Paihia in the Bay of Islands is just over four hours’ drive north from Auckland. You may want to stop at a number of coastal towns along the way or at Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city.
It’s 169 kilometres (three hours) to Whangarei from Auckland and another 71 kilometres (1 hour 15 minutes) to Paihia.
Paihia is the main town in the Bay of Islands.
Waitangi, just north of Paihia, is the place where the treaty between Maori and Pakeha was signed in 1840,
Across the water is Russell, the nation’s first capital.
Water-based activities
The Bay of Islands, by its very nature, is famous for its water-based activities: sailing, sea kayaking, swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving, cruises.
Cruises on the Bay of Islands almost always mean dolphin sightings. In fact some of these dolphins may race the boat you’re on.
If the tide’s right, you can cruise right through what's known as the Hole in the Rock.
In the late afternoon you may wish to head back to Auckland or stay the night in Paihia.
