Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is an historic area and very popular tourist destination in the Northland region of the North Island of New Zealand.

Towns

• Paihia - With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches, Paihia is a good base for your Bay of Islands experience. Take a relaxing walk along unspoilt beaches, take a guided tour through historical sites or go fishing. If adventure is what you seek, try skydiving, parasailing, scuba diving or kayaking. Paihia is the place of friendly local residents, happy cafés and people enjoying life. Whether it is swimming with delightful dolphins, taking in a spot of retail therapy, or lazing under a tree, Paihia is the place for it. Adjacent Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites: it is where representatives of the English Crown and a number of Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are home to the Treaty House, a fully carved Maori meeting house, a large Maori war canoe and a Visitor Centre and Gallery. The estate is a must-see for anyone interested in New Zealand's history and culture.
• Russell (New Zealand) | Russell - A quick passenger ferry ride across the water from Paihia is the charming, elegant township of Russell. This historic township dates back to the early 19th century. Kororāreka, as it was then known, was a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage. You will find a wide range of lodging available and you can also arrange sightseeing, adventure or fishing activity from the Russell waterfront. Drivers can take the vehicular ferry from Opua or drive the longer route from Whakapara 26 kilometers north of Whangarei.
• Kerikeri - The Mission House is the oldest building in New Zealand and the Stone Store is the oldest stone building. These formed the centre of the first permanent Christian mission station in the nation in the early 1800s, existing under the protection of the resident Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorised other Maori tribes. Kerikeri overflows with orchards and galleries, fruit and art. All along the roadside, orchards sell their delicious oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Follow the art and craft trail and you'll get to know some of the artisans. Visit the landscape, lunch in one of the many outdoor cafés, indulge in delicious handmade Chocolates or locally made macadamia Colas. Kerikeri also has excellent sporting facilities including golf, all-weather tennis and yachting. Expect a good choice of cafés and restaurants. Within minutes by vehicle or an hour's walk from the Kerikeri Basin vehicle park is the 27-metre Rainbow Falls. Further afield lies the Puketi Forest, an ideal place to tramp and view kauri trees from a boardwalk which also has wheelchair access.
• Opua - For those who arrive in the Bay of Islands by sea, Opua is your port. It's where the boats live - yachts, launches, ferries and runabouts of every description. On the wharf, a number of charter companies offer yachts you can sail yourself. Opua is a delightful safe-haven for sailors with a 240-berth marina, yacht club, boat haul-out yards and extensive marine services. It is also where you catch the vehicle ferry to drive to Russell.
• Kawakawa - Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Kawakawa is marked by its unique entrance sign, an arch constructed in the style of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Kawakawa is home to the famous Hundertwasser-designed public toilets - a definite must on your itinerary. Thit is the only building in the Southern Hemisphere designed by the Austrian-born artist and is the last building he designed before he died in 2000.

More Destinations

• Cape Brett

Bay of Islands Halal Travel Guide

Bay of Islands - View from Motukiekie Island

This region of New Zealand is rich in history and a fantastic example of why New Zealand has much to offer the traveller. This area of New Zealand is where the first missionaries settled in the early 19th century.

Travel to Bay of Islands

How to travel to Bay of Islands by car

State Highway 1 from Whangarei and Auckland runs through Kawakawa on its way to Kaitaia.

Travel by Bus to Bay of Islands

 GreatSights New Zealand operate daily sightseeing tours from Auckland. Tours can be completed in one day, including a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Fullers GreatSights Dolphin-watching Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock". 

 InterCity Coachlines operates a number of daily coach departures to the Bay of Islands and other Northland destinations. Rates start from $1 plus booking fee. 

Other excursions including lodging, food, travel and activities can be purchased from major New Zealand tour companies such as Kiwi Experience.

Fly to Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri has scheduled flights several times a day from Auckland Airport and North Shore Aerodrome. Flights take 45 minutes.

Get Around in Bay of Islands

A number of boat operators run regular ferries between Paihia Wharf and Russell. Tickets can be purchased on-board and cost around $6 each way or $10 return.

What to See

Kauri dieback sign - Kauri dieback disease has not reached Puketi forest yet.

• Historic buildings – a ToVisit/northland.aspx Northland Passport to History from the Historic Places Trust allows you to visit three historic places in the Bay of Islands and two in Hokianga all for the price of two. The Bay of Islands sites are: Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone Store; Pompallier Mission in Russell (New Zealand) | Russell; Te Waimate Mission at Waimate North – the Hokianga sites are: Clendon House in Rawene; Mangungu Mission at Horeke.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds , Gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932. The Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds give a unique and fascinating insight into New Zealand's historic past. New Zealand's most significant document and the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed here in 1840 between a few Maori chiefs and the British Crown and became the basis for life in New Zealand as it is known today.

• Haruru Falls. Haruru means "big noise". The water falls in a horseshoe shape - very rare and quite stunning - and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls township - which is only 3 kilometers from Paihia. In the 1800s and there were over 100 Maori villages along the Haruru Falls river.
• Stone Store at Kerikeri and the oldest stone building in New Zealand and adjacent Kemp House, are perennial subjects for tourists' cameras.
• Puketi Forest , - Along with Omahuta Forest, forms one of the largest contiguous tracts of native forest in Northland. Home to Te Tangi o te Tui Puketi and the fourth largest living kauri with a height of 50.9 m (167 ft), Puketi is easily accessible from the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa and Hokianga Harbour. Access to the recreation facilities can be visited from State Highway 1 or the network of secondary roads that skirt the forest. Kauri dieback disease, which is devastating kauri forests, has not reached Puketi yet. Clean your shoes before and after visiting and keep to the tracks.

• Kawakawa Museum, in the former Memorial Library, Wynyard St, Kawakawa. Thursday - F. A glimpse of Kawakawa's coal mining history.*The railway line running through the centre of Kawakawa to Opua is a remnant of the coal mining times. Major maintenance requirements mean that regular trips to Opua by Gabriel and the famous steam train, are not taking place at present, however the station is open and welcomes visitors.
• Kawiti glow-worm caves, Waiomio. A galaxy of glow-worm lights, white limestone formations and 12 generations of history.

Top Travel Tips

Orca - Dolphin watchers view an orca near Paihia

• Forestwalks, Adventure Puketi, Adventure Omahuta - 476 Puketi Road, Okaihau - off State Highway 10 from the Kerikeri roundabout to the airport. 12-15 min from there. Follow the clearly marked Puketi Forest signs, you will then find Adventure Puketi signs. ☎ +64 9 401-9095 +64 9 401-9095 Opening Hours: Summer season 9:30AM Monday - 10:30PM, winter hours by arrangement From $65 per person

• Paihia#See|Fullers GreatSights. Operate the widest range of marine and land based activities in the region. Licensed by the Department of Conservation and they operate a number of cruises that are permitted to actively seek dolphins and whales in and around the Bay of Islands. Many cruises pick up passengers from both Paihia and Russell. There are also Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach day tours. Also marketed by m/ awesomeNZ.com.
• The Rock Overnight Cruise , Cruises the Bay of Islands for 22 hours, incorporating lots of water activities, island walks, on-board meals, as well as time to watch the stunning scenery and wildlife.

The area has a huge number of activities, from lounging on boats cruising around the islands, to scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights. Many of the activities are focused on or in the water. If you fancy kayaking, try ng.co.nz/ Island Kayaks in Paihia.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bay of Islands, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bay of Islands. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bay of Islands and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bay of Islands. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bay of Islands. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bay of Islands: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bay of Islands.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bay of Islands: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bay of Islands, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bay of Islands.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bay of Islands, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bay of Islands, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bay of Islands and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bay of Islands, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bay of Islands, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bay of Islands without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bay of Islands is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bay of Islands.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bay of Islands is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bay of Islands, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bay of Islands Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bay of Islands

eHalal Group Bay of Islands is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bay of Islands. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bay of Islands.

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Ramadan Celebrations in Bay of Islands

Ramadan 2025 in Bay of Islands

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Go Next

• Whangaroa
• Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga. Coach tours from Paihia last 8-10 hours so it may be better to take a Kaitaia -based tour instead.
• Hokianga (45 minutes trip from Kerikeri and 60 minutes from Paihia)
• Horeke#See|Mangungu Mission House (historic site) site of the biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi
• Koutu#See|Koutu Boulders biggest concretions in the world
• Opononi#See|Sand Dunes fantastic sandstone sculptures on top of dune opposite Opononi
• Horeke#See|Wairere Boulders (nature park) an enormous basalt flow just south of Horeke
• Hokianga#See|Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary see 5 of the 12 biggest kauri trees in an undisturbed healthy forest
• Hokianga#See|Tane Mahuta Lord of the Forest (most visited kauri tree in NZ)

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