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Places to visit

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Northland

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Tracks & walks in the Bay of Islands

Project Island Song – Ipipiri/Eastern Bay of Islands Restoration Project

Bay of Islands

Whether spending the night at the Cape Brett Hut, kayaking out to Motuarohia/ Roberton Island or hiking along the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary Walk, the Bay of Islands area features a number of amazing outdoor opportunities.

Cape Brett

Come for a walk, or view the historic lighthouse at Cape Brett, 26 km from Russell in the Bay of Islands.
Location: Cape Brett is 26 kilometres north-east from Russell in the Bay of Islands and can be accessed by land or sea.

Kerikeri

The Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin is internationally of cultural and historical significance. The wider Kerikeri area offers a variety of great walking tracks and other recreation opportunities.
Location: Kerikeri is in the Bay of Islands, on Northland’s East Coast, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Paihia, and at the head of the navigable, cork-screw Kerikeri Inlet.

Motuarohia/Roberton Island

The island has a significant Maori history and offers a range of recreation activities, including a track to a stunning pa site, and an educational underwater trail for snorkelers.
Location: Motuarohia/Roberton Island is an island in the Bay of Islands on Northland's east coast.

Motukawanui Island

Motukawanui Island off the coast of Northland is predator-free and home to a flourishing population of native birds. There are opportunities for snorkelling and swimming and you can stay overnight in a hut.
Location: The Cavalli Islands are located off Northland’s east Coast about 3 km north-east of Matauri Bay.

Moturua Island Scenic Reserve

Visit Captain Cook's anchorage and enjoy the thriving native birdlife on Moturua Island in central Bay of Islands.
Location: Moturua Island Scenic Reserve is situated in the central Bay of Islands. The four main bays, Otupoho, Waipao, Mangahawea and Waiwhapuku all offer safe anchorage for visitors.

Places to take dogs in the Bay of Islands

Learn where in the Bay of Islands you can take your dog. Some require a permit, others your dog needs to be to be on a leash and some they can run free. Please follow the guidelines.
Location: Various locations around the Bay of Islands area.

Puketi & Omahuta forests

Podocarps and Kauri are home to many rare native birds in Northland's Puketi and Omahuta forests.The forests provide a range of walking, tramping and camping opportunities.
Location: Puketi and Omahuta forests are located between Northland's coastlines with the Hokianga Harbour in the west and the Bay of Islands on the east coast.

Urupukapuka Island

Of significant historic and cultural importance, Urupukapuka Island is also a great place to relax or for water sports at one of the many beaches.
Location: Urupukapuka is the largest of seven islands in the eastern Bay of Islands on Northland's east coast, approx. 230 km north of Auckland.

Whangaroa

From mangroves to a Maori pa site, Whangaroa in the Bay of Islands offers visitors a number of interesting places to visit. Motukawanui Island is accessed from here.
Location: Whangaroa Harbour lies on the east coast, north of Kerikeri. You can access this unique area from the many small roads that branch off State Highway 10.

Find out more

Weather for Bay of Islands area - Northland rural forecast

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more about driving on the Beach - NRC website
Get involved in CoastCare - NRC website

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Bay of Islands Area Office
Phone:	+64 9 407 0300
Email:
Full office details

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