Fishing
The sheltered waters of Bay of Islands made this a world-class fishing destination with visitors hitting the water all year round. A day or night out fishing in the Bay of Islands is an experience not to be missed.

 

Open water diving
Go diving at a shipwreck, the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship that was bombed by secret French agents in 1985, exists as an artificial reef and is the most popular dive spot. The HMNZS Canterbury, a 113m frigate that was decommissioned in 2005, is another wreck and offers both beginner and advanced sections.

 

Kayaking and Paddleboarding | Featured on Map
Experience Bay of Island Kayaking and explore waterfall & Mangrove is a great way to take your time & explore more of the beauty found in the Waitangi River. Paddle through mangrove forests or photograph a colony of seabirds that nest in trees hanging over the river, then onto our final destination where a waterfall drops into the sea.

 

Kawiti Caves
The Kawiti Caves are a few kilometres south of Kawakawa; they’re also known as the WaiomioCaves. This cave system attracts many visitors with its bizarre karst features, stalactite formations and spectacular glow worm displays.

 

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Kauri Cliffs is a par 72 championship golf course with ocean views from 15 holes. Ranked in the world top 100. If you’re not a golfer, it might be time for more pampering at the Kauri Cliffs Spa. Enjoy a range of unique experiences by way of the finest holistic therapies and natural, indigenous products.

 

Scuba Diving and Snorkling
Scuba divers and snorkelers from all corners of the globe head to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve to get a closer glimpse of its remarkable archways, caves, tunnel systems and wide-ranging habitats and biodiversity. In fact, celebrated explorer Jacques Cousteau once claimed this is one of the best dives in the world – such is its appeal for those who revel in the underwater world.

 

The Stone Store and Kemp House
Visit New Zealand’s two oldest buildings, the Stone Store and Kemp House.

 

The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway runs from Kawakawa to Taumarere. A heritage steam railway run by volunteers, a round trip takes about 50 minutes, and what’s unique about it is that it runs down the actual main street of Kawakawa town.

 

Waipoua Forest
Visit Tane Mahuta, known as the Lord of the Forest, this majestic tree is a giant kauri tree that stands over 45 meters high and over 4,4 meters wide. The tree is estimated to be 2500 years old and is located in Waipoua Forest, 100 km west of Paihia.

 

Wine Trail
The Northland wine region is one of New Zealand’s oldest winegrowing regions and specialises in chardonnay, pinot gris and syrah varietals. Spend a day touring the picturesque vineyards of the Northland, enjoy the beautiful landscape and, of course, take time to savour and perhaps pick out a bottle or two of your favourite wines to enjoy after you leave this idyllic region.

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