Luxury Bay of Islands
Tours made for you
Take to the water
swim, snorkel, kayak the nearby islands
Pohutukawa trees
red-flowered trees synonymous with New Zealand
Treaty of Waitangi
was drawn up and signed here in 1840
Inviting, subtropical climate and diverse marine life
Equally beautiful and historically significant, the bay is peppered with 144 vastly untouched islands that are renowned for their inviting clear waters, subtropical climate and diverse marine life.
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most popular travel spots, drawing locals and international visitors alike. The lure of the sea is impossible to ignore here, with virtually endless opportunities to explore the archipelago. Paddle through its turquoise inlets in a sea kayak, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, discover the underwater world on a diving excursion, embark on a sailing venture or head into the maritime playground to swim with dolphins and spot blue penguins, marlin and whales.
On land, take to the walking trails that weave through dappled verdant forests and past secluded beaches on Urupukapuka Island, or try to wrap your arms around the mighty trunk of the native kauri tree. For those who want to do very little at all, take your pick from some of the country’s best beaches that are fringed with New Zealand’s iconic, red-flowered pohutukawa trees.
Dotted around the islands are a cluster of seaside settlements, each with their own quintessential kiwi charm. From the peaceful Opua to the social hub of Paihia and the historic charm of Russell, they all offer a taste of classic New Zealand beach culture with low-key cafes, chatty locals and shop fronts that are reminiscent of the 50s. You’re sure to see the creative side of the community with local artworks on display in eateries throughout the region.
But the Bay of Islands is not just a coastal getaway, it has also played a significant role in the history of New Zealand, marking the spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was drawn up and signed in 1840. This agreement between the local Maori tribes and Europeans is still the cornerstone of race relations in the country today.
A visit to this archipelago serves up a rare concoction of exploration, restoration, culture and history, and without the crowds that typically flood a subtropical destination, it’s all the more alluring.
Highlights
Cruise around the beaches and bays on a boat tour
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a tour that explains this site’s history
Charter a catamaran for a private tour and swim, snorkel, kayak the nearby islands
Take a helicopter tour of Cape Reinga and the 90-mile beach
Enjoy a private tour of the Waipoua Forest with a Maori guide
Island hop between some of New Zealand’s best kept secret beaches, enjoying the best weather New Zealand has to offer at its northernmost point. Stop at Paihia and learn about the historic significance this stunning area had in bringing two peoples together as one.
Ellie Khoury
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the Bay of Islands
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Where to go
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest cosmopolitan centre is a lively mix of culture, cuisine, music and art with ample green spaces and easily accessible beaches.
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Coromandel
A classic Kiwi beach holiday destination made up of petite coastal towns, velvety white-sand beaches and native rainforests teeming with birdlife.
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Christchurch
Curious travellers will relish all the new eclectic hubs to discover in a city and region that is full of surprises, friendly locals and an inspirational community spirit.
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Dunedin and Coastal Otago
Dunedin is a university town and there is a good selection of lively restaurants and bars. It is also a great base from which to explore the Otago Peninsula with its rugged landscape, beautiful beaches and wildlife.
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Hawke's Bay
The North Island’s wine country is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains.
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Kaikoura
With the swelling Pacific Ocean on one side and the snowcapped Kaikoura Range on the other – Kaikoura is a quaint peninsula village that is a base for discovering some of New Zealand’s best wildlife.
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Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest peak, Aroaki Mount Cook, is an arresting sight dominating the skyline of the national park which surrounds it.
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Marlborough Sounds and Wine Region
Hop from vineyard to vineyard on the wine trail in this diverse, sun-drenched plateau and sample some of the country’s finest wines, most notably the internationally renowned Sauvignon Blanc.
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Nelson and Abel Tasman
New Zealand’s sunniest region has a diverse geography ripe for exploring from golden sand beaches to dense forests, the clearest fresh water lake in the world and secluded, enticing rivers.
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Queenstown and Wanaka
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns, sitting on the tip of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. It’s a bustling hub of international and local visitors come to seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping.
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Rotorua and Taupo
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit – one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand.
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Wellington
Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity – renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character.
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West Coast and the Glaciers
The narrow strip of coastline squeezed between the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea plays host to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscape, which is quite some claim.
Discover moreMeet your Australasia team
When to visit
You can enjoy the outdoors year-round. January and February see the best weather but this brings in larger crowds. Spring and autumn are good alternatives when the waters are still warm enough for activities such as snorkelling and kayaking.
June - September
On the cooler side
March - June, October - December
Being on the water
January - February
Warmer days
Bay of Islands travel guides
Plan your trip to the Bay of Islands
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Bay of Islands, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
