Highlights of The New Zealand Bay of Islands
It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing, and Maori cultural artifacts. This is a great destination in the summer as it is full of hidden beaches and great terrains. Port of Russells which is the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, Historic buildings and promenades and many more places along with the beach fun. You can also explore Urupukapuka Island and Rainbow Warrior. The much detailed highlights are as follows.
© Mohd Nadly Aizat Mohd Nudri | Dreamstime.com
Cruise around the Bay and the other islands
Explore all the top Bay of Islands attractions while cruising around. Famous Hole in the Rock, beautiful islands and the Cape Brett Peninsula. You can also enjoy watching marine animals like dolphins and whales. There are some tours also which take you to experience swimming with dolphins. You can take any convenient from Paihia and Russell.
Visit Rainbow Falls
Rainbow falls is one of the most accessible and stunning waterfalls in the country. The 27m tall Falls has many different viewpoints from the top to the bottom of the falls. You can even find your way behind the waterfall if have that adventure bug in you!
Skydive from 16,000ft
If you’re excited to do something wild like a skydive in New Zealand, then the Bay of Islands is an awesome place to do it in New Zealand. You can get the best drop zone in New Zealand right on the beach! You can choose the package according to your need for capturing video or a plain jump.
Try Scuba Diving or Snorkelling
The waters of the Bay of Islands are full of life from marine mammals. Some sailing companies offer snorkeling trips also there are several scuba diving operators to try this amazing underwater experience. They take divers to reefs, wrecks and underwater caves.
Kayak to Haruru Falls
Everyone likes a waterfall but walk/kayak to Haruru Falls is a completely different experience. If you are planning to walk then take the Mangrove Boardwalk along the Waitangi River to reach the falls and go on a kayaking trip up the Waitangi River.
© Corners74 | Dreamstime.com
Urupukapuka Island
If you are fond of beaches, amazing views and silent walks then you’ll love Urupukapuka Island. Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands and it is well connected with some great walking trails, the trails also connect to historical Maori pa sites, forest, and numerous beaches. The Urupukapuka island is heaven for birds and is also alive with birdsong.
The hell hole of the Pacific
Russell was New Zealand’s first capital and was known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. There are a few historical sites to check out like the first church, Christ Church on Church Street, The Duke of Marlborough on The Strand and Flagstaff Hill.
Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of the most historically important sites in New Zealand. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed and New Zealand became a nation. You can visit the Museum of Waitangi, colonial house, bush walks, the Waka House and a cultural show at the carved meeting house in a one day pass.
Parasailing
Fly high above the Bay of Islands and capture some incredible views of the Bay of Islands. There are many local operators you can choose from to fly over, you can also take packages according to the group tours.
There are many other adventures and places to explore, which I would like to leave on you to explore the Bay of Islands, New Zealand - by yourself.