Top Things to do in Bay of Islands
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10 Things to Do in Bay of Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand including Pompallier Mission and Printery, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Rainbow Falls, The Parrot Place, Urupukapuka Island, Paihia Harbour, The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, Christ Church, Flagstaff Hill, Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Restaurants in Bay of Islands
1. Pompallier Mission and Printery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Pompallier Mission, where Catholic missionaries translated religious texts into Maori, printed and bound them into beautiful books, was a saintly enclave in the most sinful site of the southern seas. In what is undoubtedly one of the best heritage tours in the country, our passionate guides will take you through the steps of leather and book-making as it was done by courageous pioneers living in this tiny outpost, over 150 years ago. Hear the stories of the lives and times of French missionaries caught up in British Treaty-making and war between Maori and European settlers. Delight in our award winning heritage Gardens, take in the wonderful views across the Bay and browse our gift shop for a unique reminder of a special place.
Reviewed By valleymeg - Brisbane, Australia
If you have time this beautiful Mission is worth visiting. We had a very informative guide in Tracey who gave us a detailed history of the Mission and it’s work.....the printing workshop and tannery. Then we were able to spend time exploring the magnificent Gardens.
2. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most important historic site, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and the indigenous Maori in February 1840. Set on a stunning site overlooking the Bay of Islands, Waitangi is an absolute must-see for all visitors to the North, international and New Zealanders alike. Attractions include the historic Treaty House, a giant flagstaff, a unique fully carved Maori meeting house and the the world's largest single-hulled canoe (waka). Guided tours and cultural Performances run at regular intervals throughout the day. Open daily except Christmas.
Reviewed By 123LS - United Kingdom
Took a gamble in between the rain showers paid off. Just walked up and straight onto a tour. Great guide informative and humorous. The 30min cultural performance is fun very friendly dancers. The museum was also really interesting. Came away with a much better insight of the history leading up to the treaty signing and culture. Well worth doing.
3. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Annie B - East Grinstead, United Kingdom
We thoroughly enjoyed thus beautiful scenic walk with its spectacular Waterfalls. The walk was not difficult and was approximately 50 minutes each way. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way
4. The Parrot Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Wander through our glorious subtropical Gardens and enjoy the entertaining antics and colourful plumage of a huge variety of native and exotic parrots from around the world.Enjoy getting up close and personal with our pet birds in a natural environment and get your photo taken with them and Elmo the dancing Macaw. Let the kids burn off some energy in our play area whilst you sit back and relax with refreshments and ice creams from our kiosk "Sweet Tweets"
Reviewed By Mark M - Adelaide, Australia
Very friendly little place deceiving from the outside good display of birds clean and all well kept reason price entrance fee you can feed birds for minimal cost you are also given opportunity to have your picture with one of the tame birds. The aviaries have a good variety of birds and their is a aviary to walk into where the birds sit on you maybe wear a t/shirt claws are sharp really liked this little place has carpark out the back check Monday I think they are closed just down the road from the Stone Store Kemp House
5. Urupukapuka Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By kapitibeach - Wellington, New Zealand
Use the Explore ferry to take you out and back to the island. It goes several times a day from Paihia with a pick-up in Russell. We caught the 0830 out and booked the 1445 back, it's cheaper if you book a fixed return (which you can change if you discuss with the guys at the cafe in Otehei Bay. Cost this summer was $45 adult and $25 a kid return, or family of four $110 return.
When you get to Otehei Bay leave the jetty and head off on the walking trails. Don't just stop at Otehei Bay. Sure it's nice but there are a tonne of people there and if you want the space and great Beaches a short 10 minute walk with yeild you a DoC campsite with a deeper water beach that's so clean the fish are swimming around your legs.
So take a picnic, some water and head off for the day!
6. Paihia Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By dskid - Overland Park, Kansas
The harbor pretty much dominates Paihia. It's where the tourist information center is, a very good restaurant is here, a walking path goes by it and it's, of course, where all the boat tours and Ferries depart. If you're spending any time in Paihia you'll certainly be here and it's a welcome break from all the tourist shops across the highway.
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Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
The Bay of Islands is New Zealand's foremost historic area, birthplace to Maori and Pakeha (European) relations and home of the Kerikeri Mission Station. Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station is one of New Zealand's first places where Maori invited visitors to to live among them. Built under the protection of local Maori chiefs who were keen to harness the trade and technology of Europe, Kerikeri Mission Station grew amidst a backdrop of tribal warfare and ever increasing visits from foreign ships. Located only 5 minutes from Kerikeri the Kerikeri Mission Station has a range of activites available. The grounds tour is a visitor favourite - experienced guides share stories of fierce warriors and drunken sailors and earnest missionaries who preached, taught and battled to spread the Christian message amongst Maori, a proud people with their own ancient traditions. The Kerikeri Mission Station is also the site of two of the country's oldest surviving buildings- The Stone Store and Kemp House.
Reviewed By kimmyevo - muscat
Bought a set of copper measuring spoons and hubby bought a traditional broom! Fab to see the olde style dress of the staff very historic and intriguing, great experience of shoping!!
8. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Nau mai, haere and welcome to Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest existing church and cemetery. A digital walk can be downloaded from the App stores from Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours which share the fascinating stories of some of the people buried here. Enjoy visiting our cemetery and do visit our beautiful church.
Reviewed By A R H - Charleston, South Carolina
A lovely setting and the graves of both Maori and settlers give a fascinating glimpse of the time when Russell was the nations capital. The bullet holes from the 1845 rebellion are still easy to spot. Well worth a visit to get a feel for New Zealand's early days.
9. Flagstaff Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By A R H - Charleston, South Carolina
Out for a walk and saw the signs to Flagstaff Hill. A 20 minute hike up the lane followed by a series of steps before you reach the car park. Those less active can drive up and then walk the 60 metres to Sundial. Great views down onto Russell and the surrounding ocean. I did it on a cloudy, drizzly day and it was still lovely, so worth a visit what ever the weather.
10. Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By dskid - Overland Park, Kansas
One thing I found refreshingly unusual about NZ was all of the literature and really decent maps that one could get at the i-SITE offices. They did also provide information on local attractions. Since one could book certain tours and events here I was left wondering about their level of impartiality since I'm guessing they get a commission for activities booked at their offices.
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