Bay of Islands Hotels
Blessed Bay Of Islands
One of the top tourist draw cards in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands near the tip of the North Island has an undeniable allure with its turquoise waters and lingering sunshine. Although best experienced atop (or beneath) the water, the Bay of Islands is bursting with cultural and historical significance that will keep you fascinated until your reluctant journey home.
What better way to explore the lush waters around the Bay of Islands than by sailing on a tall ship – the R. Tucker Thompson, for example? Check out a fantastic replica of what a traditional Maori fishing village would have looked like in Rewa’s Village, or just soak up some of New Zealand’s colonial history at the Russell Museum.
BAY OF ISLANDS’ TOP 10| 10. Cottle Hill Winery Sip your way through some of the finest wines in NZ, and pick up a bottle (or three) for the rest of your trip. | 5. St Paul’s Church Built from Kawakawa stone, the definite highlight of this church is the spectacularly vibrant stained-glass windows. |
| 9. Haruru Falls Wonderful by day, but even better at night. Sit on the boardwalk and watch the beautiful falls light up. | 4. Waitangi Treaty Grounds The birthplace of modern New Zealand. Feel the history in the place where peace was agreed between the British and the Maori. |
| 8. Entrance Gallery This gallery in Russell has shown work by local artists since the late 1980s. If you’re lucky, you may even pick up a bargain. | 3. Pompallier Originally built in 1842, this former printing press produced over 40,000 books in Maori. |
| 7. Bay of Islands Farmers Market Meander through these markets for some of the freshest produce the region has to offer. | 2. Christ Church No, not the city. This charming church in Russell is the oldest in the country – the musket holes from the Northland War and attached 19th century graveyard are both beautiful and haunting. |
| 6. Stone Store Although livestock is no longer an acceptable mode of currency, you can still browse around the oldest stone building in New Zealand. | 1. Hole in the Rock Take a speedboat out past the stunning coastline to a monumental rock formation protruding from the sea – if the conditions are good you can even zip straight through the hole in the middle! |
BAY OF ISLANDS EVENTS
Celebrate the founding of New Zealand with a day off in the sunshine for Waitangi Day in February.
For some sultry jazz, make sure you’re in the Bay of Islands in August for the Jazz and Blues Festival.
To try some of Russell’s most renowned delicacies, Kororāreka Oysters, don’t miss the annual (and delicious) Russell Oyster Festival in September.
To get away with gorging yourself on some of the finest local produce, make sure you’re in town for the Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival in October.
WHEN TO GO
- For the sun beating down on your face as you bake on the Bay, Christmas time is your best bet.
- Winter in the Bay of Islands is usually pretty mild, so conditions are still good for outdoor exploration.
- Autumn is an excellent middle ground, with not much rain and warm temps.
Visit our partner page Bay of Islands hotels by Hotel.com.au
GETTING AROUND
- The townships of Paihia and Russell are small and easily explored on foot.
- Taxis are available around the waterfront and are a good option for short journeys.
- The best way to get around is to hire a car and explore the beautiful region at your leisure.
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Tau Henare Drive Paihia Bay Of Islands 0247
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands shares sub-tropical parkland with one of New Zealand's greatest single visitor... More hotel details
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116 Marsden Road Paihia, Bay of Islands 0200
Experience the luxurious accommodation blended with a warm hospitality and unsurpassed service at the Paihia Beach Res... More hotel details
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 Stars- Overview
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104 Marsden Road Paihia Bay Of Islands 0200
Providing all the modern facilities and conveniences, this property is an ideal place for a wonderful and enjoyable va... More hotel details
Averill Court Motel Paihia
4 Stars- Overview
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62 Seaview Road Paihia Bay Of Islands 0200
Offering cosy accommodation and services, the Averill Court Motel Paihia invites both families as well as individual t... More hotel details
Cooks Lookout Motel Paihia
4 Stars- Overview
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9 Causeway Road Haruru Falls Paihia Bay of Islands 0247
Providing quality accommodation and friendly services for travellers in Paihia, Cooks Lookout Motel Paihia is close to... More hotel details
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100 Marsden Road Paihia Bay Of Islands 0210
A modern complex facing the sea, The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Boutique Collection offers discerning travellers lux... More hotel details
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10 Chapel Street Russell 0202
Number Of rooms: 15... More hotel details
Tanoa Paihia Hotel
3 Stars- Overview
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5 Joyces Road Paihia Bay Of Islands 0200
Enjoy your Bay of Islands holiday by choosing to stay in the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere of the Hotel Paihia... More hotel details
Aarangi Tui Motel Paihia
3.5 Stars- Overview
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16 Williams Road Paihia Bay of Islands 0200
Blending quality accommodation and friendly service, Aarangi Tui Motel Paihia is an ideal choice for guests visiting P... More hotel details
Alfa Boutique Motel
3.5 Stars- Overview
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76 Seaview Road Bay of Islands 0200
Placed in a picturesque setting and offering luxurious accommodation, the Alfa Boutique Motel is a perfect place to re... More hotel details
Other Recommended Hotels
| Allure Lodge Paihia | 3.5 Stars |
| Bay of Islands Sublime Apartments | 3.5 Stars |
| Bounty Inn Paihia | 3.5 Stars |
| Motel Russell Bay of Islands | 3.5 Stars |
| Base Bay Of Islands | 4 Stars |
| Bay Adventurer Apartments & Backpacker Resort Paihia | 4 Stars |
| Bay Sands Motel Paihia | 4 Stars |
| Baystay B&B Paihia | 4 Stars |
| Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bay of Islands | 4 Stars |
| Marlin Court Motel Bay of Islands | 4 Stars |
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