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Bay of Islands - Island Reserves
There are many Islands around the Bay of Islands that are reserves and are great for visiting. Some of the features include great swimming beaches and picnic spots, but you need to have access to a boat. Phone Russell Visitors Centre for more information 09 403 9005.
Kerikeri
Aroha Island Ecological Centre, Kurapari Road, Rangitane. Situated 12 km north-east of Kerikeri and linked to the mainland by a causeway. Follow the signs from the Waipapa and Landing Road roundabout just north of the historic Stone Store. Enjoy a walk around the island, swim and explore the coastline. Hours: for casual visitors Tue-Sun 9.30-5.30pm, closed Monday, for overnight visitors: open daily, check-out time 10.30am. Part-closed season - Aroha Island is closed to casual visitors from the second week of June to the end of August.
Kerikeri River
Walk starts from Rainbow Falls (see above) from the Recreational Reserve across the bridge from the Stone Store. This walk takes you to the Kerikeri basin and takes 1 hour one way. Here is a great spot to feed the ducks and picnic beside the river. There are also toilets. If you decide to go the other way there is also a picnic area and toilets at the waterfall end. Take your togs as you can swim here.
Koropiro Pa
Walk begins by Landings Restaurant opposite the Stone Store. This short walk is suitable for baby in buggy and takes 20 minutes return. Enjoy great views over the Kerikeri inlet.
Steamboat Cruise
All trips depart and return to the Stone Store Basin at Kerikeri. Relive the bygone days when steam driven vessels ruled the sea. Take our one hour heritage cruise on the SS Eliza Hobson or the SS Firefly on the tranquil waters of the Kerikeri Inlet. One hour return trip.
Rainbow Falls Walk
On Rainbow Falls Road off Waipapa Road. Park in the carpark. This very short walk is only 3 minutes long and has a viewing platform over the waterfall.
Rangemore Llama Farm
Cost: $5 adults $3 children.Shirley Road, Waipapa (minutes from Kerikeri) Large herd of gentle multi-coloured friendly llamas. Phone: 09 407 7107
Opito Bay & Akeake Historic Reserve
Located at the end of Opito Bay Rd, 15 minute drive east of Kerikeri, past the Kerikeri Cruising Club. Enjoy the great sea views over the Bay of Islands and bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach. Options for walks vary from about 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Opua bay
Tall Ship - Opua Wharf, Opua
R.Tucker Thompson provides an ideal way to see the Bay of Islands. Day sail includes morning cream tea, island stopover for lunch, and delicious BBQ cooked on board. There is plenty of opportunity to help set the sails, take the helm and climb the rigging - or simply relax and enjoy the day with a drink from our licensed bar. The ship is spacious and comfortable and the friendly crew makes it a personal experience which is often described as 'the best day of our holiday' by many visitors. Quite simply the nicest way to see the Bay. Phone: 09 402 8430
Paihia
Aquatic World, Marsden Rd. Aquatic World Aquarium where visitors can learn about the sea life common to the area.
Dolphin Cruises and Tours
Fullers Counter Maritime Building, Marsden Rd
Bay of Islands Coastal Watchdog
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It is a place of belonging and enjoyment that is central to the life of the nation and special to all New Zealanders.
It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. On the public holiday of 6th February each year, New Zealanders of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds gather to commemorate the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.see www.waitangi.net.nz
Bay of Islands dolphins
photographed by
Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto
Our dolphins stand out in study ...more |
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The Bay is the principal international and national visitor destination in Northland and is a base for excursions to other parts of the region. Visitors are well catered for with visitor centres, tracks, lookouts, walkways, museums, historic buildings and camping areas. Tourism concessions operate throughout the Bay with guided tours, and marine mammal watching being popular. Department of Conservation walks
Sports News Northland Golf Tours
On this ultimate marine adventure you'll get right up close to the dolphins. Watch their antics and get fantastic photos. The Bay has some of the warmest waters in NZ for swimming with dolphins. This cruise includes a free island visit, complimentary hot drink and showers at Otehei Bay after your swim. Wetsuits, masks and snorkelsprovided. Duration: 4 hours. Phone: 09 402 7421
Russell
Only a 20 minute ferry ride from Paihia, is a quiet township and has a place in history as NZ's first capital. It offers visitors accomodation and a variety of attractions. These include a number of historic buildings such as Christ Church (1836) which is the country's oldest surviving church, and Pompallier House; the country's oldest surviving industrial building.
Also the beach is great for walking along and exploring, it is a stony beach so lots of stones to 'stone skip' across the water.
Flagstaff Hill
Start walk at western end of Russell. A short walk suitable for buggy but steep to the top of the hill with views over Russell township and Waitangi. There is a sundial and the historic flagpole.
Matauwhi Bay amenity area
Adjacent to Russell Boating Club. Large grassy areas for just sitting and relaxing and enjoying a picnic.
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Bay of Islands Sailing Week - biggest yet
Sail World - 30 Jan 2006
This year 115 yachts competed...
Majestic sights glide around Bay
Northern Advocate The annual Tall Ships regatta organised ...
Reliving sailing history at the Bay of Islands Russell Radio
Council news Cruise liners
For more information contact the Bay of Islands Information Centre,
Maritime Building, Paihia. Ph +64 9 402 7345 Email: visitorinfo@fndc.govt.nz
or website admin peter@kerikeri.co.nz
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