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City guide

Bay of Islands, NZ

The Bay of Islands is an area on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing ever since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s.

Type City

Why go

  • Area in the Far North District, New Zealand.
  • Served by Pouerua Airstrip.

History

The Bay of Islands is an area on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing ever since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. It is 60 km (37 mi) north-west of the city of Whangārei. Cape Reinga, at the northern tip of the country, is about 210 km (130 mi) by road further to the north-west.

Airports

Kerikeri Airport (KKE) 14 km to the centre
Kerikeri, NTL, NZ — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 1 airline (Air New Zealand) · direct flights to 1 destination incl. Auckland (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 1 direct destination
  • Air New Zealand NZ (BEH, Dash 8-300) · 1 route: Auckland*

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Kaikohe Airport (KKO) 30 km to the centre
Kaikohe, NTL, NZ — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Te Kene Airstrip 11 km to the centre
Pakaraka, NTL, NZ
Outdoor
Pouerua Airstrip 16 km to the centre
Pakaraka, NTL, NZ
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Paihia Wharf
Ferry terminal · 2.8 km from the centre · FNDC
Outdoor
Russell Wharf
Ferry terminal · 5 km from the centre · FNDC
Outdoor
Okiato Ferry Ramp
Ferry terminal · 6.2 km from the centre
Outdoor
Opua Ferry Ramp
Ferry terminal · 6.9 km from the centre
Outdoor
Otehei bay wharf
Ferry terminal · 16 km from the centre
Outdoor
Paihia - Russell Passenger Ferry
Ferry route
Outdoor
Opua - Okiato Vehicular Ferry
Ferry route · Far North District Council
Outdoor
Opua - Waikare Water Taxi
Ferry route
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
October – March

The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.

Shoulder season
April – May, September

Milder and quieter, with better value.

Worth avoiding
June – August

The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Pouerua Airstrip; 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 5 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Paihia Wharf, 2.8 km); routes include Paihia - Russell Passenger Ferry, Opua - Okiato Vehicular Ferry, Opua - Waikare Water Taxi.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Bay of Islands, NZ. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing
Sightseeing