Top Things to do in Bay of Islands
What to do and see in Bay of Islands, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand including Phantom Sailing, Blue River Orchard, Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands, Barefoot Sailing Adventures, Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals and Shuttles, Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, Bay of Islands Water Taxi, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia Harbour, The Parrot Place.
Restaurants in Bay of Islands
1. Phantom Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 558 reviews
A day out on Phantom gives you a chance to get away from the crowds. This is adventure, relaxation and scenic beauty all in one with the personal atmosphere created by your hosts, Rick and Robin. Swim, snorkel and hike the island then enjoy a great home cooked lunch amongst the beauty of the islands on this great owner- operator boat.
2. Blue River Orchard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
BlueRiver Orchard is a family run blueberry orchard just 8 kms out of Kerikeri township. We sell fresh blueberries, blueberry icecream and smoothies, jams,coffee and fresh baking 7 days a week from November till end of March.We are a takeaway business but you are welcome to sit in the garden of the orchard and finish your ice cream !At the beginning of our season sometime in November look out for the blueberry icecream signs on the roadsides around Waipapa or check us out on google maps and facebook for more details
Reviewed By mama2227 - Warkworth, New Zealand
Do not go past this delightful blueberry farm . Delicious fruit ice creams, home baking and coffee. Fresh blueberries to take home and also honey and olive oil for sale. Beautiful garden setting to sit out under shady trees and just relax for a while. Child friendly garden with large Connect 4,model tractor seating, sail boat and chicken coop. Very friendly and helpful staff.
3. Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 396 reviews
Small, personalised tours in the Bay of Islands. Cruise among 144 islands as we show you the highlights of the bay. 20 guests maximum, we cruise from Paihia to Roberton Island and the landing sight of Captain James Cook, where we take a walk to the island lookout point - not to be missed! After the short walk, beachside morning tea is served - Hot Chocolate, Tea, Coffee and biscuits, before cruising further into the islands. Our second island stop is a remote beach with sheltered waters, the perfect location to try Paddleboarding and snorkelling, take a short walk and explore the island, while learning about our marine environment and surrounding wildlife. Don't miss the experience, on a small, personalised and locally owned tour - join us on an Island Getaway Cruise today!
4. Barefoot Sailing Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 341 reviews
Sailing is a great way to explore the Bay of Islands. Join us for an Island Hopper Day Cruise, enjoy a 2hr island stopover with snorkeling, paddle boarding, bush walks, beach picnics . Or take a Sundowner Evening Cruise (Dec-March) for an evening sail in the inner area of the Bay of Islands, take a refreshing dip, enjoy the scenery as the day is coming to an end. Our boat, Kopiko, is a modern 33ft catamaran, the boat sits flat while sailing (no leaning over) which offers a comfortable sailing experience for everyone! With bean bags for lounging, or cushioned bench seating for relaxing. Have a go at sailing, or simply kick back, and relax, enjoy a day in the Bay of Islands with the Barefoot Crew. Max 16 passengers.
5. Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals and Shuttles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 652 reviews
Paihia Mountain Bikes is your one stop shop for everything for the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. We are based right onsite to these World Class Mountain Biking Trails, with a full bike hire service, shuttles uplift service, electric bikes and even a cafe! The Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is one of the best in New Zealand with almost 50km of professionally built trails catering from complete beginners to advanced riders, so something for everyone of all ages! Hire bikes include Full Suspension, Front Suspension, Kids bikes and even electric bikes!! Any questions, just let us know as we are happy to help.
6. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
A family-friendly mountain bike park located in Waitangi. Currently up to 50km of professionally built trails with many more planned for development. Trail grades range from Grade 2 (Beginners) to Grade 5 (Advanced) so something for all. Riders are encouraged to Register to Ride for either $10 a day, $40 (adults annual donation), $25 (kids annual donation). This registration donation goes straight back into trail building and track maintenance to keep the tracks awesome for you all. Many businesses in the Bay of Islands have volunteered incentives to encourage bike riders to donate in this way. Onsite, Paihia Mountain Bikes run the hire out high-quality Mountain Bikes (kids bikes, front suspension, full suspension and E-bikes) that are perfect for exploring the tracks, along with Uplift Shuttles within the park (shuttles run weekends and school holidays). There is also the Waitangi MTB Café that runs during the weekends serving smoothies, snacks and coffees.
Reviewed By tmrnz
Super helpful and relaxed staff. Amazing value. Extensive, enjoyable well maintained tracks for kids and novices. Beautiful location. Loved the coffee at the cafe, super friendly, and sure will see wider range and some healthy options on offer as this amazing community built park grows in popularity. Highly recommend. We’ll be back.
7. Bay of Islands Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
We specialize in Cape Brett walking track transfers, personalized tours throughout the Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock. Our Skipper is an owner in this world reknown attraction so are able to give you a very intimate historical and cultural experience in the Cathedral and through the Hole itself. Learn the spiritual significance of the area like no other tour operator can offer
8. 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”!).
9. 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.
10. 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
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