Bay of Islands

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Bay of Islands

Island

The Bay of Islands is a sheltered, island-studded natural harbour on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, famed for sailing, fishing and scenic boat trips. Travellers come for island hopping, historic sites and access to the Hole in the Rock.

Bay of Islands WhangāreiKaitaiaKerikeriPaihiaBay of Islands

Bay of Islands essentials

Address: Bay of Islands, Far North District, Northland Region, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands (Māori: Te Pēwhairangi) is an irregular 16 km-wide drowned-valley harbour containing about 144 islands, numerous peninsulas and inlets on the east coast of the Far North District. It sits roughly 60 km north-west of Whangārei and is part of the Northland coast known for sheltered waters and scenic bays.

The area has long Māori settlement history and was an early focus of European contact: Captain James Cook named the bay in 1769 and the region hosted the first permanent European settlements, missions and later whaling and sealing activity. Several towns and sites in the bay played key roles in New Zealand history, including the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Visiting the bay typically means a mix of boat-based activities and short land visits: island beaches and walking tracks, charter and scheduled cruises (including trips that pass Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock), plus small historic towns with mission houses and stone buildings. The sea conditions and many small anchorages make it a major sailing and recreational-fishing area, and the scenery ranges from wooded headlands to sheltered sandy coves.

  • Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett: Boat trips that go out of Paihia often include the Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island and views along the Cape Brett Peninsula.
  • Urupukapuka Island: A large island in the bay with walking trails, beaches and picnic spots popular for day trips and anchoring.
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Historic site where parts of the Treaty of Waitangi were signed and with heritage buildings and memorials within easy reach of Paihia.
  • Russell (Kororāreka): A small historic town with early European settlement buildings, galleries and a ferry link to Paihia.
  • Kerikeri mission sites: Kerikeri contains early colonial buildings such as the Mission House and the Stone Store that illustrate the region’s missionary and farming history.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bay of Islands#

The Bay of Islands has mild maritime weather year-round; summers are warm and drier while the middle of the year (southern winter) is cooler and wetter.

Summer (best for sailing and trips)
December - February · 15°C - 22°C (59°F - 72°F)
Warm, generally drier conditions make summer the busiest time for boat trips, swimming and sailing; expect the highest visitor numbers.
Shoulder seasons (comfortable, fewer crowds)
March - May and September - November · 11°C - 21°C (52°F - 70°F)
Autumn and spring offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds and good sailing days, making these months attractive for island visits and walking.
Winter (quiet, wetter)
June - August · 10°C - 15°C (50°F - 59°F)
Winter brings cooler temperatures and higher rainfall; it can still be a pleasant time to visit if you prefer fewer visitors, but boat schedules may be reduced.

Weather & Climate near Bay of Islands#

Climate

Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1396 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 16° - 22° 19° 90 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.1h
February Very Good 17° - 22° 19° 76 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.2h
March Good 16° - 21° 19° 111 mm partly cloudy 77% 5.1 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
April Good 14° - 19° 17° 94 mm partly cloudy 77% 5.1 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.1h
May Good 12° - 17° 15° 122 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.3 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.1h
June Acceptable 11° - 15° 13° 206 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.3 m/s 0.3 low 9.6h
July Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 165 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.7 m/s 0.3 low 9.9h
August Acceptable 10° - 15° 12° 154 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.8 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
September Good 11° - 16° 13° 116 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.7h
October Good 11° - 17° 14° 86 mm partly cloudy 78% 5.5 m/s 1.5 high 12.9h
November Good 13° - 18° 16° 87 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.8h
December Good 15° - 20° 17° 89 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bay of Islands#

The Bay of Islands area is served by several small towns; the two main gateways are Paihia for boat services and day trips, and Kerikeri which has regional shops and access to inland attractions. The city of Whangārei lies about 60 km to the south-east by road.

Kerikeri Airport (commonly called Bay of Islands Airport) handles regional flights from larger centers and is the nearest airport; from there, and from Whangārei or Auckland, the last stretch to bayside towns is usually by car, shuttle or taxi, and local boat operators and water taxis connect Paihia, Russell and the islands - check timetables and book popular crossings in advance.

Tips for Visiting Bay of Islands#

  • Boat trips and island services are weather-dependent; check the operator’s sailing conditions and cancellation policy on the day.
  • Book popular cruises, fishing charters and the Cream Trip-style island runs in high season ahead of time.
  • Bring sun protection and a light rain jacket as weather can change quickly on the coast.
  • If you plan to fish, check New Zealand recreational fishing rules and local guidance before you go.
  • Many islands have limited facilities so carry water, snacks and any essentials for day trips.