Bay of Islands & Northland, New Zealand
A scenic 4-hour drive north of Auckland, or an easy 50-minute flight to the region’s airport in Kerikeri, the Bay of Islands is a region filled with hidden beaches, watersports galore and remote retreats. It’s also the home of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, signed in 1840. A visit to the Treaty Grounds is an essential part of any trip to this region.
With 144 subtropical islands dotted around this northern tip of the North Island, getting on the water is all part of the fun! From sailing adventures and kayaking to fishing and diving, there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline fix or a more sedate activity.
At the very top of Northland, watch the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean from Cape Reinga lighthouse, and travel there or back along 90 Mile Beach, or opt to travel by light aircraft for a dramatic bird’s eye view of the stunning coastline. Further south, come face to face with Tane Māhuta, an ancient kauri tree dating back over 2000 years, and learn about the powerful significance of this forest giant with a local Māori guide.
Suggested Itineraries for New Zealand
These example journeys will give you a starting point from which to plan your holiday to New Zealand. This collection of ideas includes our favourite combinations of hotels, regions and destinations. Every Turquoise itinerary is unique, so please treat these as inspiration and get in touch with our destination experts to create your bespoke journey and quote.
New Zealand and Fiji Ultimate Escape
11 nights from £8,445 per person
Wonderful New Zealand and sublime Fiji are the perfect match for a memorable holiday. Visit Waiheke Island, Queenstown…
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New Zealand's Beaches, Vineyards & Lakes
14 nights from £6,995 per person
From snow-capped mountains to deep blue lakes, from hidden beaches to lush green rainforests, with fabulous…
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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure
30 nights from £15,995 per person
This itinerary brings together some of the world's most iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey, taking you…
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New Zealand by Campervan
14 nights from £3,800 per person
Freedom on the Open Road. Campervans not only provide more protection from the elements than camping under canvas,…
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Perfect Pair - Tahiti and New Zealand
12 nights from £8,955 per person
Combine the buzz of the ski season in New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown, with overwater elegance in French…
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Luxury Australia – Sydney, Outback & Reef
16 nights from £16,495 per person
This Australia itinerary is one of the classics, it's tried and tested and showcases the very best highlights of this…
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Australia's Cities, Coast & Country
16 nights from £6,185 per person
A great combination of time in Sydney exploring the spectacular harbour, adventure in the Blue Mountains, Rugged…
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Australia Family Adventure – Outback to Islands
20 nights from £22,995 per family
A wonderfully stimulating family adventure through the vast wilderness of Australia’s north. Explore Kakadu and…
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Western Australia Wine, Wilderness & Reef
12 nights from £8,195 per person
Combine a few days exploring the cosmopolitan city of Perth, five days of R&R on the beach in Margaret River before…
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Where to Stay in Bay of Islands & Northland
The Bay of Islands and Northland offer some wonderfully individual places to stay, from waterfront retreats overlooking sheltered bays to intimate lodges tucked into the countryside. Choose somewhere close to the region’s historic towns or escape to a secluded coastal setting, with beautiful views and room to breathe. Whether you’re planning a romantic few nights or a longer adventure through New Zealand’s north, we’ll help you find a stay that feels every bit as special as the surroundings.
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 casually elegant interiors.
Bay of Islands & Northland highlights
Culture & History
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Discover the world’s largest ceremonial waka (canoe) and an intricately carved meeting house, offering a fascinating introduction to Māori heritage and New Zealand’s history.
Travel Inspiration
Best time to visit New Zealand
Being in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s weather is the opposite to that of the UK. Summer runs from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.
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19 Oct 20262 mins read
Honeymoons that combine adventure and relaxation
There's no denying that mixing both adventure and relaxation is a fantastic combination for a honeymoon. You have the thrills of exploring a country and getting under its skin, as well as unwinding on a beach to recharge your batteries …
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09 Jul 20203 mins read
Top destinations for solo travellers
Solo travelling is a fantastic way to experience new countries at your own pace and in your own way. Turquoise offer tailor made holidays perfect for you! Independent exploring has become more popular amongst travellers, giving yourself alone time and …
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17 Mar 20254 mins read
Five places which need plenty of planning
One silver lining of being limited in what we can do socially while the UK is effectively in lockdown is, for a lot of us, that we have a lot more time on our hands. While we can't travel anywhere …
James Bell
02 Apr 20204 mins read
The best road trip honeymoons
Let your mind wander for a moment: it's you and your loved one with the roof down, wind in your hair and smiles on your faces as you pass mesmerising scenery. A road trip with your new spouse is an …
Lizzie Heeley
15 Jul 20203 mins read
Turquoise Holidays' Alternative Olympics
From Tom Daley finally getting the gold medal he's been dreaming of to winning two gold medals in the modern pentathlon (one of the many events we suddenly become experts in every four years), we've loved watching the Tokyo Olympics …
Lizzie Heeley
09 Aug 20216 mins read
Where to go for your 50th birthday
James Bell, Managing Director of The Turquoise Holiday Company, shares his thoughts and wisdom for the best 50th birthday holiday ideas.
James Bell
10 Nov 20213 mins read
Celebrating 100 Years: Huka Lodge Reopens Following Renovation
We are thrilled to celebrate the centenary of New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge at Taupõ. Part of the esteemed Baillie Lodges collection, this ‘grand dame of luxury lodges’ emerges this month from a NZ$ 20 million redesign, welcoming a new …
Suzy Higgs
15 Apr 20252 mins read
Best Romantic Luxury Honeymoon Destinations for 2024/25
First of all many, many congratulations to those of you who are getting married and honeymooning in 2024. Although 2024 may be the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac, here at Turquoise we are predicting it is the …
Lizzie Heeley
22 Dec 20236 mins read
Why Choose Turquoise?
Family Owned & Run
We are one of the few remaining family owned and run operators of our size. We have direct relationships with every single destination, island, resort and hotel we work with, in order to deliver exceptional and truly personalised service.
Our Passion Runs Deep
We are - and always have been - mad about travel. For almost 25 years we've been scouring the globe for the best places to stay, the newest routes to take, the perfect people to meet. No-one will care more about your holiday.
Definition of Luxury
Luxury means something different to everyone. Whether you are seeking the silence of vast spaces, the isolation of a private island, the buzz of a new city, the adrenaline of a safari or anything in between, we listen, we learn, we advise.
Fun & Refreshing
We endeavour that every Turquoise experience is unique, fun and refreshing. Travel is all about experiences, about serendipitous moments and endless smiles. It is a joy and an honour to plan each and every Turquoise holiday.
FAQs
British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit New Zealand, but you must have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This can be applied for online (NZ$23pp) or via the app (NZ$17pp) - visit nzeta.immigration.govt.nz for more information. A mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is also payable when you apply for your ETA (the IVL cost is NZ$100pp from 1st October 2024). This funds tourism infrastructure and helps protect New Zealand's very special natural environment.
All visitors must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration which collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. This can be completed online no more than 24-hours prior to starting your journey to New Zealand: https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/ Alternatively, a paper version can be completed on arrival.
IMPORTANT - Some third party websites offer visitors an ETA service and charge more for this. Be warned that these sites are unauthorised and do not operate on behalf of the New Zealand government, so please only use the link shown above, or download the super quick and easy app.
The currency is the New Zealand dollar.
There are no direct flights from the UK to New Zealand, but the most common route is via Los Angeles or Hong Kong – the journey time is around 25 hours in total. There are other options available.
The time difference is GMT +12 hours.
No vaccinations are currently recommended for New Zealand. For any current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.
Speak to our Specialists
Stuart Matthews
Tailormade Specialist
Jonty Higgs
Tailormade Specialist
Get in Touch With Us Today
Have questions? We're here to help — reach out for more information or to start planning.