Experiences and Activities

We offer you advice on booking your restaurants, explorations and trips to give you holiday memories to cherish.

We can help plan your day trips with you to maximise your stay in the Bay of Islands and the Far North. We have suggested day trips which can be tailored to suit your personal needs. Whether it’s adventure, sightseeing or just relaxing here are a number of ways you can make your stay in the Bay of Islands a memorable one.

Sightseeing

Kerikeri, in the wonderful Bay of Islands, is one of New Zealand’s leading holiday destinations with stunningly beautiful scenery. There’s so much to see and do, you truly are spoilt for choice.

You can begin with a scenic flight to Cape Reinga where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of exquisite coastline, scenic harbours and rural vistas. It really is a unique and wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular Bay of Islands. Or if you prefer you can take anyone of a number of tours and cruises to sites such as the famous Hole in the Rock. Take a dolphin cruise where you’ll sail past beautiful islands and the historic Cape Brett lighthouse before venturing through the Hole in the Rock. It’s reputed to be lucky if you get a drip from the Hole in the Rock. You can also take a tour to discover the Hokianga, visiting the 2.8 million year old Wairere boulders and the Waipoua Forest.

There’s nature walks, gardens and a spectacular waterfall, Rainbow Falls all within easy travelling distance from Kerikeri.

Adventure

If you’re looking for an action-packed holiday, Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands is the perfect location for fun and adventure. Treghan is within easy travelling distance to a wide range of activities such as diving, sailing, kayaking, skydiving and parasailing to name a few.

If it’s a day on the ocean that you dream of there’s a wide range of sailing experiences to choose from. You can charter a boat for just one day, with a skipper to look after you or you can take a 3 day, 2 night cruise where all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy! If you prefer something a little more hands on, climb onboard The R Tucker Thompson and you get to help sail the boat.

The Bay of Islands offers world-class diving with a wide range of different sites and experiences to be had. Among these are our famous wreck dives including the 113 m long HMNZS Canterbury wreck and the Rainbow Warrior.

Or you can go horse trekking, cycle the rail trail or jump out of an aeroplane, the list goes on and on.

Arts and Crafts

In Kerikeri you’ll discover a thriving arts community with artists offering paintings, handmade jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, glass work, woodwork, fibre art and more.

Starting with Treghan’s gallery, The Little Black Gallery, located onsite, you’ll find original art, jewellery and ceramics from local and New Zealand designers and artists.

Or take a trip to Kerikeri’s Old Packhouse Market, open on Saturday morning from 8am till 1.30pm where you can see artisan crafts on display as well as a thriving farmers market with fresh produce.

Culture

In and around Kerikeri, you’ll find a number of number of significant heritage sites including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. While at the Treaty Grounds expand your knowledge about New Zealand culture with a guided tour starting at the Visitor Centre, and taking in Ngatokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe. And while you are there you can also enjoy a show by the resident performance group Te Pitowhenua, who provide you with a glimpse of New Zealand’s unique indigenous culture.

Or visit Rewa’s Village, a replica Maori Fishing Village which includes historical exhibition and indoor museum displays, picturesque gardens, a carved Waka and beautiful viewing points overlooking Kerikeri.

Take a Waka voyage and gain insight into ancient customs, traditions and rituals. As you help paddle the Waka (Maori War Canoe), you’ll hear histories and stories.

And there are many other important attractions to choose from including the Stone Store at Kerikeri, New Zealand’s oldest store, the Mission House and the Russell Museum.

Sport

If fishing is your passion, the Bay of Island boasts world-class fishing adventure including live baiting for Yellowtail Kingfish and other species including Snapper, Marlin and Trevally. You’ll be in good hands with experienced skippers who can provide for both experienced and novice anglers. Or for those who want river fishing, there’s also lovely spots to choose from.

For the golf enthusiasts, you can take your pick from a number of impressive golf courses including Kauri Cliffs, Carrington and the Bay of Islands Golf course. Or you could take the Twin Coast discovery touring route where you’ll find great golf courses, some offering stunning coastal views.

Chilling

Leave the hustle and bustle behind, get away and relax in Kerikeri, a tranquil haven in a beautiful rural setting. Begin with a therapeutic massage, a total relaxation massage or deep tissue massage. Perhaps you’d prefer an aromatherapy massage or a hot stone massage…you get to choose. Or you can select from a range of beauty treatments including facials, luxury manicures and pedicures. There are also a number of spa packages where you can indulge yourself for a day, or a few hours…it’s entirely up to you.

Indulge yourself with a visit to a chocolate factory where you’ll get to watch delicious confections being made and taste a few as well!

Or, take some time out to visit the local wineries, with some six or so wineries located in and around Kerikeri alone. On a wine tour you often get a chance to meet the people involved in making the wines as well as tasting the wines they produce.

And when you want to relax at the end of the day and enjoy a fine dining experience there’s a number or places to choose from, including an award winning restaurant as well as restaurants at some of the local wineries.