The Bay of Islands is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason. So search Search and Stay for your holiday house in Northland or a beach shack in Bay of Islands and take time to explore and enjoy.
Stunning natural beauty and over 144 islands make for an easily accessible aquatic playground, with activities like boating, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking...the list goes on.
There’s also more to this area than meets the eye, as the area is rich in history and culture.
Many of the pivotal moments in Aotearoa New Zealand’s story happened here, including the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), considered the country’s founding document, at what is now the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Quaint seaside towns like Russell have plenty of stories to share, from the site of the country’s first capital to the oldest licenced premise in the country. The Bay of Islands area extends well beyond the waters’ edge too, with inland villages like Kerikeri and Kawakawa to wander through, waterfalls to explore, historic and cultural sites, and unique attractions like the geothermal hot pools at Ngawha Springs.
With giant kauri trees, lush native forest, countless golden beaches and secluded offshore islands, subtropical Northland is both a paradise for nature lovers and an aquatic playground.
Book your holiday house in Northland or a bach in Bay of Islands at Search and Stay.
Rich in vibrant Māori culture and European heritage, to discover New Zealand, first you need to visit Northland. Kauri Cliffs, Northland
WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS
Visit New Zealand’s most important historic site where the country’s founding document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Visit waitangi.org.nz
FULLERS GREAT SIGHTS DOLPHIN ECO EXPERIENCE
Get up close to nature on an intimate dolphin swimming and viewing cruise. Visit dolphincruises.co.nz
EXPLORE DISCOVER THE BAY
Experience spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife while cruising among the region’s 144 islands. Visit exploregroup.co.nz
A PERFECT DAY
Take a day trip to Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve for sight-seeing, cave explorations, snorkelling and swimming. Visit aperfectday.co.nz
FOOTPRINTS WAIPOUA
Enjoy an intimate guided encounter through ancient kauri forests and discover how these giant trees are intertwined with the lives of local Māori. Visit footprintswaipoua.co.nz
THE KAURI MUSEUM
Visit the award-winning Kauri Museum and learn about the adventures of New Zealand’s pioneering settlers. Visit kauri-museum.com
TOP TRAIL HIRE AND TOURS
Bike the Twin Coast Cycle Trail through rural farmland and sites of historical and cultural significance on a guided or selfguided tour. Visit toptrail.co.nz
DUNE RIDER CAPE REINGA
Climb aboard the Dune Rider, a purpose-built off-road vehicle, and discover some of the Far North’s famous landmarks and activities. Visit exploregroup.co.nz
KAURI CLIFFS GOLF COURSE
Tee off on one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed golf courses, currently ranked # 49 in the world by Golf Digest.
THE ROCK ADVENTURE CRUISE
Board ‘The Rock’ for an unforgettable activity-filled day in the Bay of Islands. Visit rocktheboat.co.nz
Credit: Tourism New Zealand & Northland New Zealand.