New Zealand’s birthplace — history, dolphins, and island-hopping
Best For
History and culture, families, dolphin watching, sailing and boating, diving and snorkelling
Accessibility
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds has accessible pathways to the Treaty House and Te Whare Rūnanga, with a mobility vehicle available for the longer grounds tour. Russell’s main waterfront street is flat and accessible. Most dolphin cruise operators can accommodate wheelchair users on the main deck with advance notice. The Cape Reinga lighthouse walk involves steps and uneven terrain.
Overview
The Bay of Islands is a coastal area in the Far North of New Zealand’s Northland region, approximately 240 kilometres north of Auckland. The bay contains 144 islands set in warm subtropical waters and is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier marine destinations, known for game fishing, sailing, dolphin encounters, and diving. The region holds exceptional historical significance: the Treaty of Waitangi — New Zealand’s founding constitutional document — was first signed here on 6 February 1840, and Paihia and Russell (formerly Kororāreka) are among the oldest European settlements in the country. The area is also significant within Māori history, as Rangihoua Pā, built in this region, is considered to be among the oldest known pā sites in New Zealand.
Top Things to Do
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most important historic site, located on a 506-hectare property above the Bay of Islands. The grounds include the Treaty House (built 1833), the Meeting House Te Whare Rūnanga with its carved interior representing all New Zealand iwi, and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe (waka taua), Ngātokimatawhaorua, at 35 metres in length. Daily cultural performances and guided tours explain the Treaty’s significance and ongoing relevance to New Zealand society.
The Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island (Motukokako) is a large wave-eroded arch on the outermost island of the Bay of Islands, accessible only by boat. Dolphin cruise operators from Paihia and Russell offer day trips to the rock, passing through the arch when sea conditions allow. Common and bottlenose dolphins are regularly encountered in the bay, and humpback whales pass through on seasonal migration.
Russell Historic Township
Russell, reached by a 15-minute passenger ferry from Paihia, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand and briefly served as the country’s capital. The Pompallier Mission (1842) is a rare intact example of early colonial industrial architecture and operated as a printery for Catholic missionaries. Christ Church (1836) is New Zealand’s oldest standing church, with musket ball holes still visible in the walls from the 1845 Battle of Kororareka.
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
Cape Reinga, the northernmost accessible point of New Zealand’s mainland, holds deep spiritual significance in Māori tradition as the departure point for spirits journeying to Hawaiki after death. A 15-minute walk from the car park reaches the lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Ninety Mile Beach (actually 88 kilometres) stretches south along the west coast and is a legal road, accessible to sand-capable vehicles. Coach tours from Paihia operate daily.
Kerikeri Historic Basin
Kerikeri is a 20-minute drive from Paihia and contains New Zealand’s two oldest surviving European buildings: Kemp House (1822) and the Stone Store (1836), both on the banks of the Kerikeri Inlet. The area was the site of the second Christian mission station in New Zealand. Kerikeri is also a significant arts and crafts hub, with over 100 galleries, studios, and artisan food producers in the surrounding area.
Getting There
The Bay of Islands is approximately 3.5 hours drive north of Auckland via State Highway 1 through Whangarei. The closest airport is Kerikeri Airport (KKE), served by Air New Zealand from Auckland with multiple daily flights — the flight takes 40 minutes. InterCity bus services run from Auckland to Paihia daily.
Author: Mike Fernandez
Hey! I've worked for Nection Ltd since 2018 and been writing for Tripplanner since late 2025. I love it that this is a place where people can tell everyone about where they're from and hopefully bring tourists in. I'm from Matakana (which is why there's so many listings from there!) I had fun making them, I hope you like them too.
