Bay of Islands Beach Travel Guide

Bay of Islands Beach Travel Guide

Other Guides for Bay of Islands

Beach Destinations Near Bay of Islands

Travel Guides Near Bay of Islands

Australia-Pacific Beach Countries

Beach Travel Destinations

advertisement
View overlooking beach in Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand (Hidde de Vries/Flickr)
Submit a travel tip

Submit a travel tip about Bay of Islands.
Read Our House Rules

On This Page:

Bay of Islands Beach Travel Tips

By Matt Link
  • The best beaches for swimming in the Bay of Islands are in the protected inlets versus the ocean-facing coastlines. One of the most popular beaches for swimming is in the calm area between the town of Paihia and Waitangi—it’s about a half-hour walk between the two.
  • A cheap and easy way to get on the bay is to take the pleasant pedestrian ferry between the towns of Paihia and Russell. It runs every hour. If you are driving to Russell, you can take the car ferry in Opua, south of Paihia.
  • Winter can be a bit dreary in the Bay of Islands, although the area is warmer than the rest of the country. High season corresponds to New Zealanders’ summer holidays, from late December to mid-January. Reservations are mandatory during high season.
  • The Bay of Islands comes alive with cultural events on February 6—Waitangi Day. This important national holiday centers around the Treaty of Waitangi.

Beach Overview: Bay of Islands, New Zealand

By Matt Link
About a three-hour drive north of Auckland is one of New Zealand's most stunning (and warmest) regions: the Bay of Islands. The name is a misnomer, since it's actually a number of bays and inlets dotted with over 140 islands—meaning, a lot of beaches. The area is known for its aquatic recreation including great fishing, excellent diving, sublime sailing, and some of the best kiteboarding in New Zealand. Read More

Ask a Question

Do you have a travel question about this destination or can you provide a tip to a fellow traveler?

ask a question

Join the discussion with Away.com's in-house experts in our travel Q&A.

Hotels

Kauri Cliffs

Tepene Tablelands Road
KERIKERI 0455 Map

Distance: 19.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

Tau Henare Drive
Paihia 0247 Map

Distance: 8.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Scenic Circle Beachcomber

1 SEAVIEW ROAD
Paihia 00000 Map

Distance: 9.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
All Bay of Islands Hotels »
advertisement

compare rates

Attractions

Only Seafood

expert favorite attraction
40 Marsden Road
Paihia, New Zealand

Distance: 9.2 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

R. Tucker Thompson

expert favorite attraction
Maritime Building, Marsden Road
Paihia, New Zealand

Distance: 9.3 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Waka Taiamai Heritage Journeys

expert favorite attraction
RD2 Te Ahuahu Road
Kaikohe, New Zealand

Distance: 10.9 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
All Bay of Islands Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Bay of Islands

Distance (mi.)
Auckland International Airport 130.8 map

Trip Ideas

Bay of Islands Beach Travel Guides

Kiteboarding | Sailing | Scuba Diving
»  All Beach Guides

Compare Rates

Powered by Trip.com
advertisement

Traveler's Currency Converter

Foreign Currency
U.S. Dollar Amount
$

Country
convert Currency

Powered by eZforex
advertisement