The Bay of Islands

When you arrive in Paihia, find yourself a cruise or a charter boat and embark on a voyage of discovery around the islands.

The Bay of Islands is a micro-region that includes the towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, as well as a large area of offshore islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. A passenger ferry service runs between Paihia and Russell, while a vehicular ferry provides a link between Opua and Okiato.

The best way to discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands is to charter a yacht, join a daily cruise or hire a sea kayak. Many tour operators in the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island.

Once you’re around Tapeka Point, which is just north of Russell, you’ll enter a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and many other species. Most of the islands in the bay have walking tracks and there is a camping ground on Urupukapuka Island (administered by the Department of Conservation).