Top Things to Do in Bay of Islands - Bay of Islands Attractions
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Things to Do in Bay of Islands
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Rainbow Falls, Ports of Call Tours, Day Cruises. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Rainbow Falls, Ports of Call Tours, Day Cruises. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Popular Cities in Bay of Islands
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bay of Islands.
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adult$159- fromper adult$225
- fromper adult$175
- fromper adult$160
Likely To Sell Outfrom$210per adult$168
Museumsfromper adult$70
Parasailingfromper adult$115- fromper adult$185
Extreme Sportsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$179
Wine Tastingsfromper adult$185
Historic site with a detailed presentation of New Zealand's past, focusing on Maori culture and military history. Features guided tours, cultural performances, and panoramic views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Waterfalls
Tranquil walks through lush greenery lead to cascading waterfalls, with multiple vantage points for photography and shaded picnic areas, complemented by a refreshing swimming spot.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Scenic coastal region with a mix of dining and shopping, complemented by various excursions including boat tours and aerial adventures. Known for its picturesque "hole in the rock" passage.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Interactive aviary with 300 exotic birds, allowing for close encounters and feeding opportunities. Features a playground and seating area, amidst concerns for some birds' living conditions.
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Islands
Historic stone building with a preserved interior, showcasing Maori-European trade history. Includes a gift shop, café, and nearby Maori village.
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Historic Sites
Historical site featuring guided tours that provide insights into local culture, complete with a picturesque café and printery showcasing the translation of religious texts.
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Hiking Trails
Historic Sites
Historic hilltop with panoramic Bay of Islands views, marked trails, and informative panels detailing New Zealand Land Wars. Features include a unique mosaic map sundial.
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Churches & Cathedrals
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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.
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What travellers are saying
- PeterHellAuckland Central, New Zealand3 contributionsA really great experience for me and my wife. Will bring more family back up next time. Every New Zealander must visit at some point.Written 12 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hihashelleymoanaAuckland, New Zealand51 contributionsEasy access to most platforms to view and take photos. A good swimming area at the bottom. I enjoyed being able to get several views of these falls and wish I had had my swim gear with me.
Parking was easy, too.
SMHWritten 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anse P2 contributionsWe loved it! Stayed at Busby Manor. Highly recommended. Visited Russell via the car ferry, had the most delicious lunch at The Duke of Edinburgh and visit the printing museum as well as the Russell Museum . So informative. KeriKeri market on the Saturday is a must as well as the Parrot Place. Hururu Falls a short walk and beautiful. Lovely walks on the beach every day . Sadly we missed the hole in the wall boat trip but it remains on our bucket list. Worth it!Written 22 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StaceyCheerArapuni, New Zealand160 contributionsWhat a little hidden gem! Who knew that birds had such personalities!! We paid our entrance fee and got a small bowl of seeds to feed the parrots. One of the staff came out to introduce us to the first parrots, who were not caged. They hopped on to our hands and shoulders as they helped themselves to our bowl of seeds. Very cute! We then wandered off on our own to meet the rest of the residents. Many of the parrots would talk and try and get your attention, and we spent a lot of time feeding them seeds through the cages. The open aviaries were also very cool and some of the friendlier parrots hopped on your shoulders! I loved every minute of our visit, although not a place for those with bird-phobias to visit!Written 31 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BuzzieFamilyKitchener, Canada119 contributionsHiking the trails around islands is a great thing to do in New Zealand -- try also Waiheke Island near Auckland (although that one can be very busy) and Quail Island near Christchurch. All three are reachable by nice ferry rides at reasonable prices; in the cae of Urupukapuka, it's about a 40-minute ride. There are many trials on Urupukapuka, but doing the circle island one is terrific. You can do it in 3 hours or so, depending on how long you stop at one of the beaches for a refreshing swim virtually alone even at the height of summer. On the hike, there is something beautiful to see at basically every turn in the trail. And when you get back to the ferry dock, there is a nice bistro with lots of brews on tap after the hike. A great day trip!Written 6 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Notable Tours NZWellington, New Zealand57 contributionsBrilliant visit for our group of 40 on a Notable Tour. They split us into 2 groups to go through Kemp House, and folks could wander at their leisure through the Stone Store, and patronise the excellent cafe. Great spot to while away a morning with a large group.Written 9 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Notable Tours NZWellington, New Zealand57 contributionsThese guys coped with a group of 40 with no trouble at all, allowing them to roam freely around but having staff on hand to help and answer questions. fascinating visit. Lovely shop and cafe facilities.Written 9 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoanneLake Mary, FL2,137 contributionsThe kauri trees were magnificent knowing some of them were over 600 years old. This is certainly what NZ was like thousands of years ago. The boardwalk trails were flat and easy to get around. It does not take a lot of time - less than an hour is fine. Out guide was very good and our tour group learned a lot about the trees and animals. No facilities and limited parking. It does get cool at that altitude and under the trees, so bring a jacket.Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlbertaJack007Tequila, Mexico103 contributionsGreat view of the bay and neighboring towns. You can drive or walk up on numerous trails. It is a steep walk, but the views are worth it.Written 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Connor M1 contributionStayed in the off-grid vineyard cabin. Superb experience and a serious bargain.. stunning view of the vineyard and we loved how intimate the feel was in the cabin with the wood fireplace and even went out into the hot tub to see the stars at night.
The fact that it also included a golf cart and a welcome bottle of wine was the icing on the cake. There was a bbq but we really took advantage of Sage restaurant being so close.. delicious dinners every night and then we just strolled back to our cozy cabin. Tons to do in the day along with the beach access they give you. Took my rod and caught and released a couple snapper just off the beach. Fantastic time and will 100% recommend to any couple. This is the right kind of getaway..Written 21 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ITRTVirginia44,656 contributionsThe 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KuldipAuckland, New Zealand50 contributionsWe took water taxi from Oke bay to Deep Water Cove. It took us 3 hours to reach @ Hut due to tons of pictures on the way!
@ night: Stargazing! Go down till water & you will find lots of Crabs!!
Next day Morning:
One of the most beautiful Sunrise I have seen with breathtaking views!!
Later started trail till Oke bay. Tiring!! Super tiring!!
4 ltr water at least!! I had water filter so experienced drinking from streams. Else, you won’t find water till end!! ( in the last 5 km found two water tanks but not suitable for drink if you don’t have filter). With all rests, pics, activities, it took 9:30hrs to reach at the end. Go slow & inhale every bit.
Throughly enjoyed.Written 10 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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