12 Favourite Places to Explore in the Bay of Islands

Walks and Nature

Rainbow Falls and the Kerikeri River Walk

Just a few minutes from Treghan Lodge, Rainbow Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northland. The viewing platforms offer wonderful perspectives of the falls, and the surrounding bush is peaceful and lush.

From here you can also follow sections of the Kerikeri River Track, a lovely riverside walk that connects Rainbow Falls with the historic Kerikeri Basin.

Manginangina Kauri Walk

A short drive inland brings you to the Manginangina Kauri Walk, where a simple boardwalk winds through a forest of magnificent ancient kauri trees.

These giants are hundreds of years old and create a truly special atmosphere beneath the canopy.

Culture and Heritage

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites. It is here that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840.

Visitors can explore the museum, historic buildings, carved meeting house and the world’s largest ceremonial waka while learning about the history of Aotearoa.

Kerikeri Basin – Stone Store, Kemp House and Te Ahurea

The Kerikeri Basin is one of the most historic locations in the country. The Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building, stands beside Kemp House, the country’s oldest European house.

Nearby, Te Ahurea offers insight into Māori history and culture with exhibitions overlooking the Kerikeri inlet.

Vineyards and Long Lunches

Marsden Estate

Marsden Estate is one of the most popular vineyards in the Kerikeri area and a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed long lunch among the vines.  The restaurant looks out across the vineyard and surrounding countryside, creating a beautiful setting for tasting Northland wines.

Sovrano Estate

Sovrano Estate offers a charming vineyard setting with views across the surrounding countryside and a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying Northland wines.

Omata Estate

Omata Estate sits on the scenic road between Opua and Russell and offers a lovely vineyard setting overlooking the surrounding countryside and harbour. It’s an enjoyable stop when visiting Russell or exploring the eastern side of the Bay of Islands.

Markets

Old Packhouse Market

Kerikeri is well known for its vibrant local markets, where growers, food producers and artisans gather each week. The Old Packhouse Market runs across both Saturday and Sunday, with Saturdays focused more strongly on fresh produce and local growers, while Sundays have a slightly more relaxed feel with a mix of artisan stalls, food and crafts.

The Bay of Islands Farmers Market is held in the centre of Kerikeri on Sunday mornings and is another excellent place to discover seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan foods and locally made products. Both markets are well worth visiting and offer a wonderful sense of the region’s local flavour.

Cruising the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is perhaps best experienced from the water. With its 144 islands, sheltered bays and beautiful coastline, there are many ways to explore. Some guests enjoy a relaxed sightseeing cruise around the islands, while others choose a private charter to experience the Bay in greater comfort.

Luxury catamarans and sailing yachts can be arranged, or you may prefer to hire a yacht for a day and explore at your own pace. Whichever option you choose, being out on the water offers a completely different perspective of this remarkable part of Northland.

Golf in the Bay of Islands and Far North

The Bay of Islands and Far North offer several excellent golf courses, making the region a wonderful destination for golfers.

The Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri provides a relaxed and scenic course surrounded by native bush, while the Waitangi Golf Club sits beside the Treaty Grounds with views across the bay.

For those seeking world-class golf, Kauri Cliffs near Matauri Bay is internationally recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest courses, dramatically positioned above the Pacific Ocean. Further north, the Carrington Golf Course on the Karikari Peninsula offers a spectacular coastal layout, while the Whangaroa Golf Club provides a more traditional course set in beautiful rural surroundings.

Together these courses provide a memorable range of golfing experiences within easy reach of Kerikeri.

Easy Day Trips

Russell via the Opua Ferry

A short drive to Opua followed by the car ferry across the harbour brings you to the historic town of Russell, once the first capital of New Zealand.

Mangonui and Coopers Beach

About forty minutes north of Kerikeri lies the charming seaside settlement of Mangonui, known for its historic waterfront cafés. Nearby Coopers Beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand.

Hokianga Harbour and Waipoua Forest

To the west lies the dramatic Hokianga Harbour and the Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest known kauri tree in New Zealand.

A Couple of Extras

Kerikeri Gelato

A stroll around Kerikeri village often ends with a stop for gelato. Kerikeri Gelato is well known locally for its delicious small-batch gelato and sorbet, made using fresh ingredients and seasonal flavours. It’s a simple pleasure and a favourite treat after exploring the town or visiting the nearby markets.

Blue River Orchard

Just a short drive from Kerikeri, Blue River Orchard offers a wonderful chance to taste fresh Northland produce directly from the source. Depending on the season you may find citrus, avocados, berries and other fruit grown in the region’s warm subtropical climate.

The Parrot Place

The Parrot Place in Kerikeri is a colourful and entertaining stop where visitors can see a wide range of parrots and exotic birds from around the world. Set in a subtropical garden, it’s a fun and unusual experience for both adults and families.

A Peaceful Base in Kerikeri

Treghan Lodge offers private guesthouses set among peaceful gardens just minutes from Kerikeri and within easy reach of the many experiences the Bay of Islands is known for.