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Top things to do in Bay of Islands

Hole in the Rock Cruise and Island Tour in Bay of Islands
Cruises • Bay of Islands

Hole in the Rock Cruise and Island Tour in Bay of Islands

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
3-5 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (6) • 50+ booked
NT$ 2,903
Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Outdoor & sports activities • Bay of Islands

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
3-5 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (10) • 500+ booked
NT$ 3,085
Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise includes Island Lunch
Cruises • Bay of Islands

Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise includes Island Lunch

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
3-5 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
50+ booked
NT$ 3,448
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Experience Pass in Bay of Islands
Museums • Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Experience Pass in Bay of Islands

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (15) • 500+ booked
From NT$ 1,343
Bay of Islands Tall Ship Tour
Tours • Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (3)
From NT$ 1,796
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Tour
Tours • From Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (10) • 300+ booked
NT$ 3,538
Cream Trip Super Cruise and Otehei Bay Tour from Bay of Islands
Cruises • Bay of Islands

Cream Trip Super Cruise and Otehei Bay Tour from Bay of Islands

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
50+ booked
From NT$ 2,041
Ocean Adventure Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock
Cruises • Bay of Islands

Ocean Adventure Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock

Book now for tomorrow
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (2)
NT$ 2,722
Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour
Tours • From Auckland

Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
NT$ 8,619
2 Day Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland
Tours • From Auckland

2 Day Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From NT$ 13,228
Summer Bay of Islands Day Tour
Tours • From Bay of Islands

Summer Bay of Islands Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
NT$ 8,329
 Auckland to Paihia via West Coast Small Group Tour (One Way)
Tours • From Auckland

Auckland to Paihia via West Coast Small Group Tour (One Way)

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
NT$ 6,333

Hotels in Bay of Islands

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (957)
From NT$ 3,743
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (346)
From NT$ 5,821
Dolphin Motel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Dolphin Motel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (666)
From NT$ 2,791
Edelweiss Motel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Edelweiss Motel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (221)
From NT$ 2,209
Centabay Lodge - Hostel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Centabay Lodge - Hostel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (98)
From NT$ 1,723
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (940)
From NT$ 3,661
Bay Sands Seafront Studios
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Bay Sands Seafront Studios

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (214)
From NT$ 3,717
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (764)
From NT$ 3,313
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands
Hotels • Bay of Islands

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (28)
NT$ 7,464
Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (512)
From NT$ 3,096
Kerikeri Park Lodge
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Kerikeri Park Lodge

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (263)
From NT$ 3,426
Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios
Hotels • Bay of Islands

Stay Kerikeri Boutique Apartments and Studios

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (246)
From NT$ 3,954

Reviews of Bay of Islands activities

J ***
2025-10-13 12:34:50
Great 4.0
Entrance easily missed if you travel along the seaside but once you spot the block it's hard to miss. Very well maintained room, great facilities. Kids loved the game room.
Angeline ***
2025-11-25 10:09:32
Fantastic 5.0
Tour operators are professional and friendly. Service is fantastic too!
Timothy *****
2025-12-27 08:52:15
Fantastic 5.0
Great history lesson. awesome cultural experience and such beautiful grounds. The guided tour is a must. The staff were polite and friendly and lknowledgable.
Myat ***
2025-12-14 06:11:51
Fantastic 5.0
our tour guide KARTHIK knowledgeable about the trip ,beautiful day and excellent service , clear instructions ,definitely booking with EXPERIENCEKART TOURS again .👍👍👍👍👍

Quick facts about Bay of Islands

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1TWD = 0.06NZD

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Summer months offer warm weather and excellent sailing conditions.

  • Recommended trip duration

  • Flight time

    When departing from Singapore

See popular activities on the map

What to know before visiting Bay of Islands

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Discover the birthplace of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the historic treaty between the British Crown and Māori chiefs was signed. Explore the museum, witness cultural performances, and visit the carved meeting house and the world's largest ceremonial war canoe.

Paihia Beach

Relax on the golden beaches of Paihia, a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. This seaside town is a gateway to the rest of the Bay of Islands and offers a variety of islands activities, from parasailing to wildlife watching.

Russell

Take a short ferry ride to Russell, a charming town with historical sites like Christ Church, the oldest church in New Zealand. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the cafes, and learn about its past as a bustling whaling port.

Urupukapuka Island

As the largest island in the Bay of Islands, Urupukapuka Island is a haven for hikers and beachgoers. Explore archaeological sites, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the island's many lookouts.

Haruru Falls

Just a short drive from Paihia, Haruru Falls is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that is especially impressive after rainfall. The surrounding area offers walking tracks and the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Rainbow Falls

Located near Kerikeri, Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush forest. A short walk leads to the viewing platform, where the mist from the falls often creates rainbows on sunny days.

Cape Brett Track

For the adventurous, the Cape Brett Track offers a challenging hike with breathtaking coastal views. The trail leads to the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous "Hole in the Rock" on Motukokako Island.

Ninety Mile Beach

Experience the vastness of Ninety Mile Beach, with its expansive sand dunes and surf. It's a popular spot for sandboarding, beach fishing, and taking a scenic drive along the shore.

Boat Cruises

Embark on one of the many boat cruises available to explore the islands worth visiting. Discover hidden coves, spot dolphins, and perhaps even sail through the "Hole in the Rock."

Skydive Bay of Islands

For an adrenaline rush, Skydive Bay of Islands offers a thrilling experience with incredible aerial views of the North Island's coastline and islands.

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, which cater to all skill levels and offer a unique way to experience the area's natural beauty.

Twin Coast Cycle Trail

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail is a must-do for cyclists on a New Zealand road trip. It provides a scenic route through the heart of the North Island, connecting the Bay of Islands to the Hokianga Harbour.

Scenic Flight

Take a scenic flight over the Bay of Islands to witness the stunning topography of the region from above, including the clear blue waters and intricate coastline.

Overnight Cruise

For a memorable experience, consider an overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands. Sleep aboard a boat and wake up to a serene sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

Helena Bay Gallery & Café

Visit Helena Bay Gallery & Café to enjoy local art, crafts, and delicious food in a picturesque setting. It's a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and take in the local culture.

FAQs about Bay of Islands

What is the Bay of Islands best known for?

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