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| Northland, North Island, New Zealand |
The Bay of Islands is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island as it stretches towards the Aupouri Peninsula, Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean mixes with the Tasman Sea. It is one of the Northland Region’s most popular tourist destinations attracting local and overseas visitors and lies just 250 kilometres north of Auckland. Considered to be one of New Zealand’s finest marine parks, the Bay of Islands is known for its great natural beauty and immense historic and cultural importance and is the heart of the Northland Region and the birthplace of the nation.
Consisting of a large irregular bay with over 140 islands, the Bay of Islands is a picturesque, sparsely populated area and home to several small seaside settlements which are backed by the surrounding rugged bush terrain and forests. Boasting a favourable climate and reputably the second bluest sky in the world, the area was popularised during the 1930’s by the author Zane Grey due to his big-game fishing adventures.
The Bay of Islands offers a large number of water activities from swimming with dolphins, whale watching, marlin fishing, wreck-diving, sailing, kayaking, and of course sailing and jet-boating. One way of seeing this beautiful bay is by taking a jet-boating trip that passes the inner and outer islands as it travels to Piercy Island which is located off the northern tip of Cape Brett. Here the boat slowly navigates through the awesome 65 metre ‘Hole in the Rock’ and the ‘Cathedral Cave’. Today the towns and villages of the bay supply all of the amenities expected of 21st century resort locations, but once, these same quiet bays were anchorages of early sailing ships and the shores were home to busy, bawdy whaling stations such as the historic centre of Russell. Later this same area became the centre of fierce battles between the British and disgruntled Maoris which led to the signing of the Waitangi Treaty and the formation of the independent nation of New Zealand.
Europeans first discovered the bay when Captain James Cook anchored here in 1769 and started the flow of western influence through Pacific whalers who used the area as a base for re-stocking their vessels with food and water. Today the Bay of Islands is known for its quiet waters and hospitable people, the tranquil bays and sandy beaches providing a unique opportunity to revel in the wonders of the local marine life and it is an ideal location to take time out to look into the story behind the nation of New Zealand through the local villages and towns of Russell, Paihia, Kerikeri, Opua and Waitangi. Waitangi is perhaps the better known of these small locations due primarily to being home to the Waitangi National Reserve, which is the pre-eminent historic site of New Zealand and the home of the Waitangi Treaty House.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Cruises | Tours |  |
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Kauri Cliffs Lodge
Bay of Islands
 |  Set on 6,000 acres near the Bay of Islands in Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs affords spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands are part of the panorama which can be viewed from the verandas, lounge and restaurant.
The main lodge consists of... |
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Carino Day Sailing & Dolphin Adventure - 6 hours
Dolphin Watching
Russell |  The yacht Carino NZ departs from both Paihia and Russell Wharves and offers a marvellous day sailing the beautiful Bay of Islands. Guests can help set and trim the sails if they wish or relax on the spacious decks and enjoy the scenery. Look out for penquins, petrels and other ocean birds. Whethe... |
Beach Escape
Helicopter
Bay of Islands |  For a magical time away from the crowds take the Beach Escape. You will be flown over the beautiful Bay of Islands for a spectacularly scenic flight before landing you on a remote beach. They leave you here with a gourmet picnic lunch for a few hours to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, or just lazing on... |
Adventure Puketi Forest Full Day Walk
Walking
Bay of Islands |  Your guide, Ian Candy and his team take pleasure in showing visitors through the tranquil natural beauty of the ancient Puketi rain forest in the Bay of Islands. Puketi boasts some of the most spectacular scenery that Northland has to offer.
Enjoy the subtropical rainforest and diverse flora and... |
Adventure Puketi Forest Half Day Walk
Walking
Bay of Islands | Your guide, Ian Candy and his team take pleasure in showing visitors through the tranquil natural beauty of the ancient Puketi rain forest in the Bay of Islands. Puketi boasts some of the most spectacular scenery that Northland has to offer.
Enjoy the subtropical rainforest and diverse flora and... |
Helicopter Hole in the Rock Scenic Flight
Helicopter
Bay of Islands | What a wonderful way to see this beautiful part of New Zealand. A scenic flight over the Bay of Islands. Fly over the crystal clear turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous 'Hole in the Rock'. The townships of Russell, Paihia & Waitangi are also viewed from the air.
Tour d... |
Arline Standard Fishing Trip
Fishing
Bay of Islands |  The standard fishing trip is for five and a half hours, this is the best value fishing trip in the Bay of Islands. Arline supply your rods and bait but you are more than welcome to bring along your favourite if you wish. When coming to the Bay of Islands, it is a good idea to book your fishing tri... |
Helicopter Coastal Discovery
Helicopter
Bay of Islands | Coastal Discovery offers guests an opportunity to explore a little more of the unique and stunning coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region. Fly north via the outer Bay of Islands and the exclusive Purerua Peninsula, the coastal settlements of Takou Bay. Tapuaetahi, Mahineapua, Matauri Bay ... |
Cape Reinga Day Tour via Ninety Mile Beach
Tour
Russell |  This is a journey to the top of the North Island, where on arrival at Cape Reinga you can watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. On the way you will visit the ancient Puketi Kauri forest, walk along the boardwalk and admire the 1000 year old Kauri trees and native bush. The tour stop... |
Omahutua Sanctuary Night Tour
Walking
Bay of Islands | This tour is for guests with limited mobility and Adventure Puketi are proud to offer this 3 hour "drive-walk" excursion. The tour takes you on a magical experience into the subtropical rain forest on dusk with easier and flatter access, great for older or limited mobility guests. Your guide will ... |
Hole in the Rock Cruise to Cape Brett
Cruise
Russell | This cruise on their luxury catamaran will take you past the township of Russell (Kororareka) and many of the historic and culturally significant islands in the Bay, before heading out into the open sea. You wll cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the stunning Motukokako Islan... |
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White Cloud Wonders
13 nights |  Cruising from Sydney, discover why New Zealand is internationally renowned as one of the most untouched beauties on earth. Visit eight of the country’s most noteworthy locations starting with a scenic cruise of Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island and making your way up to the B... |
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Bay of Islands
6 days |  This is a great tour for those wanting to spend a short time in the North Island and enjoy the beautiful Bay of Islands. Firstly enjoy two nights in Auckland at the beautiful Langham Hotel. There is plenty to do from a city tour to a cruise to Waiheke Island or a wilderness experience, the choice ... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days |  This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
Northern Experience
8 days |  From Auckland, the city of sails to Wellington the home of Te Papa, this tour of the Northern Island of New Zealand is sure to delight. After arriving in Auckland there is time to explore the harbour and the shopping before a welcome drink with your Tour Director meet your companions. From Aucklan... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
Great New Zealand Experience
21 days |  This tour certainly is an indepth look at New Zealand and will show you many of the best attractions and sights. From the moment you arrive in Auckland until the day you say farewell, this trip is sure to impress. There are two days in Auckland to enjoy this 'city of sails' before heading to the b... |
Royal Tourer
18 days |  This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
Northern Discovery
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the North Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't feel that you are rushing! Auckland is 'the city of sails' and there is much to see and do here, wander around the harbour and sample some fine seafood or visit the Sky Tower and see it from high ... |
Great Northerner
8 days | After arriving in Auckland you will be met and tranferred to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Have a wander around this 'city of sails' and maybe choose a harbourside restaurant for dinner. Next you are off to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two days in th... |
Northern Experience
8 days |  After you arrive in Wellington you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of this lovely city, including Mount Victoria and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa is amazing and well worth the experience, there is time to see the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interact... |
Great New Zealand Experience
18 days |  This tour is a shorter version of the 21 day tour of the same name and travellers will arrive in Auckland and travel straight up to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you will be delighted with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock' weather permitting. From there back to Auckland ... |
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