The Bay of Islands was how Captain Cook described the area two centuries ago, and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. The 140 islands are a haven for holiday makers who enjoy sea activities and the beauty of the uncrowded sub-tropical sandy beaches and native forests. It is also an area of considerable historical significance and is popular with craftspeople.

Major Towns in the Bay of Islands Region
Paihai Tourist centre for the Bay's activities, tours, cruises, motels, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc. all centrally located. Paihia is the main visitor centre for the Bay of Islands and is the starting point for many sightseeing cruises including the Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock cruise, boat hires, diving and swimming with the dolphins excursions. A popular day excursion is the Cape Reinga trip to the northernmost point of New Zealand and features an exhilarating drive along Ninety Mile Beach.
Paihia remained isolated until the second world war. A road via Opua opened Paihia to people who didn't have boats. It quickly established itself as the most popular seaside resort in the north. From it's hard earned beginning, Paihia is now the main centre for the Bay of Islands. Adventure activities, sightseeing, cafes, bars and accommodation are all here. Whether you want to jump out of the sky, dive under the ocean or explore the shore, Paihia can point you in the right direction.
Waitangi - Where the British and Maori signed the 1840 Treaty. Waitangi is within walking distance of Paihia, and it is here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, joining the Maori and British peoples together as a nation. The Treaty House is now a museum and is part of the Waitangi Reserve, along with a Maori meeting house and an impressive 120 feet (37 metre) 150-man canoe launched each Waitangi Day (February 6) - New Zealand's national day.
Gifted to the Nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, The Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds is a unique and fascinating insight into New Zealand's historic past. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed here in 1840 between the Maori Chiefs and British Crown, became the basis for life in New Zealand as we know it today. Visit the historic Treaty House, fully carved Maori Meeting House, Maori War Canoe and Exhibition. Experience the award winning Sound/Light display in the Meeting House, enjoy the magnificent park like grounds with their abundant native bird life, heritage trees and wonderful Bay views. Learn all about the signing of the Treaty and select from our range of quality souvenirs.
Russell - A historic site and the first capital of New Zealand. In 1830's whalers, rum and women, now tranquil and romantic. Russell is a town of very colourful history and was nicknamed the 'hell-hole of the Pacific' due to the antics of the early whalers and traders. Many of the buildings from this area have been retained and are worth visiting. Russell is only a 20 minute ferry ride from Paihia. Russell was never a planned European settlement. It offered fresh food, water and a safe anchorage in the bay. By the late 1830's commerce was well established. Rum and women were top priority for visiting sailors, who had often spent months at sea. Fights, abduction, murder and no law enforcement made it a fearful place. It's reputation strengthened by such names as "The devil's playground" and "The Hell Hole of the Pacific".
Yet Kororareka (as it was called then) had hopes of becoming New Zealand's capital. But in 1840, the British made Okiato (then called Russell) the first capital. A year later, the capital moved to Auckland. In 1844 official note declared "that Kororareka be henceforth included within the township of Russell and be officially designated by the said name of Russell".
Kerikeri - Largest town commercial and business centre, Fruits & produce, arts and crafts, historic basin. A charming place to live. Kerikeri is a picturesque inlet on the northern extremity of the Bay, set amidst citrus and kiwifruit orchards. The district also bears some important historical buildings and has several craft galleries. Kerikeri is noted for its arts and crafts and has an Art &Craft Trail to add further interest to your stay.
The town has excellent sporting facilities, a championship golf course, all-weather tennis court, a yacht club and numerous intimate restaurants and cafes. A wide variety of accommodation styles ensure your stay is comfortable and today's Kerikeri is the bustling business and commerce centre of the Bay of Islands. An extensive array of shops and services, including the only cinema in the area, will cater for all your requirements. Kerikeri is where New Zealand bicultural society began and its beautiful scenery, charm and historic basin will entice you.
Opua - Recreational port and gateway to the Bay of Islands. Where two rivers meet and the bay stretches northward to the sea. What a view! The gateway to the Bay of Islands. Located where the Kawakawa River and Waikeri River meet with the Bay stretching out Northward to the sea. You can see the passenger ferry 5 km down the bay going between Paihia and Russell.Waitangi is just beyond Paihia and the entrance to the Kerikeri River is viewed near the North end of the bay.
Here is where the overseas yachts first arrive in New Zealand after making their South Pacific Ocean crossing. The charter sailboats are based here that cruise through the bay. The Tucker Thompson a top sail schooner and other cruise boats start out on there daily excursions from the Opua Port. During the Year a few cruise ships visit this hide away port. The car ferry takes vehicles across the port to Okiato and the road to Russell. The Coastal Walking Path starts in Opua the Harrison Scenic Reserve (rain forest) is a twenty minute walk and the scenic trip to Paihia takes three Hours. (a 5 km trip by road, 10 minutes by car)
The community of Opua is small and centered around its international recreational Port, Marina and the Wharf (fishing is permitted). There are three charter boat companies and several independent operators. There is a good restaurant and take-a-way, small convenience store , Port operations office and the Post Office is small, friendly and efficient. There is a small boat launching ramp and a dingy dock. There are two boat yards, sail repair, engine shop and other supporting services making Opua a surprisingly good place to work on your boat. Yacht moorings are available for short or long term rental. The Opua Cruising Club is a local center of social activity in this provincial community. A new 240 berth marina provides dockage for local and overseas vessels.