Top Things to do in Bay of Islands
Top 8 Historic Sites in Bay of Islands, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand including KeriKeri New Zealand, Kororipo Heritage Park, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Pompallier Mission and Printery, The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, Flagstaff Hill, Akeake Historic Reserve Track, Rangihoua Heritage Park.
Restaurants in Bay of Islands
1. 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.
2. Kororipo Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By DRMB - Bellara, Australia
Well sign posted and easy walks around some of the most historic areas of NZ. Interesting to long down on the Maori Pa and speculate on its fortifications and history. Hone Heke semis to have been no angel trading with the English to buy muskets to raid tribes to the south to take slaves to grow potatoes to trade to the English etc. hmmm.
3. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,127 reviews
Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of the place where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped. An absolute must-do for all visitors to New Zealand, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a national treasure and tells our nation’s history of two peoples coming together under the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Enjoy an interactive full day experience in the two contemporary museums, powerful Māori cultural performances in the carved Māori Meeting House, insightful guided tours, lush native forest and gardens, art gallery and carving studio, traditional Māori waka (canoe), café and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Hāngi and concert evenings are scheduled during the summer months – an intimate cultural experience not to be missed. The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.
Reviewed By caitylouhall99
I really enjoyed my visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds last weekend, as it gave me so much new insight not only into local Māori culture and history, but also the importance of modern New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, and its ongoing significance today. I chose to do a “full package” at the Treaty Grounds, with a Day Pass to explore the beautiful grounds during opening hours followed by a Hāngī and Cultural Show at dusk. I first went on a guided tour of the grounds, which was a great introduction not only to the space but the historical lead-up to the drafting and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It was good that our guide didn’t shy away from some of the tough political questions asked about the Treaty or the ongoing controversies connected to it. I then visited the museum, which was beautifully presented and very well laid out. This was followed by the hāngī which, while obviously modified for tourists, was still an enjoyable introduction to an important part of Māori culture. The cultural show in the traditional meeting house was very moving and professionally presented by talented performers - it was an excellent, entertaining addition to an already very informative day (and I was particularly fascinated to learn that traditional Māori culture had always had a strong focus, even in song and dance, on the “realm of gardening”!).
4. Pompallier Mission and Printery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 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 tanning and book-making as it was done by courageous pioneers living in this tiny outpost, over 170 years ago. Delight in our award winning heritage gardens, take in the wonderful views across the Bay and browse our Heritage Store for a unique reminder of a special place. Relax in our French Coffee House and enjoy the best coffee and views in the Bay! Covid19: We have increased hygiene protocols, hand sanitiser available, smaller tour group numbers, and contact tracing on site for all guests.
Reviewed By otawa
You get a guided tour around historic Pompalier House. I had no idea how difficult it was to tan leather and make a book 150 years ago. I learned why books used to be so prized. There is a super little french style cafe for after the tour as well.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Akeake Historic Reserve Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
8. 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
