Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Housed within New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel, this waterfront restaurant in Russell serves beautifully crafted dishes that celebrate the finest local seafood and seasonal produce. The chowder, made with freshly caught fish and sweet Bay of Islands shellfish, is a bowl of pure coastal comfort that guests rave about long after leaving. Dining on the veranda as the sun drops over the harbor is an experience that perfectly captures the spirit of this remarkable place.

Located right on the Paihia waterfront, Alongside serves a menu that leans into fresh New Zealand flavors with a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that mirrors the bay itself. The green-lipped mussels steamed in white wine and local herbs are a must-order, arriving at the table fragrant and plump. Whether you stop in for a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner, the combination of good food and water views never disappoints.

Tucked into a lush garden setting in Paihia, this beloved local restaurant offers a warm, intimate dining experience that feels like stepping into someone's beautifully tended home. The menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh and seasonal, with a strong focus on locally sourced vegetables, fish, and free-range meats. Save room for the dessert selection, which regularly features inventive takes on classic Kiwi sweets made with genuine care.

This beloved small-town bakery in nearby Kawakawa is famous for its golden pies, freshly baked loaves, and strong flat whites that fuel explorers heading into the bay for the day. The friendly counter staff and no-fuss interior give it the authentic character of a true New Zealand country bakery that the whole community depends on. It also sits conveniently close to the famous Hundertwasser public toilets, making it a natural stop on any day trip through the area.

Perched on clifftops above the Pacific, this world-class lodge offers sweeping ocean views and immaculate suites filled with native timber accents. Guests wake to birdsong and can spend mornings on the championship golf course before afternoon spa treatments. The attentive staff anticipate every need, making it one of New Zealand's most beloved luxury retreats.

Sitting right on the waterfront in the heart of Paihia, this resort places you steps from ferry terminals and golden-sand beaches. Rooms are bright and airy, many featuring private balconies where you can watch sailboats drift across the bay at sunset. The on-site spa uses locally inspired treatments that leave guests feeling deeply refreshed and connected to this coastal paradise.

This charming boutique bed and breakfast sits on a quiet hillside above Paihia, offering intimate rooms decorated with a thoughtful blend of contemporary and vintage New Zealand style. Breakfasts are generous, featuring homemade jams, fresh fruit from the garden, and warm conversation with the welcoming hosts. It is the kind of place where travelers arrive as guests and leave feeling like old friends.

Set among tall pines and native bush just outside the historic village of Russell, this friendly holiday park suits families, backpackers, and anyone who loves waking up surrounded by nature. Facilities are clean and well maintained, with a communal kitchen and BBQ area that encourage lively evenings among fellow travelers. The short walk into Russell's charming colonial streetscape makes this an exceptionally convenient base for exploring the region.

This deeply significant site is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, and it remains the most important historic landmark in all of New Zealand. Guided tours led by knowledgeable Maori hosts bring the story to life with passionate honesty, weaving together the complexities of colonial history and indigenous culture. The carved meeting house, war canoe, and sweeping grounds overlooking the bay create a visit that is as moving as it is educational.

A boat cruise to the dramatic Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island is one of the most thrilling natural spectacles in the Bay of Islands, where the sea has carved a remarkable tunnel through solid rock. Experienced skippers navigate through the passage when conditions allow, and the sheer cliffs towering above the bow make for unforgettable photographs. Dolphins frequently escort vessels along the route, turning the journey itself into a wildlife adventure of the highest order.

Kerikeri Mission Station is home to the Stone Store and Kemp House, two of New Zealand's oldest surviving European buildings, and together they offer a fascinating window into early colonial and missionary life in Aotearoa. Wandering the grounds beside the Kerikeri River Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, feels genuinely like traveling back in time to the earliest days of Pakeha settlement. The surrounding basin also holds rich Maori history, adding layered depth to every corner of this remarkable precinct.

The largest of the Bay of Islands' many islands, Urupukapuka is a paradise of golden beaches, turquoise water, and walking tracks that reveal sweeping views across the entire bay. Accessible by ferry from Paihia, it is the perfect place to spend a long summer day swimming, kayaking, or simply lying in the sun with nowhere to be. The island's ancient Maori archaeological sites add a layer of cultural richness that makes each walk across its hills feel quietly profound.