Bay of Islands

The birthplace of New Zealand: a bay scattered with 144 islands, home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hole in the Rock cruises and wild dolphins.

The Bay of Islands (Māori: Pēwhairangi) lies on the east coast of Northland in New Zealand's North Island, about 230 km from Auckland, roughly a 3.5-hour drive. Some 144 islands are scattered across a warm subtropical bay where dolphins and seabirds are a common sight. This is where New Zealand's history began: Māori were the first to settle here, European whalers established the first settlement at Russell, and the nation's founding treaty was signed at Waitangi in 1840. Visitors mostly stay in Paihia (home to the cruise wharf and most restaurants), the historic town of Russell across the water, or inland Kerikeri (orchards, wineries and the oldest colonial buildings). The main draw is getting out on the water: Hole in the Rock cruises, dolphin watching, sailing and island hopping, and hiking and camping on Urupukapuka Island. On land, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Flagstaff Hill in Russell, and the Hundertwasser Toilets and glowworm caves in Kawakawa. Classic day trips head north to Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki sand dunes, or west to Waipoua Forest to see Tāne Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest. Seasons: Dec–Mar is summer, the best time for boating and swimming but also peak season, so book accommodation early; Apr–May and Oct–Nov are quieter with mild weather; winter is rainy but boat trips still run. Getting there: InterCity buses and flights to Kerikeri depart from Auckland; local cruise departures are concentrated in Paihia, with a passenger ferry to Russell. Allow 2–4 days. Note: follow the rules on keeping your distance from dolphins and clean your shoes before landing on islands; when entering forests, disinfect your soles as required to prevent kauri dieback.

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