Bay of Islands
Occupying a headland draped in lawns and bush, this is NZ's most significant historic site. Here, on 6 February 1840, after much discussion, the first 43…
Must-see attractions in Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
Two of the nation's most significant buildings nestle side by side on the banks of Kerikeri Basin. Start at the Stone Store, NZ's oldest stone building …
Bay of Islands
For 10 days in January 1846, 1600 British troops bombarded 500 Māori warriors hunkered down in a pā (fortress) composed of trenches, tunnels and wooden…
Bay of Islands
It's a bit of a drive (30km) and a short steep walk down to the beach, but worth the effort. There's not a lot of beach when the tide is high so time your…
Bay of Islands
Set in verdant farmland 18km (20 minutes) southwest of Kerikeri, this pretty little cottage holds several claims to fame. It's NZ's second-oldest house …
Bay of Islands
Built in 1842 to house the Catholic mission’s printing press, this rammed-earth building is the mission's last remaining building in the western Pacific,…
Bay of Islands
Just up the hill from Kerikeri Mission Station is a marked historical walk that leads to the site of Hongi Hika's pā (fortress) and village. Little…
Bay of Islands
The characterful St Paul's was constructed of Kawakawa stone in 1925, and stands on the site of the original mission church, a simple raupo (bulrush) hut…
Bay of Islands
English naturalist Charles Darwin made a donation towards the cost of building this, the country’s oldest surviving church (1836). The graveyard's biggest…
Bay of Islands
Some 10km from town and reached via a permanent causeway through the mangroves, this 12-hectare island reserve provides a haven for the North Island brown…
Bay of Islands
Overlooking Russell, this is the hill where Hōne Heke chopped down the British flagpole four times. You can drive up, but the epic view over Russell and…
Bay of Islands
With a growing reputation for red wines – especially its old-growth syrah – Omata Estate is one of Northland's finest wineries. To complement the tastings…
Bay of Islands
Explore these glowworm-illuminated limestone caverns on a 30-minute subterranean tour led by direct descendants of Ngāti Hine chief Kawiti, who fought the…
Bay of Islands
About 1.5km behind Russell (an easy walk or cycle) is this placid, child-friendly beach. Turn left (facing the sea) to visit Donkey Bay, a small cove that…
Bay of Islands
More like a community centre, this art-deco cinema has been repurposed into an art gallery showing works by talented locals, a library and a soon-to-be…
Bay of Islands
Call into the cellar door for a tasting of wine, port and grappa. It's just off SH10 south of Kerikeri.
Bay of Islands
It's rare that public toilets are a town's claim to fame but Kawakawa's were designed by Austrian-born artist and eco-architect Friedensreich…
Bay of Islands
Just behind Paihia, this regenerating forest has walking trails ranging from 10 minutes to five hours. A few large trees have escaped axe and fire,…
Bay of Islands
A walking track (one way 1½ hours, 5km) leads from the Treaty Grounds along the Waitangi River to these attractive horseshoe falls. Part of the path…
Bay of Islands
North of Russell, on the other side of Maiki hill, Tapeka Rd heads down to a sandy beach in the shadow of a craggy headland. A pā once stood at the top of…
Bay of Islands
If you had a hard time imagining nearby Kororipo Pā in its original state, take the footbridge across the river to this mock-up of a traditional Māori…
Bay of Islands
This small museum has a well-presented Māori section, a large 1:5 scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour, a 10-minute video on the town’s history and an…
Bay of Islands
This secret swimming hole is not easy to find, but those who do are rewarded with a plunge in the crisp cold water. Ask the locals how to get here; you…
Bay of Islands
The historic buildings and gardens of Paihia's First Mission Station include a restored stone store, and now house a community library and a community…
Bay of Islands
An impressive waterfall on the Kerikeri River that can also be accessed via the road. An historic tea house is close by for those walking from the river…
Bay of Islands
What it lacks in height this attractive waterfall makes up for in breadth. It's accessed from the Kerikeri River Track.
