The Bay of Islands is an area situated on the north-east coast of The Northland Region in the North Island of New Zealand. Paihia, the main centre for the Bay of Islands is located 71 km north-west of Whangarei and 109 km east-south east of Kaitaia. Waitangi, Opua, Russell, Kerikeri, 144 Islands and secluded bays also belong to the Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands District is the home of the Nga Puhi, New Zealand’s largest Maori tribe. In 1769 Captain James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour were the first Europeans to visit this area. Cook named The Bay of Islands. Russell, originally Kororareka, was New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement, it dates back to the early 1800s. Some of New Zealand's oldest buildings can be found in the Bay of Islands. Waitangi is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840.

The Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park is a 76.5 km² reserve administered by The Department of Conservation (DOC). The bay is a 16 km wide natural harbour, it has several arms, notably the Waikare Inlet in the south and the Kerikeri and Te Puna inlets in the north-west. Russell is located at the end of a peninsula that extends into the bay from the southeast. Several islands lie to the north of this peninsula, notably Urupukapuka Island to the east and Moturoa Island to the north. The Purerua Peninsula extends to the west of the bay, north of Te Puna Inlet, and Cape Brett Peninsula extends 10 km into the Pacific Ocean at the eastern end of the bay.

The Bay of Islands activities are as numerous as they are exciting. You can sail, camp, or take a scenic flight around the Islands. The best way to experience the Bay is by boat. There are plenty of cruise options throughout the district, from an afternoon cruise through the Hole in the Rock, to a week long sail and anchor holiday. Northland surfing is exceptionally good, with new breaks being found all of the time. There are interesting archaeological sites on Urupukapuka Island. You’ll find world class golf courses throughout the district, and there are stunning secluded beaches, perfect for a relaxing holiday for the whole family.

Big game fishing is very popular here with annual competitions drawing thousands of boats here throughout the year. The Bay has an abundance of marine wildlife, including marlin, tuna, sharks, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets plus many other species.

There are countless dive sites in and around the Bay of Islands. The late Jacques Custeau rated this area as one of the best diving locations in the world. Some times you can get more then 180 m visibility underwater. The most popular dive site is near the Cavalli Island group, to the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, only a 10 minute boat ride from Paihia.

Many yachts arriving from the Northern hemisphere make their first stop in New Zealand at the Port of Opua.

Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House, also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction begun on 19 April 1832. Kerikeri is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing towns and a horticultural hub with significant orchard plantings.

Accommodation is abundant throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia is the larger and more touristy town while Russell, a short ferry ride away, is quieter and retains its local charm. Both towns offer backpacker hostals, but bed and breakfasts, homestays and farmstays are very popular here too.
Accommodation is in high demand throughout the year, visitors are advised to book in advance. For your peace of mind you can check and pre-book your Bay of islands accommodation here, and be rest assured that quality accommodation awaits your stay. Staying in the National Park is a possibility, but as the islands are undeveloped, you'll need to be well prepared to camp out. Urupukapuka Island has a DOC campsite. Another great way to see this spectacular region is with a campervan or motorhome.