Bay of Islands

The bay centres on two small towns. Paihia is the main base, with the wharf where most cruises and ferries leave. Russell, a short passenger ferry across the water, is older and quieter, once a rough whaling port and now a calm village of historic buildings.

What to do

Boat trips are the main event: day cruises to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, dolphin-watching tours, and sailing trips that anchor off a beach for swimming. On land, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds tell the story of the 1840 treaty between the Crown and Māori, with carved meeting houses, a war canoe and guided tours. Russell, Kerikeri's historic mission buildings and quiet beaches fill the rest of a stay.

For 1 October 2026–30 September 2027, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Experience Pass costs NZ$78 for international adults and NZ$39 for international youth (13–17). New Zealand residents pay NZ$39 / NZ$19.5 with ID. Children aged 0–12 enter free with a parent or caregiver under the operator’s conditions. Admission covers 2 consecutive days.

Official information · Checked 16 October 2026

Paihia is about three to three and a half hours north of Auckland by car on State Highway 1, a straightforward drive that passes Whangārei. Coaches run the same route daily if you have no car. There are also short flights from Auckland to Kerikeri, about 25 minutes by air, with Paihia a further 25 minutes by road.

Once in the bay, the passenger ferry links Paihia and Russell, and a separate car ferry crosses near Ōpua if you are driving. Roads in Northland are sealed on the main routes but narrow and winding on side roads, so allow extra time to reach quieter beaches.

Northland is the warmest part of the country, so the bay is pleasant much of the year. Summer (December to February) is peak: warm seas for swimming, every cruise running, but packed wharves and higher prices, with Christmas and January the busiest. Autumn keeps warm water with fewer people. Winter is mild compared with the south but cooler and wetter, with some tours on reduced timetables. Spring warms up again and is quieter than summer. For swimming and sailing, late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot.

• Book the main cruises ahead in summer; the wharf gets very busy.
• Take the cheap passenger ferry to Russell for a quieter half day.
• Allow a couple of hours for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and its tour.
• Bring sun protection and a hat; Northland sun is strong.
• Carry a swimsuit and towel for the sailing trip beach stops.
• Watch for seasickness on the open run out to the Hole in the Rock.
• Use Ōpua's car ferry if you are driving across to Russell.
• Check whether dolphin watching is included before paying separately.