Top Things to do in Bay of Islands
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bay of Islands, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand including Omata Estate, KeriKeri New Zealand, Paihia Harbour, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Rainbow Falls, The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, Makana Confections, Christ Church, Flagstaff Hill, Cottle Hill Winery.
Restaurants in Bay of Islands
1. Omata Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By annepharm8 - Bridge of Allan, United Kingdom
A lovely relaxing place for an excellent platter lunch, good views, friendly and attentive staff and very good wines. Would highly recommend.
2. KeriKeri New Zealand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By tonyvC3466IU - Auckland, New Zealand
Lots of lovely things to look at with a museum and the people running it were very nice...worth seeing.
3. 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.
4. Makana Chocolate Boutique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
This is a chocolate boutique where they make speciality chocolates before your eyes (and you can have a go too!) and the products are the best chocolates, without fear of contradiction, you'll find anywhere!
Reviewed By ladydoc2006 - Invercargill, New Zealand
We stopped in after visiting the Saturday market across the street while on holiday. It was fun watching them make the macadamia caramel corn and sampling the treats. The manager was so friendly and seemed genuinely interested in our family; she is a gem. The macadamia butter toffee crunch is addictively good. We bought a gift basket (a gift we gave ourselves) that included this, and the toffee crunch didn’t last 24 hours; we were all sneaking pieces of it. So so good! It would be cool if they expanded to the point of having more of a tour option or some type of interactive chocolate making experience,
5. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 863 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By MurrayP550 - Porirua, New Zealand
Fantastic run or walk from the Stone Store to Rainbow falls through Totara and Kauri Forest beside the river.
6. The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 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 wilma55x - Dunedin, New Zealand
Visited Stone Store and Kemp House as part of a cycling trip (C2K) organised by Northland Experiences - tour was wonderful because the guide was very interesting, knowledgeable and enthusiastic - her stories about the lives of women who lived in Kemp House were particularly interesting.
7. Makana Confections
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By leoniec215 - Wellington, New Zealand
We stopped on our way out of Kerikeri for chocolate purchase and a coffee and ice cream stop next door. The chocolate treats are expensive but very delicious. Lovely clean and friendly place
8. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 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 540robh - Kerikeri, New Zealand
One of New Zealand's oldest churches with an interesting history. Interesting walk through the graveyard as well, early settlers buried here.
9. Flagstaff Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By lisa1984871 - Bendigo, Australia
Lovely walk from Russell and the hills got my muscles attention! Walk along foreshore at low tide or use the detour at high tide. Scenic tropical forest with fabulous 360 views from the top. Definitely worth the effort.
10. Cottle Hill Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By travelavecmonamour - Auckland, New Zealand
If you are in the area don’t pass this place by. If you prefer the personal touch and don’t like too many people around this is the place. This was our favourite venue. No food here but we had wine tasting by the owner who entertained while he poured. Very quietly funny he offered a great selection of wines with descriptions of the taste and how it was processed. I don’t drink and the host kindly offered water and we were invited to sit outside and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst we drank. It’s a little spot of paradise and we were all so glad we found it. Highly recommend. The wine must be good too. We left with 4 bottles!
