Bay of Islands Activities

Farm animals, native wildlife, treks in the bush and action parks are just a few of the attractions for children around the Bay of Islands. Parents will find much to choose from that will appeal to adults as well. Families can enjoy the adventure of four-wheel drive exploration as well as the ‘Lion Man’ show at the Zion Wildlife Gardens.

Dune Rider Four-wheel Drive Tours
A fun adventure for the family can be a day spent exploring the attractions of the scenic New Zealand Northland. Personal four-wheel drive tours can be arranged that last for a full day. You can head out to Cape Reinga by way of 90 Mile Beach, or choose a VIP tour of Paihia and Russell and other attractions around the Bay of Islands and Northland. Phone: +64 9 402 8688.

Millennium Nocturnal Park
This is the perfect place for youngsters to observe nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. A highlight of the nocturnal house is the specially-designed cave that features an intriguing display of glow worms and weta. Activities that the kids will enjoy here include archery and feeding eels. Parents might enjoy a bit of relaxation in the café that overlooks the lake. The park is located near Kaitaia. Phone: +64 9 408 4100. Website: www.millennium1st.com.

Northland Ostrich and Emu Farm
Just off the state highway, outside of Waiharara, you’ll find this unusual farm that specialises in raising emus and ostriches. Guided tours of the facility are available and depending on the time of year, you may be able to watch chicks hatch. There’s a shop onsite that sells ostrich meat, emu oil products, feathers and leather goods. Phone: +64 9 406 8807.

Rangemore Llamas
There are more than 40 friendly and gentle llamas here that will easily keep children engaged for an entire afternoon. Guided tours of the farm are conducted and you’ll learn more about the habits of llamas and how to care for them from the staff that are directly responsible for them. You can bring you own lunch and enjoy a picnic on the grounds amid the beautiful surroundings of Rangemore Llama Farm, which is not far from Waipapa. Phone: +64 9 407 7107; website: www.llamas.co.nz.

Waiora Valley Action World
This park is home to the Northland’s most popular ride, known as the extreme slide. Located in Paihia, the fun park is operated by ex-trapeze artists who ensure that enjoyment is combined with safety. Visitors can try bungee jumping, high wire, the jousting bridge, swings, trampolines and trapezes. There’s also mini golf and roller racing on offer. Both children and adults will have fun here. Phone: +64 9 402 6055; website: www.actionworld.co.nz.

Zion Wildlife Gardens
The animal stars of the television show The Lion Man live at Zion Wildlife Gardens in Whangarei. The gardens are open to the public, with several guided tours on offer. You can even walk with tigers and meet their cubs. All the cats here are rare, and most are no longer found in the wild. Phone: +64 9 435 0110; website: www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz.

Museums, galleries, cultural shows, historical re-enactments and heritage trails are all part of the cultural activities on offer in the Bay of Islands area. The signing of the Waitangi Treaty, recognising Maori ownership of land, was a pivotal event of the area and this event features at several of the cultural attractions here.

Culture North's Night Show
This show is a re-enactment of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty and is held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. There’s a fascinating sound and light show, Maori cultural show and a live drama telling the story of the first Maori chief who discovered New Zealand. The re-enactment features the meeting of Maori and European cultures and the signing of the document that established New Zealand.

Kawakawa Memorial Library Centre
The museum is housed in the Kawakawa Memorial Library, and features permanent exhibits on the area’s coal mining past, well-documented with historical photographs. Other permanent exhibits onsite relate to the area’s engineering, military and printing past, and include a collection of vintage motorcycles.

Northland Wine Trail
The Northland has a rich history of wine-making, with the area’s first vines having been planted in Kerikeri by Samuel Marsden. The first wine from these vines was made by James Busby. Although it was more than 100 years before the area became known for its wine-making, this expanding industry now produces a variety of wines noted for their distinctive fruity or spicy flavours. When you’re touring the area you can enjoy a tasting the wines produced here as well as the regional foods at an array of quaint cafés and restaurants.

Russell Museum
The subject matter of this museum is the history of the development of Russell, or Kororareka as it’s known in Maori, from a small fishing village to the region’s centre of tourism and busy port of call for cruise ships. Highlights of the museum’s collections include a one-fifth scale model of the Endeavour (Captain Cook's famous ship), a small Maori ‘waka’ (or canoe) and several mementos of Zane Grey (the well-known US novelist and game fisherman). The museum shop offers a good selection of books on the Northland, and unique gifts and souvenirs.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Overlooking the Bay of Islands, the treaty grounds are a popular attraction for visitors and constitute New Zealand's most important historic site. The site is central to the nation’s history and remains a place that has a special draw for all New Zealanders. On 6 February 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here between representatives of the British Crown and the Maori. At the site are a number of displays and activities that celebrate New Zealand culture.

Waka Taiamai Heritage Journeys
The Ngapuhi tribe is the country’s largest group of Maori, and Waka Tai-a-mai Heritage Journeys is owned and operated by a family from this tribe. This heritage tour is world-renowned, and is one of the Northland’s top cultural experiences. You’ll take in numerous sites of cultural significance that blend history with scenic landscapes. It’s possible to join a tour most any time of year which will take you along the estuaries of the Waitangi River, onboard a 50ft traditional Maori ‘waka’ (canoe).

Most dining options in the Bay of Islands area are found in the principal towns of Kerikeri, Paihia and Russell. There’s plenty of fish and seafood caught in the waters of the Northland, and menus reflect this. Fish and chips enjoyed at the beach, and lunch at a local winery, are just two of the tempting options available here. You’ll find an array of good bars, cafés and restaurants in the popular tourist areas.

Anyone who enjoys fine wines can sample the area’s offerings and then dine at the Cottle Hill or Marsden Estate wineries in Kerikeri, or at the Omata Estate in Russell. In addition to wine, Kerikeri is gaining recognition for the quality of cheese and chocolate it produces, as well as for its avocado oil. You can easily spend a half-day tasting the local wines, cheese and chocolates without venturing farther than the stretch of main road that enters Kerikeri.

Paihia and Kerikeri are popular shopping destinations for visitors in search of souvenirs, local art and handicrafts. Kerikeri shops feature glass and leather items, paintings, regionally-crafted pottery and items created from local timber. Wine enthusiasts can stock up on fine wines after touring and tasting at a number of the area’s wineries. International shipping can be arranged when making purchases.

specialty shop known as the Cabbage Tree carries one of the widest ranges of locally-produced merchandise. Among the items featured are bowls and boxes made from ancient kauri wood, jade carvings, hand-blown glass, jewellery, possum and merino wool accessories and outerwear, and some fine examples of local art. You’ll find that most souvenirs, gift and handicraft items found at regional shops are of high quality.

The Bay of Islands attracts visitors from around the world to its waters for fishing, kayaking and sailing, and to its lovely towns and wine-producing estates scattered around the mainland. There’s bush walking and trekking on horseback for the adventurous, and skydiving for thrill-seekers. Golf is also a popular activity here and the Waitangi course draws numerous golfers to the area.

Bush Walking
You can discover waterfalls on a pleasant trek through the native bush outside the town of Paihia. Kerikeri and Rainbow falls can be reached by following a short track off Waipapa road. Another option is a trek to the unusual horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls, located just over two miles west of Paihia.

Fishing
Fishing has always been a popular activity here, but was made world-famous by the US author and sportsman Zane Grey. The ocean waters here are renowned for their trophy fish. The range of species to target here includes kingfish, marlin and snapper. Trips of varying durations on a variety of vessels can be organised including half-day, full-day and overnight excursions.

Golf
Golf attracts a lot of visitors to New Zealand. The Waitangi course is well-respected and provides a challenge to golfers in a setting that features panoramic sea and island views over the Bay of Islands. From parts of the course you’ll also have views over the towns of Russell, Waitangi and Opua as well as views of the bush and forest over Puketona and Mount Bledisloe. From the 10th through the 14th holes you’ll be shooting towards the lush greens set along the shore line. Website: www.waitangigolf.co.nz/.

Horse-back Trekking
This is an ideal place for trekking on horseback. The Bay of Islands provides a challenge for experienced riders and also instruction and guidance for novices. There are spectacular riding trails near the coast and farther inland where you can explore the forests and hill country, visit glow-worm caves and even take your horse for a swim.

Kayaking
You’ll find that there are almost unlimited kayaking opportunities in the region. A leisurely half-day itinerary will take you on a tour of the inner bay. You can choose to use either a kayak or a traditional Maori canoe known as a ‘waka.’ On your journey you’ll see mangrove forests and Haruru Falls. You can also gather shellfish, or stop at an island along the way. Part of the adventure involves learning about the eco-system and local culture of the area. For those of you looking for a longer adventure, overnight and multi-day trips combining camping and kayaking are on offer.

Skydiving
You’ll be sure to feel a rush when you free-fall for 45 seconds after jumping out of a plane at 12,000ft. To begin with, you’ll spend 20 minutes on a spectacularly-scenic flight to the drop zone. A local operator, NZ Skydive Bay of Islands, offers a skydiving package that doesn’t require training or experience. A short briefing is provided as you prepare to jump in tandem with an instructor.