Two Night bay Of Islands Itinerary
Auckland - Bay of Islands - Auckland
The Bay of Islands is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most popular destinations, and for good reason.
Unbelievable natural beauty, 140+ islands, and a wide range of activities make for an idyllic aquatic playground. Rich history and culture offer plenty for the visitor who wishes to travel a little deeper, while foodies will find this destination tantalising to the tastebuds.
This itinerary is suitable for FITs, families, and groups.
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Day 1
The Bay of Islands is approximately three hours drive from Auckland. Break up the journey with a stop at the funky mosaiced Eutopia Cafe in Kaiwaka for a snack and drink and consider taking the scenic route north via the Northland Journey, The Welcoming Coast. Further north add a stop in Kawakawa to see the world-famous Hundertwasser Toilets and browse local Māori art at Kings Theatre Gallery before heading into Paihia.
Spend the afternoon at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which holds national significance as the signing place of Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document. A pass to the grounds includes an informative guided tour of the grounds where visitors learn about the Treaty and the history of the area and site, a cultural performance in an authentic meeting house, and entrance to the two contemporary museums. A minimum of a 2-3 hours is required to see the highlights, including Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world's largest ceremonial waka. The Whare Waka cafe onsite serves excellent food and coffee making it easy to spend the entire afternoon, and passes are valid for two days in case visitors are unable to see it all at once. During the summer months, visitors are also able to enjoy an evening Hangi and Cultural Performance.
The Bay of Islands has the largest cluster of accommodation offerings in Taitokerau Northland, across the main towns of Kerikeri, Paihia, and Russell. Larger groups will enjoy the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands in Paihia or the Copthorne Hotel Bay of Islands in Waitangi. For smaller groups and couples, the heritage house Arcadia Lodge offers glorious views, impeccable service, and legendary breakfasts, with suites or cottage accommodation options, and the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel is an iconic option with a selection of rooms and a one-bedroom apartment. Both are found in the picturesque town of Russell.
A meal in Russell is a must, with a great range of eateries for all tastes and budgets. Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery has an outstanding menu with local grown and sourced ingredients, and The Duke of Marlborough presents a new take on classic dishes as well as an extensive beverage list featuring plenty of local drops.
The Duke of Marlborough
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
R. Tucker Thompson
Bay of Islands
Day 2
From the quaint towns of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, you can experience almost all the Bay has to offer, but getting out on the water is a must. For an all-day adventure, the Explore Bay of Islands Discover the Bay Cruise is an excellent option. Departing early or mid-morning depending on the season, the boat cruises out through the islands to the iconic Hole in the Rock of Motukōkako Piercy Island before stopping at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Visitors will find a fully licenced cafe on the island as well as walking tracks, beautiful bays for swimming, and, in the peak season, kayaks for hire. With the option to extend the stay at Otehei Bay and return back with the afternoon ferry, this is a great option for those who want the full island experience.
Other water-based boat trips include the tall sailing ship R. Tucker Thompson and comfortable catamaran Barefoot Sailing Adventures which both offer day sails and shorter sundowner sails, as well as Carino Wildlife Cruises which is licenced to view and research dolphins and marine mammals. Keen divers can instead explore the underwater world and iconic shipwrecks of the Canterbury and Rainbow Warrior with Paihia Dive.
For those who prefer to stay land-based, a full-day coach trip to Te Rerenga Wairua Cape Reinga with Fullers GreatSights is on the cards. Te Rerenga Wairua Cape Reinga is an iconic destination, not just for its location at the very tip of the country or its spectacular views of the two oceans colliding, but for its cultural significance – according to Māori legend this is where spirits of the departed make the leap to return back to their homeland of Hawaiki. The Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour departs Paihia at 7am, and takes around 11 hours, including driving along Ninety Mile Beach (yes, on the actual beach!), stopping for sandboarding on gigantic sand dunes, and travelling through some of the quaint towns of the far north, all accompanied by entertaining and informative commentary from the driver guide.
Again, dinner options are plentiful but Terra Restaurant in Paihia is one of Northland’s top rated restaurants, and it’s hard to overlook Charlotte’s Kitchen on the wharf in Paihia for location, great cocktails, and a vibrant menu.
Bay of Islands – Auckland
Day 3
It’s one thing to see the Bay of Islands from sea level but it’s another thing entirely to see the islands laid out among the sparkling turquoise ocean from above.
Salt Air offers helicopter tours conveniently departing from the Paihia waterfront, right next to the wharf. The most memorable of these is the Hole in the Rock Landing tour, where visitors have the opportunity to land on Motukōkako Piercy Island (home to the famous Hole in the Rock) and take a short walk and tour with a local Māori guide to learn more about the significance and history of this landmark island.
If this sounds to tame for an adventure seeker, consider instead taking the (even more) scenic route through the sky via an 18,000ft sky dive with Sky Dive Bay of Islands. It’s the highest jump in the Southern Hemisphere, departing from Kerikeri airport with pick up and drop off options included to both Paihia and Kerikeri.
En route back to Auckland, break up the drive with a stop in the Whangārei Town Basin to visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Friedensreich Hundertwasser made the Bay of Islands his home, and this is the last creative architecturally designed building he designed before his death in 2000. The building itself displays uniqueness, romanticism and creativity, with uneven floors and an Afforrested Rooftop with over 4000 trees and plants. There are over 80 pieces of original artwork on display inside, plus original photos, and information about Hundertwasser and his life.
The thriving Whangārei city hub hosts many places to eat, shop and browse before you head back to Auckland which is approximately a two-hour drive.
