Things to do in Bay of Islands

Top Things to Do in Bay of Islands

Things to Do in Bay of Islands

Top Attractions in Bay of Islands

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.






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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Face_The_Elements
    Edmonton, Canada281 contributions
    The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where it all started. The commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of New Zealand's founding is found throughout, creating a memorable and educational visit for all. The two museums on site share insights into the past and require some time to read and understand what really happened here. The cultural performance was also very entertaining and the music was by far the best I’ve seen yet! The highlight of my visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds was undoubtedly the informative tour guided by James, a passionate individual deeply connected to his Maori culture. His wealth of knowledge, delivered with enthusiasm and a genuine love for sharing his heritage, added a layer of authenticity to the experience. His stories breathed life into the site, making it more enjoyable.
    Written 13 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Apolonia70
    adelaide1,550 contributions
    Lots of shopping opportunities, travel booking offices, helicopter, Thunder bike - shopping includes pharmacy and great walking. Several impressive restaurants over water. Perfect holiday location and takeoff point for visiting area.
    Written 13 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meredith C
    Auckland, New Zealand47 contributions
    These are just a short drive from Kerikeri and well worth visiting especially in this year of such heavy rainfalls. There are three viewing levels through beautiful bush tracks kept in immaculate order. The rainbow added to the beauty.
    Written 1 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • deborahbC3444RB
    320 contributions
    This was one of the standout of this trip. The guided tour of the printery was amazing and very informative. We were the only two so we were not rushed and had plenty of time to ask questions and view the different parts of the printery. Terri our guide was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. The self guided tour of the gardens was a bonus. There is a small gift shop and a lovely French cafe on site. After the tour we had morning tea with fresh produce to accompany our drinks. Service again was friendly and efficient. I would imagine that it would get busy so go early.
    Written 18 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Donna W
    1 contribution
    Loved this more than we expected. Lots of beautiful and interesting birds. Fun feeding them and being among them. Definitely pop in if you are in the area after visiting the stone store
    Written 20 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • deborahbC3444RB
    320 contributions
    This walking trail provides great views of the Bay of Islands. There is a lookout where it is possible to drive and taken in the 360 degree views or it is an uphill walk along the side of the road from the town. The 2.5 km loop is a popular loop for hikers.
    There are numerous short walks in the area as well.
    Written 18 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mdc12963
    Wellington, New Zealand48 contributions
    Yesterday I went on the great sights boat to Urupukapuka Island for the day and did lots of walking on the diffrent track's
    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael B
    Cambridge, UK38 contributions
    An amazing site that is such a key part of New Zealand's history. And the staff are superb - bending over backwards to tackle my questions! Ten out of ten for customer service!
    Written 10 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DiscerningDoyenne
    Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
    My husband and I went on this short walk and enjoyed it very much. It was a rainy but warm day and the trees in fact provided some protection from the rain. And because it is fully a boardwalk, the walking itself was easy and relatively protected i.e. we weren’t walking through mud or puddles etc. The trees were magnificent and the information boards along the walk were informative and helpful to read. This was a delightful little walk.

    In terms of access, we drove there from Kaikohe, eventually along Waiare Rd, the last 14 km (approx) of which was dirt/gravel. Despite the rain, the road was in good condition and we’ll graded – we just slowed as we would ordinarily on a gravel road. After we left this area we then travelled along Pungaere Rd, which was bitumen and meant for easier travelling compared with the journey to get there.
    Written 21 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JoR
    12 contributions
    They were always very helpful when I'd pop on in to look at tour options, but one particular gentleman went above and beyond to help me board the Russell ferry in time for my tour from Russell in the morning as a cruise liner had arrived that day and the queue for the ferry was incredibly long. Normally the line isn't that long but in this particular instance everyone has arrived to explore so I was very grateful for his assistance.
    Written 18 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ITRT
    Virginia38,566 contributions
    The village of Russell was known as Kororareka prior to Captain Cook’s arrival. During its early days, the town was referred to as the “hell hole of the Pacific” because of widespread prostitution. By the 1830s, Russell became a lawless trading center. It attracted all types of misfits including drunks, deserters and escaped convicts because of its good anchorage and whaling industry.

    Christ Church was built in 1836 and bears the musket holes from the conflict between the European settlers and the Māori people in 1845. You may have to look closely to see the holes. Limited funds resulted in a very plain church with no steeple being built. In 1840, it was used as a courthouse because it was the only building large enough to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend the murder trial hearing. The Bishop of Auckland presided over a meeting in 1873 when the church was officially named Christ Church. It is open to the public and free to enter. Donations are appreciated.
    The cemetery in the church yard was consecrated in 1838 but the first burial was of William Skinner who dies at the age of 43 in 1836. There is a burial ground on the church property that contains the graves of Ngāpuhi chief Tāmati Wāka Nene, early settlers, whalers, and sailors. Some of the gravestones do not have any markings because of their age, some are simply wooden markers, and others are made of sandstone or marble. While the church is Anglican, the cemetery is non-denominational. Christ Church and its graveyard is worth a visit.
    Written 19 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer P
    2 contributions
    Fantastic view and beautiful place for lunch. Food was outstanding and fantastic service Would return again and would recommend to anyone visiting the atea
    Written 17 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Happyjohnny
    Auckland, New Zealand402 contributions
    When you take a trip to the Bay of Islands, do make sure you spend some time in Russell and try to see as many amazing views as you are able to.
    Written 29 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John bishton
    1 contribution
    Take 4ltrs water each bare minimum. Be fit of leg and strong of mind or just train hard.
    Having said that its incredibly rewarding and a unique walk.
    5 stars
    Written 14 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen F
    Australia4 contributions
    Cannot rave about this place enough - I could spend a year in lockdown here and be extremely happy. They have it all, food, wine, views and beautiful, knowledgeable staff. DE VINE!
    Written 28 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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