NZ · Northland · 35.20°S 174.17°E

bay of islands

Island boat trips, sheltered coves and the history of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Best time
November–April is best for boat trips and swimming. June–August is cooler and wetter, with fewer departures.
How long
3 days
Getting there
Fly direct to Auckland in about 10 hours, then drive about 3.5 hours north to Paihia, or take a short connecting flight to Kerikeri. New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of KL, 5 during daylight saving (late September to early April).
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NZ · Northlandbay of islands35.20°S 174.17°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Island boat trips, sheltered coves and the history of the Treaty of Waitangi.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBay of IslandsNZ, Northland
KLbay of islands
≈ 8,633 km from KL, as the crow flies
Dolphins seen in the Bay of Islands (North Island of New Zealand).

Photo: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The Bay of Islands is a sheltered spread of blue water and more than 140 islands, with historic little towns around its shore. Paihia is the base for boats, Russell is a short ferry ride across, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document was signed, are next door.

Makan

  1. Northland seafoodFish and chips on the Paihia waterfront, and local oysters.Map ↗
  2. Kerikeri fruitCitrus, kiwifruit and avocados from the orchards around Kerikeri.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Waitangi Treaty GroundsWhere the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, with a carved meeting house, a giant war canoe and a museum.Map ↗
  2. Island cruiseBoats weave between the islands, often with dolphins alongside, out to Hole in the Rock at the edge of the bay.Map ↗
  3. Russell / KororārekaA quiet waterfront village, once a rowdy whaling port, a short passenger ferry ride from Paihia.Map ↗
  4. Urupukapuka IslandWalking tracks over grassy ridges between sheltered bays, reached by ferry.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The passenger ferry runs from Paihia to Russell; the car ferry is a separate crossing from Opua.
  • Going through Hole in the Rock depends on the sea, so a cruise that also stops on an island is the safer bet.
  • Halal food is hard to find in the bay; bring supplies from Auckland.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.