A 3 to 4 hour drive from Auckland in the north-east of the North Island, the Bay of Islands is a stunningly beautiful stretch of sand and rock coastline that circles a sea pierced with 150 islands. The area includes the settlements of Paihia, Russell, Opua, Waitangi and Kerikeri.

There are several wonderful boutique retreats and beach houses - in our opinion, this is the perfect place to stay at the beginning of a holiday in New Zealand - to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in the blue/green world of islands and beaches.

Swimming with dolphins is a 'must' for nature lovers in the Bay of Islands. We also highly recommend walking the Cape Brett Peninsula.

Wilderness Retreats (1)

	Bay of Islands Lodge Set in private native bush overlooking the Veronica Channel between Paihia and Russell, this two-level, cedar-clad lodge provides stylish accommodation for up to eight guests. Fresh and uncluttered, the spacious guestro...
		FROM £88 pppn

North Island Beach Houses (6)

	Cavalli Beach House The Cavalli Beach House Retreat is a fabulous "absolute beachfront" 5 star property at Mahinepua - 45 minutes north of Kerikeri in the Far North (approx 4 hour drive from Auckland). Comprising of three guest suites with ...
		FROM £162 pppn

	Cloud 9, Russell Spectacularly located on a bush-clad hillside above the quaint village of Russell in the Bay of Islands, this cool and contemporary beach house enjoys awe-inspiring views across the Pacific Ocean and down to Long Beach ...
		FROM £75 pppn

	Crows Nest Villas, Opua Perched on a cliff high above the port of Opua in the Bay of Islands, Crows Nest Villas enjoy a birds-eye view of this international yacht haven and the port activities below. Known as �Crows Nest�, these two very private and ...
		FROM £57 pppn

	Eagles Nest, Russell Nestled on a private peninsula just minutes from Russell in the Bay of Islands, this secluded retreat comprises five truly unique, self-contained villas, each boasting stylish, contemporary accommodation with eclectic but casu...
		FROM £150 pppn

	Pawhaoa Bay Lodge & Villas, Whangaruru Pawhaoa Bay Lodge is Northland's best kept secret. This 5 star hosted lodge and two uniquely designed one-bedroom villas are well �off the beaten track� , situated on the waters edge of the beautiful Whangaruru Harb...
		FROM £100 pppn

	The Boathouse, Opua Imagine sitting on your sundeck enjoying breakfast, the sea beneath you, a small yacht sailing past and the car ferry setting off. This is the scene at The Boathouse – the Bay of Islands’ only overwater accommodati...
		FROM £38 pppn

Magical Islands (1)

	Cavalli Island Retreat & Spa Hidden away in the faraway waters of New Zealand’s Cavalli archipelago (a short helicopter or luxury launch transfer from Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands), Motukawaiiti Island is home to one of the world’s most excl...
		FROM £2025 pppn

Holiday Ideas (2)

	Cape Reinga Fly & Drive Tour, Northland Departing from Paihia in the Bay of Islands, this unique half day trip is a fabulous way to experience New Zealand’s Far North. The day begins with a 45 minute scenic fixed-wing flight to Cape Reinga over Northland&rsquo...
		£146 (1 days)

	Sailing and Swimming with Dolphins, Bay of Islands Enjoy a leisurely day in the Bay of Islands aboard the 50ft spacious sailing catamaran, ‘Carino NZ’ –the only yacht in New Zealand licensed to swim with dolphins. A fabulous day’s sailing for both exper...
		£35 (1 days)

Honeymoon Destinations

Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga Fly & Drive Tour, Northland

Sailing and Swimming with Dolphins, Bay of Islands