Attractions & Sightseeing: Bay Of Islands

Iconic Landmarks

The Bay of Islands is rich in both historical importance and natural splendor. Its iconic landmarks tell tales of a nation's beginnings and present stunning visual experiences.

Must-See Locations

Waitangi Treaty Grounds: New Zealand's most important historic site, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. The site has the Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga (Māori Meeting House), and the world's largest ceremonial waka (war canoe), Ngātokimatawhaorua. A visit here gives a profound knowing of New Zealand's founding.
Hole in the Rock (Motukōkako Island): A natural rock arch carved by waves. A popular destination for boat cruises from Paihia and Russell. Passing through the hole in a boat is a memorable experience, weather and sea conditions permitting.

Landmarks & Tips

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Visiting Info: The Treaty Grounds are open daily, except on Christmas Day. An admission fee applies (NZD $60 for international visitors, which includes a 2-day pass, making a return visit possible). Guided tours and cultural performances (haka, waiata) are part of the admission.
Insider Tips: Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the site. Attend both the guided tour, which offers valuable context, and the cultural performance, which presents an immersive experience. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds from tour buses.
Background Reading: Consider reading a New Zealand History Book before your visit for background knowledge on the Treaty and its impact.

Hole in the Rock

Visiting Info: Accessible via numerous boat tour operators in Paihia and Russell. Tours typically last 3-4 hours, often combining the Hole in the Rock with dolphin spotting and visits to other islands. Check with operators regarding sea conditions on the day of your tour.
Insider Tips: Choose a tour that specifically makes dolphin spotting possible, as these often present excellent wildlife viewing. If sea conditions permit, the boat will navigate through the hole. Sit on the upper deck for the best views. Book your tours through GetYourGuide for a wide selection of boat trips.

Always confirm tour availability and conditions with operators.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Museum of Waitangi (at Treaty Grounds): A modern, interactive museum. It details the history of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi, and Māori culture through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. A must-visit to complement your Treaty Grounds experience.
Pompallier Mission and Printery (Russell): The oldest surviving Roman Catholic mission building in New Zealand. This site served as a printery where Māori language texts were printed. It offers guided tours and insights into early colonial life, printing technology, and the significant role of missionaries.
Russell Museum: A small but informative museum demonstrating the history of Russell (Kororāreka), its maritime heritage, and local Māori artifacts. It provides a glimpse into the town's colorful past as New Zealand's first European settlement.

Art & Culture

Explore local culture through art and history.
Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces:
Stone Store & Kemp House (Kerikeri Mission Station): While mainly historical, the Stone Store sometimes hosts exhibitions of local artisan crafts. Various small galleries in Russell and Kerikeri showcase local New Zealand art, including paintings, sculptures, and pottery. These present opportunities to view and purchase unique artworks inspired by the region.

Historical Sites

The Bay of Islands is rich with historical sites that tell the story of New Zealand's formation.

Archaeological & Historical Sites

Kororāreka (Russell):
Explore New Zealand's first European settlement and capital. Wander through its historical district, admiring preserved buildings like Christ Church, the oldest wooden church in New Zealand.
Stone Store & Kemp House (Kerikeri Mission Station):
Visit New Zealand's oldest stone building (Stone Store) and oldest wooden house (Kemp House). These structures are part of an early missionary settlement, giving insights into 19th-century colonial life and the early interactions between Māori and Europeans.
Christ Church (Russell):
Built in 1835, this is New Zealand's oldest wooden church still in use. It holds historical significance, bearing bullet holes from the New Zealand Wars, offering a tangible link to the past.

Flagstaff Hill (Russell):
This site holds historical significance as the location of flagpoles repeatedly cut down by Māori chief Hone Heke during the New Zealand Wars, symbolizing resistance to British sovereignty. It presents panoramic views of the Bay.

A Rich Past

The Bay of Islands features a past deeply connected to both Māori heritage and early European settlement.

Treaty of Waitangi

A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is essential for knowing the foundations of modern New Zealand.

Explore Local Towns

Each town, from Paihia to Russell and Kerikeri, holds its own historical significance and tales.

Natural Attractions

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of the Bay of Islands, from lush forests to sparkling waters.

Parks and Gardens: Waitangi National Trust Forest offers extensive walking and mountain biking trails. Explore native bush and pine forest for a peaceful retreat. Rewa's Village (Kerikeri), a reconstructed Māori fishing village, has a natural setting along the Kerikeri River.
Scenic Viewpoints and Natural Wonders: Rainbow Falls (Kerikeri) is a picturesque 27-meter waterfall. Haruru Falls, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall near Paihia, is accessible by walk, kayak, or boat tour.
Wildlife Viewing Areas: Dolphin Watching Tours are popular. Urupukapuka Island is a predator-free sanctuary for native birds.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main tourist circuit, the Bay of Islands holds several hidden gems that present unique experiences and fewer crowds.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Discover tranquility and unique natural formations away from the usual routes. These spots offer a different side of the Bay of Islands.

Unique Experiences

Manginangina Kauri Walk: A short, accessible boardwalk winding through a stand of impressive kauri trees, ancient native trees of New Zealand. Located near Puketi Kauri Forest, it presents a quiet, awe-inspiring encounter with these giants.
Ngawha Springs: Natural hot springs near Kaikohe, presenting therapeutic mineral pools. This is a more rustic, local experience compared to developed thermal resorts, giving a chance to relax in a natural setting.

Local Favorites

Experience spots favored by residents, offering authentic insights into the region's everyday life.

Authentic Discoveries

Puketi Kauri Forest: A larger expanse of native forest than Manginangina, home to giant kauri trees and various native birds. It presents longer hiking trails for those seeking a forest experience away from the crowds.
Emerging Destinations: While the Bay of Islands itself is established, exploring smaller surrounding towns and coastal areas can uncover new local businesses, cafes, or artisan shops.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture breathtaking moments at these special locations.

Sunrise at Paihia

Capture the sunrise over the Bay of Islands from the Paihia waterfront.
The early morning light often creates stunning reflections on the water.

This peaceful morning view sets a beautiful tone for the day.

Russell Sunset

Experience the changing colors of the sky from a historical vantage point.

Flagstaff Hill Views

The views from Flagstaff Hill in Russell at sunset present incredible panoramic shots of the Bay as the light changes.

This spot is less frequented than the main town centers, offering a more serene experience.

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Capture dramatic coastal scenery from the water.

Coastal Panoramas

During a Hole in the Rock cruise, capture panoramic views of the open ocean and the dramatic coastline, especially as the boat approaches the archway.

The unique natural formation makes for stunning photographic memories.

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Activity Booking

For more details on attractions and to book tickets, check out GetYourGuide.

Wide Selection

They have a wide range of options for every interest, from historical tours to marine adventures.

Planning Ease

Booking in advance through a trusted platform makes your trip planning smoother.

Additional Tip

Always check current opening hours and any reservation needs for specific attractions, especially during peak travel times.

Attractions & Sightseeing