Fancy a trip to the iconic Bay of Islands but not quite sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place.
We’ve spent time properly exploring this corner of New Zealand - not rushing through, but driving the back roads, following coastal detours, and returning to places we loved. This itinerary is shaped by our own experience on the ground, travelling as a family and sharing the region with my parents for the first time. Along the way, we stayed in beautiful places, ate very well, swam whenever we could, and sought out the kinds of experiences and places we'll remember forever.
From forest hideaways and island cruises to vineyard lunches, coastal walks, charming towns and excellent cafés, this blog brings together our favourite stays, things to do, walks and places to eat - all in one place — to help you plan an unforgettable Bay of Islands and Northland adventure.
Northland is strikingly beautiful. Bright green farms roll alongside the roads, huge trees frame the landscape, and flashes of impossibly blue sea appear between peninsulas and island-dotted horizons. It’s the kind of region that rewards curiosity and detours, where some of the best moments happen between destinations.
What follows is our tried-and-tested Northland itinerary - practical, personal, and written to help you experience this beautiful part of New Zealand in a way that feels relaxed, and rewarding.
Day 1: Bay of Plenty to the Bay of Islands
Whakatāne → Opua
All drive times are approximate
We set off early from Whakatāne, heading north towards the Bay of Islands — one of those drives that quietly reminds you how wildly beautiful Aotearoa really is. Rolling farmland slowly gave way to lush greenery and coastal glimpses before we arrived in Opua.
🌲 Stay: Rekindle Treehouses, Opua
Treetop Tranquillity – Double Rooms
Website: Rekindle Treehouses
Hidden among four acres of native bush, Rekindle Treehouses feels like a true forest hideaway. Two beautifully designed standalone treehouses sit elevated among the trees, each with its own balcony and braai — the kind of place that instantly invites you to exhale.
We woke to birdsong, filtered light through the leaves, and that wonderful feeling of being completely tucked away, yet still just minutes from Paihia and the wider Bay of Islands.
It’s romantic, peaceful and thoughtfully designed - ideal if you’re looking to reset before exploring the region.
🧺 Dinner Delivered: The Picnic Box
Website: The Picnic Box
That evening, we opted for a gourmet BBQ box from The Picnic Box - and honestly, this was such a treat after a long drive. The box was filled with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, beautifully prepared and ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
We lit the braai, poured a glass of wine, and enjoyed dinner on the deck as the forest settled around us. Simple, special, and exactly what we needed.
Day 2: Bay of Islands on the Water & Russell by Sunset
Opua → Paihia → Bay of Islands → Russell
After breakfast, we drove just 15 minutes to Paihia and parked at Williams Road Public Car Park, an easy all-day option just a short walk from the wharf.
🚤 Experience: Discover the Bay Cruise – Explore Group Bay of Islands
Website: Explore Group Bay of Islands
At 10am, we boarded our Discover the Bay cruise - a quintessential Bay of Islands experience. With full commentary from a knowledgeable local skipper, we cruised past dramatic cliffs, historic sites and island-dotted horizons.
Conditions allowed us to head out towards Cape Brett and through the iconic Hole in the Rock, and we kept our eyes peeled for marine life - dolphins, seals and seabirds are often spotted along the way.
The cruise includes a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where lunch is included. You can swim at the sandy bay, explore the island or simply soak up the sunshine with a drink from the café. The tour is relaxed, scenic and incredibly well-paced.
🏖️ Stay: Edgewater Palms Apartments, Paihia
Two-Bedroom Waterfront Apartment
Website: Edgewater Palms Apartments
That afternoon, we checked into Edgewater Palms - absolute waterfront, golden sands at your doorstep, and views stretching across the bay towards Russell.
From dolphins cruising past in the late afternoon to pastel sunrise skies the next morning, this is one of those places where the location truly does the heavy lifting. Spacious, comfortable and perfectly positioned, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Bay of Islands.
⛴️ Evening Ferry to Russell
We caught the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell (15 minutes each way). Tickets are purchased at the ferry, and the crossing itself is part of the charm.
🍽️ Dinner: Duke of Marlborough, Russell
Website: Duke of Marlborough Hotel
This was our second visit to the Duke - and once again, it delivered. Live music, generous portions, and sunset views over the bay that are genuinely hard to beat.
Holding New Zealand’s first liquor licence, the Duke is steeped in history yet feels wonderfully relaxed. If you’re not staying in Russell, we highly recommend catching an earlier ferry so you can explore the village.
Local tips in Russell:
• Grab a coffee from The French Coffee House - their takeaway cups are almost too pretty to throw away
• Wander the historic streets, pop into the op shop and local boutiques
• Walk the Tapeka Point Track - an easy 500m each way with beautiful coastal views
We returned to Paihia on the evening ferry, full, happy and salty-haired.
Day 3: Vineyards, Ferries & the Secret Coast Route
Paihia → Russell → Tutukaka
We boarded the Opua Car Ferry in the morning - a smooth, efficient crossing that runs frequently throughout the day. Tickets are purchased onboard, and it’s a fun little Northland experience in itself.
🍕 Lunch: Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Website: Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Set on a sunny peninsula overlooking the ocean, Omata Estate is the kind of place you plan to stay for an hour and accidentally linger for three.
We enjoyed wood-fired pizzas, and a glass of local wine, all while soaking up sweeping coastal views. There’s also a lovely bush walk through the vineyard - well worth doing before or after lunch, just pack sun protection on warmer days.
🚗 Scenic Drive: Secret Coast Route
From Russell, we followed the Secret Coast Route towards Tutukaka - a two-hour drive packed with hidden bays, rolling farmland and unexpected ocean views. Download the route map via Northland Tourism before you go; it’s one of those journeys where the drive really is part of the experience.
🌴 Stay: Lodge 9, Tutukaka
Website: Lodge 9 Tutukaka
Tucked away in a private valley just behind Tutukaka Marina, Lodge 9 is a boutique retreat done beautifully. Salvaged marina piles and boardwalks have been upcycled into a lush, tropical paradise complete with a saltwater pool, cedar sauna and leafy courtyard.
The rooms are stylish and comfortable, breakfast is included, and you’re within walking distance of bars and restaurants - an ideal base for exploring the Tutukaka Coast. We spent a couple nights here, the rooms are spacious and cool. It's a great spot to come back to after a long day island hopping, snorkelling and enjoying the beautiful coastlines.
Day 4: A Perfect Day at the Poor Knights Islands
🤿 Experience: Perfect Day – Dive! Tutukaka
Website: Dive! Tutukaka
This was, quite simply, one of the highlights of our entire trip.
The Perfect Day experience with Dive! Tutukaka is designed for non-divers and offers an unforgettable way to explore the Poor Knights Islands - often rated among the best subtropical marine reserves in the world! And definitely should be on your bucket list!
Snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, cave exploration, island history, and incredible food - all delivered by an outstanding crew who genuinely care about the experience!
The water was crystal-clear and an almost unreal shade of blue. We saw schools of fish, explored beneath towering cliffs, and spent hours in and out of the ocean. The team even provided a floating viewing board so my mum could comfortably enjoy snorkelling too - such a thoughtful touch.
If you do one activity in Northland, make it this.
We returned to Lodge 9 that evening tired, sun-kissed and completely content.
Day 5: Waterfalls, Art & Coastal Wellness
Tutukaka → Whangārei → Mangawhai
🌊 Optional Stop: Whangārei Falls
A short detour on the drive south, Whangārei Falls drops 26.3 metres over basalt cliffs and is easily accessed via viewing platforms and short walking tracks. There are picnic areas, forest views and multiple vantage points - perfect for stretching your legs.
🎨 Experience: Hundertwasser Art Centre Guided Tour
Website: Hundertwasser Art Centre
Located in Whangārei’s Town Basin, the Hundertwasser Art Centre is an architectural masterpiece. We joined a guided tour which added real depth, offering insight into Hundertwasser’s ecological vision, art, and connection to nature, alongside the Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
It’s inspiring, thought-provoking and a wonderful cultural stop on your journey south.
🍽️ Lunch: Aqua Restaurant & Bar
Website: Aqua Restaurant and Bar
For lunch we recommend Aqua Restaurant! Overlooking the marina, Aqua serves fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by flavours from New Zealand and beyond. Locally sourced seafood, vibrant plates and a relaxed atmosphere make this a perfect midday pause.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Mangawhai
The coastal drive to Mangawhai is dotted with tempting swim stops. Ruakākā Beach is ideal for a dip, while Waipu Cove makes for a great coffee stop.
🛏️ Stay: Mangawhai Lodge
Heritage Deluxe Apartment
Website: Mangawhai Lodge
A cosy overnight stop with sweeping sea views, Mangawhai Lodge is perfectly placed for exploring the village and surrounding beaches, its a great overnight stay en route Auckland.
🧖♀️ Experience: Tiki Beach, Mangawhai
Website: Tiki Beach Mangawhai
We ended our Northland adventure with pure relaxation at Tiki Beach - Mangawhai’s first club-style day spa! Hot tubs, sauna, ice baths all with a view of rolling farmlands made this the ultimate wind-down after a big week of exploring.
And that's it, the perfect Northland itinerary for your next trip.
