Bay of Islands Scenic Highlights

Bay of Islands | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

With 150 islands, the Bay of Islands offers so much to see and discover. Explore the many islands, coves, inlets and beaches in the Bay of Islands.

Bay of Islands Scenic Highlights Overview

The Bay of Islands is a stunningly beautiful length of sand and rock coastline that circles a sea pierced by 150 islands. Explore one of the islands, dive wrecks at the bottom of the awesome ocean bottom, hike the giant kauri forests, or relax and enjoy the historical, local townships.

Local Towns

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Giant Kauri trees in Waipou Forest, Northland, New Zealand

Giant Kauri Trees in Waipou Forest
Northland
Photographer: Destination Northland
(info@northlandnz.com)

Less than 15 minutes drive from Waitangi and you're in Kerikeri. This fertile orchard town is also an artist's retreat with an arts and crafts trail as well as wineries, the magnificent 27 metres Rainbow Falls and nearby kauri forest, Puteki.

If Bay of Islands is a magnet for boaties, the town of Opua has the greatest pull with every kind of boat to be found in its safe harbour. This is the way you come to Bay of Islands by boat. And if you come by road, your gateway is Kawakawa.

Puketi and Omahuta Forests

The Puketi and Omahuta Forests are a diverse mixture of hardwoods, podocarps and kauri.

Both forests have Department of Conservation maintained walking tracks of varying difficulties and lengths, and each has its own spectacular attractions that truly get you into the heart of New Zealand flora and fauna. Free-walk or take a guide.

Cavalli Islands

Diving the Cavalli Islands, Northland
Photographer: Legend Photography
(www.andybelcher.com)

The Cavalli Islands are a special place. Whether you visit them by boat or view them from Matauri Bay, their beauty will enchant you.

The Cavallis are the final resting place of the Rainbow Warrior, which is one of the top dive sights in Northland now that the sea life and coral have taken hold. The coastal area nearby and islands themselves offer many secluded beautiful beaches—spend a day swimming, snorkelling, fishing or relaxing in this subtropical paradise.

» Information about Cavalli Islands

Motukawanui Island

At 354.5 hectares Motukawanui Island is the largest island in the Cavalli group, and also the only publicly owned island in the group.

Explore the varied terrain of the island and discover the many common coastal species as well as the endangered NZ dotterel, which breeds on the island. You may also see a Blue penguin or reef heron.

The island is a bird lover's paradise. Enjoy the calls of tui, grey warbler and kingfisher, and spot the white-faced heron, pukeko, morepork and banded rail.