Bay of Islands Attractions

The Bay of Islands with its warm climate and water based activities is a popular destination for New Zealand holiday makers and international tourist. Water based activities include scenic cruises, sea kayaking, world class fishing and diving, and swimming with dolphins.

The main towns of the Bay of Island are Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, and Kerikeri. There is a broad range of accommodation in the Bay of Island, as well as attractions and activities, places to eat, and entertainment for all ages.

The tourist centre of  the Bay of Islands is Paihia. From here visitors can join sightseeing tours and many of the areas hotels and restaurants are all situated here.

Bay of Islands Attractions

Hole in the Rock/Cape Brett - this cruise takes you to the world famous natural wonder, the 'hole in the rock' where your captain navigates the boat right through it with only inches to spare. Also Cape Brett Lighthouse.

Fullers Great Sights -
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the
North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Maori culture and tradition

Explore NZ
Explore NZ is a multi-award winning company offering excursions in Auckland and the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. In Auckland race an original America’s Cup yacht, see whales and dolphins all year around in the Hauraki Gulf or sit back, relax and enjoy a Pride of Auckland sailing and dining experience. In the Bay of Islands swim with dolphins, cruise to the must see ‘Hole in the Rock’, sail on New Zealand’s famous oceangoing 80ft maxi yacht Lion New Zealand, discover the majestic Far North off-road including Cape Reinga or relax at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

Mack Attack
Take an exhilarating 1½ hour trip through the Bay of Islands on Mack Attack the fastest, most spectacular way to see the famous Hole in the Rock.

Paihia

Pahia is often refered to as the "jewel of the Bay of Islands". It was the first centre of European settlement in New Zealand.
The town is a good starting point for the many and varied trips and adventures that are available in the Bay. Wheither you like extreme adventure, more sedate, or something in between, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Points of Interest in Paihia

• Waitangi Reserve and Treaty House - The very heart of New Zealand history. Visit the Treaty House, the famous Maori War Canoe and see the Sound/Light display in the Meeting House. The Treaty House is one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes.
   

• Haruru Falls - is located approximately 3 kms from Paihia, or if you'r feeling energetic it is a 2.5 hour walk on a track from Waitangi. It was New Zealands first river port, being the original landing site of European traders in the early 1800's. Today, Haruru Falls is a very popular holiday spot with many tourist coming to see the horse-shoe shaped falls, a cofigeration shared only by the Niagera Falls.
   

Russell

This small, quite, historic town was the first capital of New Zealand and is full of charm with cafes, museums and craft shops lining the waterfront. Today it is hard to imagine that is was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific", and was a popular port with the crews of the many whalers and traders came down into the Pacific
Travel by ferry from Paihia.

Points of Interest in Russell

• Pompallier House - New Zealand's first Catholic mission now restored to a working tannery and printing factory
   
• Christ Church - New Zealand's oldest church still boasting bullet holes in the walls, fascinating old graveyard
   
• Museum - recently refurbished featuring many relics from the towns colourful past.
   
• Flagstaff Hill and Lookout - the site of Hone Heke's repeated felling of the flagstaff between 1844 and 1846. Fantastic views of the bay.
   
• Russell Booking and Information Centre - Come and see us at the end of the Russell wharf for bookings, friendly advice and local information.

2013 Birdman was a success!!!  Thank you!

 The Russell Birdman Festival is over for another year and it was a resounding success!! This is with many thanks to your kind donation. The National coverage has been phenomenal with several articles in the NZ Herald coverage on Radio New Zealand and Eventfinder covering at least 135,000 people nationwide. Reports are that double the ‘usual’ amount travelled on the passenger ferries with the 3 day Multi Pass encouraging several visits. Many community organisations benefitted from the extra foot traffic supplying food for the hungry! The benefits for the region were felt on the weekend itself , with many visitors coming  from out of the region with many passing comment that the Russell Birdman Festival will become an annual ‘pilgrimage’! A family from Auckland won the fishing trips!

THANK YOU
THE BIRDMAN CHARITABLE TRUST

Cape Reinga - famous for its lighthouse and the point where the blue Pacific Ocean meets the deep green of the Tasman Sea. It is fascinating to watch the meeting of these two vast oceans. On the way stop at mighty Ninety Mile Beach for some stunning views.