The Bay of Islands is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand. Tucked away at the top of the North Island, it is made up of 144 islands, each with its own unique beauty and charm.
How to get to the Bay of Islands
If you’re flying into Auckland, my recommendation is (and always will be) to rent a car. New Zealand’s public transport system is shocking, so don’t expect to hop on a train like you would in London or Copenhagen.
The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands takes about 3 to 3.5 hours via State Highway One, and it’s a stunning road trip with plenty of gorgeous places to stop along the way.
If you don’t drive, you’ve got a couple of options:
InterCity Bus or Kiwi Experience: Both will take you straight from Auckland to Paihia, the busiest town, known as the Gateway to the Bay of Islands.
Flying: There’s a small airport in the Bay of Islands with domestic flights from Auckland, but the flights are ridiculously expensive, and you’ll miss out on jaw-dropping scenery like the Tutukaka Coast along the way.
How long should you spend here?
Honestly? As long as possible and even longer if you have a boat!
I could spend forever exploring cute towns, hopping between islands, and just soaking up the sun. It’s the perfect place to switch off and escape the real world.
If you’re short on time and heading up to Cape Reinga, you could squeeze in a day here, but you’ll barely scratch the surface and probably feel rushed.
I think 3-4 days is the sweet spot for a first visit. You’ll get to see the best of everything the Bay of Islands offers, leaving you wanting more.
In this itinerary, I’ll share the best time to visit the Bay of Islands, how to get there from Auckland, what you absolutely can’t miss, and a full itinerary to make the most of your time in this corner of Aotearoa.
