Bay of Islands
About 3 hr by car from Auckland
144 islands, dolphins and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's founding document was signed.
Why locals go
The northern sailing weekend.
Visiting Auckland?
At 3 hr by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Auckland for your flight home.
What to book
- Hole in the Rock cruise
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Historic Russell village
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in Bay of IslandsDate ideas
For two
- Day sail among the islands
- Waterfront inn in Russell
With friends
- Dolphin-watching cruise
- Sea kayak tour
When to go
November to April.