Click HERE for a map of the Bay of Islands area

The towns of Opua, Waitangi, Mangonui, Kerikeri, Paihia, Kaeo, Russell and Tutukaka are within, or close to the area which makes up the Bay Of Islands

The Bay of Islands is the English name for this area in the north of the North Island and was named by Capt Cook when he visited in 1769.  It is an area of outstanding natural beauty located on the north-east coast of the North Island. As the name implies, the scenic value is provided by the many ocean inlets, islands and the surrounding coastline. It is similar to the South Island's Fiordlands, but there is no snow and the cliffs are not so high.

The area holds a premier place in New Zealands' colonial past, for it was at Waitangi on the 6th of February 1840, that the chiefs of the Maori nation signed a treaty with the British Crown, giving the Great Britain sole trading rights with New Zealand.  In exchange, the Maori people received the protection of the British Empire. On the site of the signing, there is now a Maori National Heritage Centre, which celebrates the Maori culture and the relationship with the European settlers, a must visit if you would like to understand the Maori nations' place in the New Zealand of today.

The drive from Auckland, up Highway 1 which tracks along the east side of the island, will take between 3 and 4 hours depending on where you elect to stay, and the traffic conditions.  If you elect to drive on your return, you must visit the Waipoua Forest, located on highway 12 which tracks down the west side of the island, where you will see the Giant Kauri Trees, especially the "Tane Mahuta" which is 167 feet high, has a trunk girth of 45 foot and is dated as being over 2000 years old.

The area is home to many arts and craft centres, ideal for those who are looking to acquire some local craft items to take home as a permanent remembrance of their visit.

If you do not want to self drive, the area is easily accessible by InterCity Coachlines, who offer daily scheduled services from Auckalnd, plus there are daily schedule flights with Air New Zealand from Auckland to Kerikeri.

The towns of Opua, Waitangi, Mangonui, Kerikeri, Paihia, Kaeo, Russell and Tutukaka are all very picturesque and have a range of accommodation to choose from, plus there are many great restaurants in the area, so it's a real gourmets paradise.  Any of these towns will be an ideal base from which too explore the greater area of the Bay of Islands and North to Cape Reinga.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES ARE CURRENTLY BEING CREATED, IF YOU NEED DETAILS AND PRICES FOR A PROPERTY NOT SHOWN AT THIS TIME PLEASE CALL OUR RESERVATIONS CENTRE