Bay of Islands

Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s North Island features calm waters surrounded by green hills and small islands. This area has many historic sites, including early European settlements and Maori meeting grounds. Visitors can explore by boat to see wildlife such as dolphins and seals along the shoreline. The climate is mild year-round, making it easy to walk trails or relax on beaches. Local towns provide fresh seafood and cultural experiences that reflect both Maori traditions and colonial history.

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Bay in New Zealand

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.2

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is widely spoken in Bay of Islands, especially in tourist towns like Russell and Paihia. Most locals speak fluent English, with many bilingual signs and friendly staff ready to help visitors.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Bay of Islands Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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Excellent for sailing and marine wildlife. Take boat cruises, watch dolphins, kayak calm bays and explore scenic islands.

Place score

9.4

Best at:

Sea

Islands

Spotless

Sailing

Historic sites

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

🌈 9

LGBTQ+

New Zealand – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	New Zealand Dollar (NZD) £1 ≈ NZ$2.34
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted across New Zealand, and credit cards are commonly used, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. 5-10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi and hotel staff are common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in some designated areas but may be restricted in others. Consumption of alcohol in public places may require a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in many public areas, especially indoor spaces and public transport.

Waitangi Day (6 February)	A national holiday celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Ola
Other:	New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, from beaches and mountains to national parks and cultural experiences.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - March, Dec.
Shoulder season:	April, Sep. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Peak season mid December to February: accommodation books out early and prices are highest

Marlin and game fishing season January to April, best from February to March

Waitangi Day on February 6: large events at the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi

Don't miss

⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
🥾 Hike the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point track for sunrise views
🐬 Dolphin watch tour near Ahuahu Island

You've been here?

Why travel to Bay of Islands?

The Bay of Islands, located on New Zealand’s North Island, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that appeals to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The region is renowned for its clear turquoise waters, sheltered coves and over 140 islands visible from the mainland, making it an ideal spot for boating, kayaking and scenic cruises. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the first formal agreement between Māori tribes and British settlers was signed, providing insight into New Zealand’s founding history. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of activities available: fishing for snapper and kingfish, snorkeling around coral reefs or hiking coastal trails that reveal dramatic cliffs and lush bush. The area also hosts a number of wildlife encounters; dolphin watching tours are popular and visitors can spot sea lions at nearby islands. For those interested in gastronomy, local eateries serve fresh seafood and produce from the surrounding farms. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges overlooking the harbor to budget-friendly campsites, ensuring options for different travel styles. The mild climate throughout most of the year allows for comfortable exploration, while the friendly community offers a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, enjoy water sports or simply unwind by the sea, the Bay of Islands provides a well-rounded experience that highlights New Zealand’s natural charm and cultural depth.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Cape Brett Lighthouse
2 Bay of Islands
3 Paihia
4 Little hole in the rock
5 Okiato

🎡Places for activities

1 Bay of Islands
2 Little hole in the rock
3 Rangihoua Bay
4 Paihia Beach
5 Waitangi

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Bay of Islands
2 Little hole in the rock
3 Rangihoua Bay

🛍️Shopping

1 Bay of Islands Farmers Market

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Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack light rain gear; Bay of Islands weather is unpredictable.
Reserve a boat tour in advance, especially during peak summer months, to secure preferred departure times and avoid long waits.
Use local ferry schedules for inter-island travel; check online for real-time updates on delays or cancellations due to tidal conditions.
Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds early in the morning to experience fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.

How to travel to Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, located in New Zealand’s North Island, is accessible primarily by air and sea. The nearest major airport is Auckland International Airport, with domestic flights to Kerikeri or Russell airports, both within a short drive from the bay. Alternatively, travelers can reach the region via ferry services departing from Auckland or other Northland ports such as Paihia. Road access is available through State Highway 12 and 10, connecting major cities like Auckland and Whangārei to the coastal area. For those preferring water travel, scenic cruises operate between major ports including Auckland and Russell, offering a direct route into the bay’s numerous harbors and islands.

Access summary

From Auckland (AKL): Flight to Whangarei (45 min); bus 1h.
From Wellington (WLG): Ferry to Whangarei (4h); car 5h.
Ferry from Whangarei to Bay of Islands takes 30–40 minutes.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands offers a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels and campgrounds to mid‑priced boutique inns and luxury lodges. Many visitors choose self‑contained holiday homes or cabins that provide privacy while still offering easy access to the water. The area is renowned for its waterfront cottages, often featuring traditional New Zealand timber construction with large verandas overlooking the harbor. Boutique hotels in Russell and Paihia emphasize local design and eco‑friendly practices, while larger resorts cater to families with extensive recreational facilities such as golf courses and sailing schools. Seasonal demand spikes during summer, so early booking is advisable for premium beachfront properties.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Duke Of Marlborough Hotel

9.1

Paihia Beach Resort and Spa

8.7

Aloha Seaview Resort

7.3

Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s North Island offers scenic and convenient transportation options. The most popular way to explore is by boat, as the area features over 140 islands and sheltered waters ideal for cruises, ferries or private charters. Interislander and Bluebridge offer regular ferry services connecting major towns like Paihia and Russell. For flexibility, renting a car or campervan allows visitors to drive along State Highway 12, stopping at coastal viewpoints and secluded beaches. Cycling is also feasible on flat sections of the route, while walking trails provide access to scenic spots. For shorter distances between islands, water taxis or kayaks are practical choices. The region’s compact size makes it easy to navigate without relying heavily on long-distance travel.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-6 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 6% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-15 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to NZD) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Whangarei, New Zealand - 61 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£73	£166	£432
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£41	£90	£203
🍝 Food per day	£26	£68	£202
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£7	£27

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£32
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£10.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£9.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.30
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£16
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.15

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£8
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£26
🤧 Cold medication	£8
💇 Basic haircut	£12

Safety information overview

General safety

Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand, is exceptionally safe for travelers. Crime rates are low and local authorities maintain strong community policing. Visitors should stay aware of wildlife, respect marine regulations and follow standard travel precautions to ensure a worry‑free visit.

Health & Medical

New Zealand’s Bay of Islands offers excellent medical care, with well‑equipped regional hospitals and accessible GP services. Clean air, low pollution and a temperate climate reduce health risks, though travelers should watch for seasonal allergies and keep up-to-date vaccinations.

Accessibility

Bay of Islands offers excellent accessibility: wheelchair‑friendly boardwalks, accessible cafés and well‑marked trails. However, some historic sites have uneven steps and ferry transfers can be tight for large wheelchairs. Plan ahead, use guided tours and check lift availability.

Tap water

Tap water in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is safe, clean and highly mineralised, meeting strict national standards. Public fountains are plentiful in towns like Russell and Paihia and most hotels provide filtered tap options, ensuring convenient hydration for visitors.