One of the most beautiful places to travel in New Zealand all year round is the Bay of Islands. The area’s protected seas are ideal for viewing various marine species, such as dolphins, whales, and seals. Any trip to New Zealand must include a stop in the Bay, known as the country’s birthplace, which provides a fascinating look into early European settlement and Maori culture.
Why should you visit the Bay Of Islands?
One of the most well-liked vacation spots in the nation is the Bay of Islands, and for a good reason.
Over 144 islands and breathtaking natural beauty combine to create a readily accessible aquatic playground where you can enjoy boating, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and so on.
As the region is rich in history and culture, there is more to it than first appears. Numerous crucial events in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand took place here, including the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), which is regarded as the founding document of the nation, at the site that is now known as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
From the location of the nation’s first capital to the oldest licensed establishment in the nation, charming seaside towns like Russell have lots of interesting tales to tell. Along with interior towns like Kerikeri and Kawakawa, waterfalls, historical and cultural landmarks, and unusual attractions like the geothermal hot springs at Ngawha Springs, the Bay of Islands region go far beyond the water’s edge.
History of Bay Of Islands, Northland, New Zealand
Around 1000 years ago, the renowned Polynesian navigator Kupe sailed from his native island of Hawaiki to New Zealand for the first time. Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud, is how he dubbed the islands. Kupe left directions for how to get here when he returned to Hawaiki.
Maori returned to Aotearoa 400 years later in seven large canoes, and they started to settle on the North Island.
Abel Tasman, a Dutchman, arrived in 1642, mapped a portion of the shoreline, and gave it the name Staten Land since he thought it belonged to the Australian continent. The nation was renamed Nieuw Zeeland when his error was realized.
After visiting New Zealand in 1769 and thoroughly charting both the North and South Islands, James Cook gave the Bay of Islands its current name.
Maori culture of the Bay of Islands
Mori arrived in New Zealand in massive waka (canoes) centuries after Kupe’s discovery of the country, and they settled in and around the Northland region. The Ngpuhi is one of many iwi (tribes) that call the Bay of Islands home.
Early Mori settlements like Kororareka (Russell), Kerikeri, and Waitangi later played significant roles in the formation of New Zealand.
The history of our country was altered by the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. An excellent method to learn about Mori culture and the occasions leading up to the treaty signing is to go to the Treaty Grounds.
Opportunities to engage with Mori culture and learn about their tales and stories may be found around the area.
Best things to do on the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand
Explore the Bay of Islands by boat
Getting on the water is number one on our list of the top things to do in the Bay of Islands. There are numerous adventures in the Bay of Islands that can be started at Paihia Wharf and Russell Wharf. It just depends on how you want to explore the islands. Travelers can sail leisurely, sail quickly to the well-known Hole in the Rock, or even go on a dolphin-watching excursion. Whatever route you choose, you’ll get to see some of the 144 islands strewn throughout the bay, perhaps even stop there, keep an eye out for marine creatures, and enjoy the stunning vistas of the islands.
Check out Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is the next attraction on our list of the Bay of Islands must-do activities. One of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls in the nation is this one. There are numerous vantage locations along the 27 m (88 ft) Rainbow Falls from top to bottom. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even clamber your way under the waterfall! Simply locate a location to cross the stream near the base of the falls, then proceed around the back (in a safe and cautious manner, of course).
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Take a look at Urupukapuka Island
You’ll adore Urupukapuka Island if you enjoy beaches, scenery, walks, and birds. The Bay of Islands’ largest island has various beaches, historical Maori pa sites, woodlands, and walking routes that will take you to some of the region’s best views. The island is a sanctuary for birds. Therefore, it abounds with bird music. After your time on the island, reward yourself with a drink or ice cream in the island’s bar before returning to Paihia by ferry. This is among the top things to do in the Bay of Islands.
Jump out of a plane and land on the beach
The Bay of Islands is a fantastic location to go skydiving if you’re dying to do so in New Zealand. You can find the best drop zone in the nation right on the beach when the weather is nice! Skydive Bay of Islands offers three exhilarating heights to select from and fantastic photo packages if you want to record the experience.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving
The Bay of Islands’ waterways is alive with life, including thousands of different species of fish and marine mammals. There are numerous scuba diving businesses in the region that take divers to reefs, wrecks, and underwater caverns, and certain cruise and sailing companies that offer snorkeling excursions. Put on your mask and snorkel and start exploring the kelp forests surrounding the Bay of Islands; there is a lot to see!
You can walk or kayak to Haruru Falls
Everyone enjoys a good waterfall, but what draws people to Haruru Falls is the trek there. To get to the falls, you can use either kayak up the Waitangi River or take the Mangrove Boardwalk along the river. You may kayak through the mangrove forest at high tide or go on a boat and kayak excursion to see wildlife along the route. One of the best Bay of Islands activities for families is kayaking, which comes with double kayaks and an easy boat journey to the falls.
Check Out the Pacific’s Hell Hole
Yes, Russell, formerly dubbed the “Hell Hole of the Pacific,” served as New Zealand’s first capital. The first church in New Zealand, Christ Church, is on Church Street. The Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first hotel and licensed tavern, are located on The Strand. Take a short hike up Flagstaff Hill for spectacular views of Russell and the bay.
Take a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
One of New Zealand’s most important historical landmarks is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here, the Treaty of Waitangi was formally ratified, and New Zealand was admitted to the world. What is Waitangi Day? has further details on that topic. The Museum of Waitangi, the colonial house, guided tours, bushwalks, the Waka House, and a traditional performance at the carved meeting house are all included in a day pass to the grounds.
Fly a helicopter above the islands
A picturesque flight from Paihia is the only way to really appreciate the 144 islands in the bay. A wide range of activities is available with Salt Air, including combinations with boat and land tours. Before boarding the Heli Cruise Island Escape for a helicopter flight over the Hole in the Rock, you could take a cruise to one of the islands. Or how about taking the Cape Reinga Tour by flying from Paihia to Ninety Mile Beach? Alternately, keep things easy and take in the scenery while flying in a helicopter over Hole in the Rock.
Visit the Puketi Forest to see the Forest Giants
On the walking trails of the Puketi Forest, be astounded by some of the biggest trees in New Zealand. The Manginangina Kauri Walk is a well-liked route accessible to wheelchair users and families. It is a 15-minute boardwalk loop that displays magnificent kauri trees. We also enjoy the comparable Puketi Nature Trail, which takes 1 hour to complete. Try the 4-hour Pirau Ridge Track if you want something longer.
Over the Bay of Islands via Parasail
Parasailing completes our list of the top things to do in the Bay of Islands. Flying Kiwi Parasail offers breathtaking vistas as you soar above the Bay of Islands. From Paihia Wharf, two parasailing firms transport customers to a height of about 1200 feet over the water. Go solo, in tandem, or in a triple while you are fastened to a massive canopy, depending on your weight. You will, we promise, be the sky’s brightest object.
Stunning beaches, unspoiled islands, vibrant marine life, waterfalls, forests, and history… The Bay of Islands lives up to its enchanted moniker and then some. So, plan a trip to the Bay of Islands right now!
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