Bay of Island Activities
Here at Bachcare, we’re here to help! As experts in all things Kiwi, we’ve carefully devised a list of our Top 5 Must Do’s, to get you off the couch and out exploring the Bay of Islands. So sit back, prepare your scrolling finger, and let’s get your next escape sorted with Bachcare.
So let’s countdown our top things to do in the Bay of Islands
1. Visit The Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Museum
Step back in time and discover the birthplace of our nation. An absolute ‘must-do’ for visitors and locals alike, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum of Waitangi are unquestionably one of New Zealand’s premier attractions.
As you journey through the expansive grounds, with spectacular views over the Bay of Islands, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the people who changed history. Discover the momentous events that shaped our nation at the state-of-the-art Museum of Waitangi. Let our Guides enhance your experience on a fascinating Guided Tour. Witness spellbinding cultural performances as you learn the meanings behind Māori protocol and culture.
2. Observe Dolphins In The Wild
Cruise the Bay of Islands in search of dolphins and whales. Get up close and personal to these amazing creatures with our low viewing decks, then swim with wild dolphins in the warmest waters in New Zealand.
Dolphins are fascinating creatures, and in the Bay of Islands, the Bay of Islands are blessed with their presence all year round. A boat cruise gives you the chance to get into the water and swim with dolphins as they play in their natural environment.
3. Discover The Poor Knights Islands
Just offshore from Tutukaka lies the Poor Knights Islands – full of diverse fish life, underwater plants and rocky volcanic outcrops. Go snorkelling or explore via stand up paddle-board.
From turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling ‘giant staircase’, to the dark waters of the islands’ many caves, the Poor Knights offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences.
4. Explore Russell Township
This charming town is the perfect base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Russell holds an important place in New Zealand’s history, being the country’s first seaport, its first European settlement and New Zealand’s first capital in nearby Okiato. The town’s streets retain their original layout and names from 1843, and many of its historic buildings can still be visited today.
Jump on the ferry from Paihia for a scenic 15min cruise across the water and into the centre of Russell. There you can visit New Zealand’s firsdt Church, the old police station and also the well-known restaurant, The Duke of Marlborough for a cold beverage.
There are a range of Paihia accommodation options available, and you can check out our list of top things to do in Paihia while visiting the area.
5. Visit Rainbow Falls
The Bay of Islands region also encompasses part of the North Island’s mainland rather than just the islands themselves, and one of the focal points of the area is the historic town of Kerikeri. While the town is charming and rich with history and culture, it’s the nearby natural attraction of Rainbow Falls that makes a visit here even more worthwhile.
If you’re interested in staying in Kerikeri, Bachcare has a range of Kerikeri accommodation options to choose from.
Getting their power from the waters of the Kerikeri River, the falls are situated in a wonderfully scenic and serene spot that is accessible by either a 4km walk (takes about 1.5 hours), a shorter and more arduous and steep walk, or a drive-and-walk combination that can save your legs that little bit extra energy.
