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Home > New Zealand Tourist Attractions > North Island attractions > Bay of Island > Bay of Island Tourist Attractions

Bay of Island Tourist Attractions

Bay of Island tourist attractions offer best sights and adventures that are the favorites with locals and tourists alike. Water is apparently omnipresent in the Bay of Islands. Therefore water sports and beach activities rule supreme in the Bay.

Bay of Islands is of great historical significance. The historic Maori and European culture till date is pretty apparent in the culture and custom followed in the Bay. At the same time the place is also popular for its untouched natural beauty and happening life style.

It charms its admirers with fabulous and serene protected islands, beaches, bays, coves, designer rock formations, nature trails and historical towns, sea and the ocean. Bays of Islands gives great wine tasting opportunities, has lavish restaurants and outdoor cafes, golf courses, spas and luxury lodges.

Bay of Islands provides for several tourist attractions and recreational activities that suit all ages and interests. From the most adventurous adrenaline-pumping to a cozy restful day out Bay of Islands has everything. Ones you enter into this land of wonders. You sur would not have any reason to be disappointed.

Recreational Activities in Bay of Islands

  • Adrenaline-pumping
  • Swimming
  • Dolphin watching,
  • Sea kayaking
  • Ferries and boat rides
  • Exploring hidden caves and beaches
  • Cruises around the bays
  • Day trips to Cape Brett and 'Hole in the Rock' on Piercy Island
  • Historical trip of the islands
  • Bird watching
  • Bush walks

Tourist Attractions in Bay of Islands

Hokianga Harbor

Hokianga Harbor offers a picturesque setting. It has place that has great historic significance as it is the landing place of the Polynesian travelers in the 11th century. The influence of these voyagers is still apparent in the way of life and practices of the present New Zealand. Hokianga Harbours is famous for its unhampered beaches fantastic countryside, huge golden sand dunes, farmland forest, bush and scrub. Dolphins, orcas and seals frequently visit the Harbor. The water and the nearby region are ideal for recreational activities like surfing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, walks and cruises.

Russell

Russell is a significant coastal township often visited for its wonderful landscapes and building reflecting the colonial era. Russells even is home to museums which preserve the past glories of New Zealand's first capital.

Urupukapuka Island it offers golden sandy beaches and long walks. It is one of the preserved islands in the Bay of Islands where nature shines in absolute glory.

Waitangi

Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a distinctive and interesting insight into New Zealand's significant ancient times. Furthermore explore the Moari Meeting House, Visitor Center and Gallery for a deeper knowledge of the creation New Zealand as an independent nation.

Haruru Falls

Haruru translated as "big noise" is a horseshoe shape spectacular waterfall. As per Maori legend a taniwha means “water monster” lives in the lagoon underneath.

Stone Store

It is New Zealand’s oldest stone building situated at Kerikeri.

Puketi Forest

Puketi Forest, one of the largest nearby tracts of native forest situated in Northland is conveniently accessible from the Bay of Islands.

Museum in the old Memorial Library

This antique museum lets you explore Kawakawa's coal mining history. The railway line in service through the centre of town to Opua is an example of those times. Kawiti glow-worm caves at Waiomio to see a galaxy of glow-worm lights, white limestone formations and gain knowledge of 12 generations of history.

Paihia

Paihia is one of the most important tourist towns in the Bay of Islands. It is situated far north of the North Island of New Zealand in close proximity to the historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri.

Kerikeri

Just about three hours drive towards the northern Auckland, lies Kerikeri, a chief town in the Far North District. Kerikeri lies about 80 km north of Whangarei. Kerikeri is commonly regarded as the “Cradle of the Nation” as it is the premier permanent mission station of New Zealand. The district houses a number of historic buildings of the country. Major attractions of the region are:

  • Dozens of arts and crafts Trail
  • Backpackers
  • Beaches at Matauri Bay
  • Dawn chorus of hundreds of native birds dwelling in the Puketi Forest
  • Fairy Pools
  • Fishing
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Sailing
  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Swimming

Opua

Opua is a fun and delight center. It is an area in the Bay of Islands which paves way for amazing recreational activities like sailing, picnicking, walking, snorkeling, fishing, Kayaking and treating oneself with the best seafood. Visit the locality for some amazing White Sandy Beaches to rest in.

Kawakawa

Kawakawa is a small city nestled in Northland of northern New Zealand. Also known as the "Train town" owing to the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway which runs right in the middle of the main street is visited by several tourists to see the close by Kawiti glowworm Caves at Waiomio.

Cape Brett and 'Hole in the Rock' on Piercy Island

'Hole in the Rock' housed in the Piercy Island is a natural bridge. The spectacular valley is sited at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands at the northern end of New Zealand, In point of fact this particular bridge is chiefly the remains of a past sea cave. An island with sharp limestone walls, Piercy Island is also known as the Motukokako in Maori.

Urupukapuka Island

Urupukapuka is one of the conserved islands situated in the Bay of Islands. Nature here seems to dance in its unique verve. Several tourists visit the island for its mesmerizing sandy beaches and pleasant long walks. The principal off-shore land mass in the Bay, Urupukapuka is best for camping and lodging. Major attractions of the region are:

  • Archaeological Walk
  • Calm, sheltered bays
  • Dramatic views from high, rugged cliffs.
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking and boating

Theme Highways

Theme highways are a noteworthy New Zealand attraction. Visitors can either customize the route or naturally follow the path enjoying the mystifying terrain of the region.



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