Top things to do in Bay of Islands

Things to do in the Bay of Islands mostly start at the water's edge. The bay holds 144 islands off the Northland coast, a 3-hour drive north of Auckland, and Paihia is the town most trips leave from. Hole in the Rock boats, dolphin cruises, kayak ferries and tall ship transfers all work from the wharf and beach there.

Waitangi, home of the Treaty Grounds, sits next door to Paihia. Russell, across the water, was New Zealand's first town and sea port, and a short passenger ferry from Paihia gets you there. Puketi Rainforest and its kauri walks are a 30-minute drive inland, while the Cape Reinga day trip heads for the very top of the country.

Boats suit a first visit, and Bay of Islands cruises run from a 1.5-hour fast boat to a night aboard a floating houseboat. On land, Bay of Islands tours reach Cape Reinga and Russell, and Bay of Islands activities add kayaking, forest walks and Waitangi. The list below picks out where to begin.