Trip to the Bay of Islands
in Northern New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is located at the northernmost tip of New Zealand: in the north of the North Island, about 240 km north of the city of Auckland (about a three-hour drive).
This is an area that includes 144 islands and bays, which is a popular destination for sailing, fishing, and nature trips, especially for dolphin watching and maritime sports and recreation.
The area is considered one of the favorite vacation and holiday destinations for
New Zealand residents, so it is especially busy during holidays and the vacations of
the locals, particularly during the New Zealand summer months. The region became famous
thanks to its magical beaches (which the average Israeli might find a bit cold
to dip into...) with crystal clear, stunning turquoise water.
Recommended Accommodation
It is recommended to stay in the town of Paihia and travel from there throughout the region.
A recommended quality resort in town:
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
A 5-star hotel with 21 rooms near the beach. The hotel has double studio apartments as well as two-bedroom apartments with a living room. Each unit has a balcony or patio overlooking the sea and island view. Every unit has a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel has a high-quality spa and a swimming pool.
A caravan park that also includes 14 housing units on the bay shore. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen. The place has a playground for children and free internet.
An apartment hotel with 20 housing units, ranging from double studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments with a living room. The hotel, immersed in gardens, has a playground, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and barbecue for guest use. Located 700 meters from the shoreline.
The weather in the region is comfortable, usually sunny, with few rainy days
compared to the rest of the country, which is why it attracts many travelers and is also
very popular among local retirees who come to live in the peaceful towns after they have retired.
In addition to abundant nature, the region has charming and peaceful towns and even historical sites: the first Europeans who arrived in New Zealand settled in the area and met the locals, the Maori, for the first time. The first British colony in New Zealand was established in the Bay of Islands.
The agreement between the white man and the Maori, the "Treaty of Waitangi", was signed in this area in 1840 by 46 Maori tribal chiefs and the British representatives of Queen Victoria. To this day, this agreement serves as the main basis for the relations between the Maori and the white population in New Zealand.
The main settlements in the area are: Paihia, which is considered the most touristy town in the area, Kerikeri, and Russell - a small town located opposite Paihia, reachable only by a 20-minute boat ride on a ferry. Russell is an old town with about 1,100 residents, where the main attraction is the old houses along the coastline that catch the eye. Originally it was a Maori village, the name of which in Hebrew means "sweet penguin".
Main Attractions in the Area
♦ Trips in the area via Viator site:
Guided Tours:
For those renting a car in New Zealand, it is easy and convenient to travel in the Bay of Islands on an independent trip. However, for those who are not fans of driving in the opposite direction (on the left side) and especially for those arriving on a cruise ship, it is highly recommended to go on a guided tour of the area.
A highly recommended company that organizes private guided tours in Jeeps and also in a convertible Mustang car is Rogue Pony Tours. The company has pampering vehicles, excellent guides, and rich knowledge.
They will take you to the most beautiful scenic viewpoints, to all the "must-see" sites, but also to hidden gems. Even on a day when two cruise ships arrive in the area, you will succeed, thanks to them, in getting away from the crowds and seeing the best that the Bay of Islands has to offer, both in terms of nature and landscapes, and in terms of culture, art, and history. Some of the driving is on side dirt roads.
A successful and comprehensive trip by the company for those short on time is: ROGUE ESCAPE TOURS. The tour duration is 4.5-5 hours and includes:
Puketi Kauri Forest: The forest of ancient and giant Kauri trees
Between the many giant trees and a variety of ferns, an easy circular walking path runs 350 meters long (about 15 minutes of walking).
A trip to two popular waterfalls nearby:
Rainbow Falls
"Rainbow Falls" are considered the most accessible waterfalls in the country. They are 27 meters high and can be viewed from several viewpoints.
Haruru Falls - Horseshoe Falls
"Haruru Falls" – wide (but low) waterfalls, to the top of which leads an easy and convenient walking path. You can also go down to the river they flow into and watch them from below.
Glow Worm Caves: Kawiti Family Glow Worm Caves
Caves located in the heart of the residential area of a Maori family, much smaller than the caves in the Waitomo valley (south of Auckland) but successful.
A guided tour with flashlights is conducted there by one of the members of the Maori family, which includes explanations about the cave, the glow worms, and viewing, by flashlight and in total darkness, the glow worms like countless stars inside the cave. The way back is done outside the cave between interesting rock formations.
Video of the destinations in the guided tour:
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Located about 2 km from Paihia. This is the place where the historic agreement between the Maori and the white settlers who arrived from Britain was signed. You can visit the house where the agreement was signed and also tour among Maori buildings, a Maori war canoe, and many historical and artistic exhibits. Guided tours are conducted in the place, and cultural performances with dances, games, and Maori customs take place there. You can also join in making characteristic Maori handicrafts and learn to play Maori games such as Poi balls and wooden sticks. Dinner with a show is also held in the place.
Whangarei Falls
Located 5 km north of the town of Whangarei. The place has an organized parking lot from which there is an easy walking route and several viewpoints of the waterfall, which flows from a height of 26 meters to the river. Part of the path passes over a bridge from which there are additional viewpoints and camera angles. After that, there is an organized path that goes down to the river and allows for a trip along the river and another view of the waterfall from below.
The public toilets of Kawakawa
Hundertwasser public toilets – located in the town of Kawakawa, a distance of about 20 minutes south of Paihia.
The Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who fell in love with New Zealand and made it his second home near the town of Kawakawa.
The artist designed the public toilets in the center of the town, which have become a site of pilgrimage thanks to their special design in the style so characteristic of the Austrian artist (whose best works can be seen in various places in Austria, especially in Vienna). Address: 60 Gillies St, Kawakawa.
The artist planned more additional sculptures in the town that were built inspired by his sketches after he passed away (in New Zealand), and today a large museum is being built in the center of the town, which will be entirely dedicated to his works and art.
Another attraction in the town (active only during holidays and vacations) is The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
An ancient steam train that used to serve the miners and today travels from the town center to the nearby beach. It is nice to visit the restored station.
It is worth touring also the beautiful and large marina of the port town Opua, from which the car ferry to the town of Russell departs.
Those who are interested can combine a wine tasting and lunch at a local winery in the tour by the Jeep company Rogue Pony Tours.
For action lovers, the "Bay of Islands" is also a great place for kayaking, parasailing, skydiving, and also diving.
A popular way to travel in the Bay of Islands is by sailing between the islands.
♦ Trips in the area via Viator site:
Fast sailing to the "Hole in the Rock"
Several companies organize sailing in a fast motorboat to the rock located between the many islands in the bay, which has a large hole. The ships sail through the hole in the rock, an experience that provides both action and impressive views, both of the rock from all its sides (from one direction it resembles a woman's face) and of islands, islets, and wonderful beaches on the way, including an isolated lighthouse. While sailing, you can see an abundance of marine animals. The sailing usually leaves from the town of Paihia.
You can also sail on a scenic cruise from Paihia in the magical bay, which includes explanations and atmosphere, also in a canoe or in kayaks.
