New Zealand's Bay Of Islands
North Island Sightseeing, Hiking Tours, Ferryboat Rides and More
About 150 islands -- ranging from small sharp black rocks jutting out of the sea to islands large enough to accommodate dozens of homes – dot the bay at the northern tip of New Zealand.
The number is imprecise because the notion of how large an island’s land mass must be to qualify as an island varies. However, almost everyone agrees that Bay of Islands has a quiet beauty rarely matched anywhere in the world.
Major concentrations of population are in Kerikeri, the largest commercial center; the village of Russell, and Paihia, where most of the area's hotels and motels are located. Although Bay of Islands early history was exciting, with Captain James Cook, British soldiers, whalers and missionaries among the main characters, most visitors come to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Island Walk-Abouts
More than two dozen walks -- some recommended for families; others only for experienced hikers in good condition -- are a part of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park. A few of them take less than half an hour; others require a day or more of hiking. Marked trails take you to Wharapuke and Rainbow Falls; along the Kerikeri River and through the Manginangina Scenic Reserve, which adjoins the Puketi Forest with its magnificent stands of kauri trees. The St. Paul's Rock Scenic Reserve trek leads to a spectacular view of Whangaroa Harbor
There are other hikes as well. Some of them are offered by tour companies. Others are do-it-yourself treks (information on area hikes is available at visitor centers throughout the area). The terrain ranges from pastoral, with sheep grazing on the hillsides, to challenging climbs with panoramic views.
On the Waterfront
Instead of hiking, you may be content just to stand on a hill near Russell, watching the action on the bay -- commuter ferries scuttling like black and white bugs across the water, catamarans with their sails billowing in the breeze. Chances are, though, you'll want to get out on the water.
Sightseeing Cruises
Whereas 20 years ago, there were only a few commercial sightseeing options, such as the Fuller's Cream Trip, which started back in the days when Alfred Fuller was appointed to carry the Royal Mail by boat to isolated settlers on the various islands. Today, options include cruises by tall ship and catamaran; wildlife cruises to see dolphins, sea orcas, whales, seals and penguins; cruises to specific islands, such as Urupukapuka, where American author Zane Grey built a home in the 1920s; eco-cruises and the Fuller’s cruises, which are now of the commentary, stops-along-the-way variety.
Fishing and Scuba Diving
Deep see fishing by charter boat for striped marlin, broadbill, albacore and other big-game fishing is easy to arrange, as are sail boat rentals. The best scuba diving is reportedly around Cavelli Island, one and a half hours north of Russell by water, and Four Knights Islands, one and a half hours south of Cape Brett.
Bay of Islands can be reached by bus, auto and air. From Auckland, the bus trip takes about five hours including refreshment stops. By car, it's a three-and-a-half hour drive. The fastest way to the Bay is by 50- minute commuter flight from Auckland to Kerikeri, but flights in the small planes can be extremely bumpy.
Aerial view of Bay of Islands
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Waterfalls add natural beauty.
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Bay of Islands communities are postcard pretty.
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