Day Trips & Excursions: Bay Of Islands

Nearby Destinations

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach: Located at the spiritual northernmost tip of the North Island. The Tasman Sea dramatically meets the Pacific Ocean here. An iconic lighthouse stands, and sandboarding down giant dunes onto Ninety Mile Beach is a unique pursuit.

Hokianga Harbour: On Northland's west coast, Hokianga holds recognition for dramatic sand dunes, deep Māori history, and its position as the gateway to the Waipoua Forest, home of Tāne Mahuta (the giant kauri tree). A different coastal experience with rugged, wild beauty awaits. Kawakawa: A small town, famed for its Hundertwasser Toilets.

Transportation & Itineraries

Cape Reinga/Ninety Mile Beach: Full-day organized bus tours depart from Paihia and Russell. Specialized buses drive on Ninety Mile Beach.
Hokianga Harbour/Waipoua Forest: Best by rental car. The drive from Paihia takes approximately 2 hours, through scenic rural landscapes.
Kawakawa: Accessible by local bus, rental car (approximately 20-minute drive from Paihia), or a stop on some longer tours.
Time: Cape Reinga: 10-12 hours. Hokianga/Waipoua: 8-10 hours. Kawakawa: 1-2 hours.

Activities and Exploration

Explore specific interests and extend your Northland adventure.

Natural Escapes

Discover more of Northland's pristine natural environments beyond the Bay of Islands itself.

Parks & Phenomena

Puketi Kauri Forest: Large native forest, extensive walking trails to ancient kauri trees.
Whangaroa Harbour: North of Bay of Islands, known for dramatic rock formations, clear waters.
Whale Watching: More common June-August when various species migrate off Northland's coast.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the region's rich heritage with these cultural journeys.

Historical & Rural

Kororipo Pa (Kerikeri): Historic Māori fortified village site, near the Stone Store.
Explore small settlements and rural roads around Kerikeri, Northland's horticultural heartland.
Pilgrimage Sites: Cape Reinga carries profound spiritual significance for Māori.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour Advantages

Cape Reinga: A tour is highly recommended. Specialized vehicles navigate beach driving.
Informative commentary from local guides.
Stress of navigation and vehicle wear are absent.
Fixed schedules for tour participation.

Independent Travel Advantages

Hokianga and Kawakawa: Greater autonomy.
Explore at your own pace, more time at sites.
Navigation is self-managed.
Potential for varied costs based on choices.

Multi-Day Extensions

Recommendations for 1-3 Days:Northland Loop, Auckland.
Logical Next Destinations:Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua.
Transportation Connections:InterCity buses, self-driving.
Suggested Routes:Northland Coastal Route.

Longer Regional Travel Route:Central North Island Loop (Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington).
Coromandel Focus:Beautiful beaches, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove.
Rotorua Focus:Māori culture heart, geothermal activity.
Auckland Extension:Extend your visit in Auckland for city exploration.

Trip Tip

A rental car for day trips facilitates exploring remote attractions with autonomy.

Book Your Adventure

Seamlessly book your day trips and excursions with trusted partners.

Day Tours

Find and book your next memorable day trip or excursion. Explore options.

Organized Travel

Opt for specialized vehicles for beach driving and informative commentary. Stress-free exploration is a benefit.

Self-Guided Tours

Discover hidden spots and proceed at your own pace with independent travel.

Nature & Scenery

Explore pristine natural environments beyond the immediate Bay area.

Highlights

Puketi Kauri Forest: Walking trails to ancient kauri trees.
Whangaroa Harbour: Dramatic rock formations and clear waters.
Seasonal Whale Watching: Opportunities in winter (June-August).

Cultural Insights

Explore local Māori history and rural life.

Points of Interest

Kororipo Pa: Historic Māori fortified village site near Kerikeri.
Roadside stalls selling fresh produce in Kerikeri.
Cape Reinga: A journey to a sacred place where spirits depart.

Transportation Overview

Cape Reinga Transportation:Organized bus tours from Paihia/Russell.

Hokianga/Waipoua Transportation:Best by rental car (2-hour drive from Paihia).

Kawakawa Transportation:Local bus or rental car (20-min from Paihia).

Bay of Islands to Auckland:Regular InterCity buses.

Regional Travel:Self-driving (more autonomy).

Recommended Routes:Northland Coastal Route, Central North Island Loop.

Next Steps

Plan your preferred mode of transport for day trips.
Consider a Northland Loop for a comprehensive regional overview.
Explore connections to other North Island destinations like Coromandel or Rotorua.
Auckland provides a logical next stop or a point for further journeys.
Visit local i-SITE centers for up-to-date tour and transport information.

Longer Stay Considerations

Extend your itinerary to discover more of Northland or connect to other parts of New Zealand.

Multi-Day Northland

Add 1-3 days to your itinerary for extended regional exploration.

Extension Ideas

Northland Loop: Explore the west coast (Hokianga, Waipoua Forest).
Extend your visit in Auckland for further city experiences.
Loop back to Auckland via the east coast for a different perspective.

Next Destinations

Connecting Regions

Coromandel Peninsula: South of Auckland, known for beautiful beaches like Hot Water Beach.
Rotorua: Further south, a hub of Māori culture and geothermal activity.
These locales present unique cultural and natural experiences.

Transportation Connections

Access other North Island destinations from the Bay of Islands.

Travel Options

Regular InterCity buses connect Bay of Islands to Auckland.
Self-driving offers the most autonomy for further exploration.
Create your own itinerary and stop at leisure.

Longer Regional Routes

Routes for a comprehensive journey across the North Island.

Detailed Routes

Northland Coastal Route: State Highway 10 and local roads around the coast.
Visit various bays, small towns, and scenic lookouts.
Central North Island Loop: Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington.

Planning Your Extended Stay

Northland Overview

A Northland Loop presents a comprehensive overview of the region's diverse landscapes and history.

Auckland Connections

From Auckland, access other North Island destinations or urban exploration.

Comprehensive Journeys

Central North Island Loop covers many North Island highlights, including the "Forgotten World Highway."

Travel Considerations

Self-driving facilitates creating your itinerary. Check bus schedules for connections.

Day Trips & Excursions