Top Things to do in Bay of Islands
8 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Bay of Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand including Paihia Harbour, The Parrot Place, Aroha Island Ecological Centre, Akeake Historic Reserve Track, Rangihoua Heritage Park, Opua Forest Lookout Track, Puketi Nature Trail, Roland's wood.
Restaurants in Bay of Islands
1. Paihia Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,218 reviews
Reviewed By johncherylh2016 - Hawera, New Zealand
Easy to walk around and take in all that happens around this little harbour. Rather busy, but still a relaxed place with lots of boats coming and going.Sometimes you can see the cruise ship's anchored of shore.
2. The Parrot Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Wander through our glorious subtropical gardens and enjoy the entertaining antics and colourful plumage of a huge variety of 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 clenrays - Rotorua, New Zealand
Hi Guys, I watched this on 'Travel Guides NZ' the show peaked my curiosity, so we went along for a visit, My family and I had an AWESOME experience, I highly recommend this place to all people of all ages, the staff are very informative about all the birds, there are not enough words to say about this place, but we DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK next time where in Kerikeri
3. Aroha Island Ecological Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By pbog2018 - New Zealand, null
My mother and I stayed here recently in Tui Cottage - highly reccomend!! Everything was wonderfully clean, it was quiet with beautiful native bush and a lovely spot for swimming. We heard kiwis from out cottage!! Thank you so much to all at Aroha Island for your work, aroha nui!!
4. Akeake Historic Reserve Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
5. Rangihoua Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By AlisonDenton - Hamilton, New Zealand
Well worth the drive out. A lot of the road is metal, not tar seal. There is a wonderful mural by Chris Wilkie on a woolshed on the way out. The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking. The entrance to Kerikeri Inlet and the Bay of Islands are laid out in their splendor before you. The history of the area and it's early English settlers is interesting. We didn't walk to the cross but if you can face the trek, I understand it's worthwhile
6. Opua Forest Lookout Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By moatiq - Whangarei, New Zealand
There are 2 walks in this area and you can easily get confused reading the reviews. The one I went for is the Paihia School Road track which is a shorter one. It takes about an hour and a bit from Paihia township up to the lookout and back, going at a steady medium pace. Access is from School Road and you can get to School road through the carpark behind Countdown on Williams Road. With kids and slow leisurely walks, it would be close to hour and half or so. The hike is reasonably easy with well looked after gravel type paths, stairs and walkways. A little way up the hike, the second walk veers off to the left and its the longer one to Opua. View from the lookout area is nice but not as impressive, with vegetation covering off most of it. Take water if its a hot day and good walking shoes. A pleasant way to spend an hour in Paihia during the day.
7. Puketi Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By BigDogTravels
This short walk is an easy way to view large Kauri and was thoroughly enjoyable. The walkway is a piece of cake for any age and the road in and out is not bad at all.
8. Roland's wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Marmaduke04 - Wellington, New Zealand
Actually this is an entirely underrated arboretum with fabulous collection of mostly European trees reminiscent of the best UK has to offer in wooded parkland dedicated to dog walking by the wonderful gift of the park by a benefactor named Roland, long live his memory!
