Bay of Islands Tours from Auckland

Explore Paihia, Russell, and the Best of Northland on a Scenic Bay of Islands Tour

Bay of Islands tours from Auckland offer the perfect escape from the city, whisking you away to a subtropical paradise rich in history and natural beauty. The journey north takes you through the lush landscapes of Northland, with popular stops like Whangarei Falls and Bream Bay along the way. Once in the Bay of Islands, cruise past the iconic Hole in the Rock, relax on golden beaches, and watch dolphins play in the warm Pacific waters.

Visit the charming seaside towns of Paihia and Russell, and explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds—New Zealand’s most significant historic site. Here, you’ll witness a powerful Māori cultural performance and see the ceremonial war canoe. Head up to Flagstaff Hill for panoramic views or venture out to Urupukapuka Island for a coastal walk and swim. Whether you're into history, marine life or scenic landscapes, a day or multi-day tour to the Bay of Islands is packed with unforgettable moments.

Piercy Island with the famous Hole in the Rock formation in the Bay of Islands

School of Blue Maomao fish swimming in clear waters in the Bay of Islands

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant reef teeming with fish near Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Scuba diver observing a yellow seahorse in the Bay of Islands

Māori warrior performing the wero challenge in front of a carved meeting house at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Northland, New Zealand

Group learning traditional flax weaving on the lawn at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Northland, New Zealand

Intricately carved wooden figure inside a Māori meeting house at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Northland, New Zealand

Gravestones in the churchyard of Christ Church in Russell, New Zealand’s oldest church, under a bright blue sky

Couple enjoying fish and chips by the waterfront at Kororāreka Bay in Russell, Northland, with seagulls flying overhead

Kayaker paddling towards the iconic arch at the Poor Knights Islands off the Tutukākā Coast

Divers preparing for a scuba adventure at the Poor Knights Islands, near Tutukākā

Paddleboarder gliding along the rocky cliffs of the Poor Knights Islands near Tutukākā

A boat anchored near the cliffs of the Poor Knights Islands on the Tutukākā Coast

Overnight and 3-Day Bay of Islands Tours from Auckland with Māori Forest Legends

For those who want a deeper dive into the region, multi-day Bay of Islands tours from Auckland are the way to go. Discover the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, take a guided journey through Waipoua Forest to meet the legendary Tane Mahuta (the largest known kauri tree), and explore the spiritual beauty of Hokianga Harbour. These extended itineraries give you more time to connect with the culture and nature of the Far North.

Cape Brett lighthouse walks, visits to the glowworm-lit Kawiti Caves, and overnight stays in Paihia or Russell allow you to explore at a relaxed pace. From Māori legends under ancient forest canopies to the marine beauty of Cape Brett and beyond, these tours are a powerful way to experience the soul of Northland. Whether it’s for a day or three, Bay of Islands tours from Auckland deliver rich encounters, scenic serenity and a true taste of Aotearoa.