape Brett and Motukōkako / Hole in the Rock, often with wildlife viewing.

Terra Restaurant

An intimate Paihia restaurant offering seasonal tasting-style dining built around Northland and New Zealand ingredients.

Charlotte’s Kitchen

A casual restaurant at the end of Paihia Wharf serving seafood, sharing plates and harbour views.

The Gables

A waterfront Russell restaurant in a historic building, known for local seafood and views across the bay.

Zane Grey’s

A large Paihia waterfront restaurant and bar offering seafood, casual meals and views over the marina.

The Duke of Marlborough

A historic Russell waterfront hotel restaurant serving New Zealand food and local seafood beside the passenger-ferry wharf.

Paihia TOP 10

A holiday park close to Paihia with powered campervan sites, cabins and access to Bay of Islands activities.

Russell TOP 10

A hillside holiday park near historic Russell with powered sites, cabins and views across the bay.

Waitangi Holiday Park

A riverside holiday park between Paihia and Waitangi offering powered sites, tent sites and cabins.

Matauri Bay Holiday Park

A remote beachfront campground overlooking the Cavalli Islands, suited to travellers with their own vehicle and supplies.

How many days should I spend in Bay of Islands?

2–3 days is a useful starting point. Add another day for a longer regional trip, weather flexibility or a slower pace.

Can I visit Bay of Islands without a car?

Paihia is walkable and ferries reach Russell; a car or tour is best for the wider region. Paihia, Waitangi and Russell can be combined using walking, tours and passenger ferries. A car is useful for Kerikeri, coastal beaches and longer Northland drives; use the Opua–Okiato vehicle ferry when appropriate.

How should I arrive in Bay of Islands?

Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri (KKE) — domestic only; about 25 min from Paihia. Auckland Airport to Paihia: about 3 hr 15 min. Confirm the current timetable or road conditions before departure.

What should I book before visiting Bay of Islands?

Book popular cruises, island trips, Waitangi experiences and peak-season accommodation in advance.

What weather should I prepare for in Bay of Islands?

Northland is mild but exposed marine trips still depend on wind and sea conditions. Use sun protection and keep a rain layer available.

Is Bay of Islands a useful base for day trips?

Yes. Common onward options include Whangārei or Cape Reinga. Check realistic return-driving time, road conditions and the operating hours of the main activity before committing to a same-day trip.