Outdoor Activities in The Bay of Islands, NZ

Explore the area, loads of activities

Activities In The Bay

Ashore and on the water there is plenty to keep you occupied. Sample the local wines, dine at a fine restaurant, hike an ancient kauri forest that is thousands of years old or relax soaking in natural thermal pools. A sample of the range of activities include:

Fishing

Made famous by American author and fisherman Zane Grey the area is renowned worldwide as a place to catch the big one. There are a wide range of fish species to target including marlin, kingfish and snapper.
Half, full day and multi day trips can be arranged to suit on a wide range of vessels.
Let us use our local knowledge to book your Big Game Fishing trip, just fill out your details on our contact form.

Diving

The Rainbow Warrior is a must see for any diver visiting New Zealand. The once Greenpeace flagship, sabotaged by the French in 1985 now lies in 15-20m of water at the stunning Cavalli Island group just north of the Bay. Vibrant in colour with jewel anemones and hosting a diverse range of sea life, a number of companies offer dive trips based out of the Bay.

Scenic Flights

The most spectacular views of the Bay of Islands and the Northland area are best seen from above. By far one of the most impressive flights you’ll ever do is Saltair’s Cape Reinga trip. The flight takes in both coasts and includes a 3 hours four wheel drive tour of the far north. Local Bay trips and charter flights are on offer for another unforgettable experience.

Kayak and Waka Tours

There are virtually unlimited options for kayaking in the Bay of Islands. You can take a leisurely half day tour of the inner bay by kayak or traditional style Maori Waka. Explore mangrove forests, visit Haruru Falls or stop by an island and gather shellfish. Learn about local culture, fascinating eco-systems and wildlife. For the more adventurous get out to the main islands for whole day and multi-day trips, including camping and coastal kayaking.

Skydiving

Feel the adrenaline rush as you free-fall at 200kph for 45sec after jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane from 12 000’. That’s after you’ve spent the previous 20 minutes enjoying a beautiful scenic flight up to the drop zone. The local company operates from there airfield only a few minutes from town and hard to surpass if skydiving is your thing.

Horse Riding

The Bay of Islands is the ideal area for horse trekking, whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or totally inexperienced you can be catered for. Some spectacular riding can be had locally or further inland where you get to explore hill country, forests, glow-worm caves and even take your mount for a swim.

Other Activities and Attractions

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell historic character town, Kerikeri with its Stone Store and rainbow falls, the beautiful beaches of Matauri and Taupo Bays, amazing Hokianga Harbour and the nearby Waipoua Kauri Forest. There are also parasailing, jetskiing, bushwalk and mountain biking tracks or you can just chill and relax on the beach or at a waterfront café and bar.

---