Summer Paradise in the Bay of Islands: Activities and Things to Do

The Bay of Islands’ tropical climate makes it a hotspot for tourism and summer activities. This place is a true summer paradise and here is a wicked itinerary (paired with stunning photos) to make the most of your Bay of Islands visit.

On the east coast halfway up the Northland strip is a utopian region called the Bay of Islands. Many Kiwis gather here in the summer and for good reason.

Beaches. Happening towns. Maritime activities. Simmering summer heat.

It’s a special place.

So I put together this Bay of Islands itinerary with summer activities and other things to do if you’re headed up this season.

Related: The Ultimate Itinerary to Travel the North Island

Summer Activities and Things to do in the Bay of Islands

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

First, you need a base of operations. Paihia is good due to its range of options, from luxury waterfront apartments to backpackers and campgrounds.

But because everything was booked when we went (read about the hectic holidays here), we hid away at the Cowshed Campground in Kaihoke. It’s around 20 minutes out of Kerikeri… an idyllic spot for some peace and quiet.

The campground is on the owner’s property and we got a close look at rural life in New Zealand, with goats and pigs and farm dogs strutting about. The property is well-maintained with great facilities and a cute little shower.

I felt at peace here. I like luxury as much as the next guy, but something about grass and trees and flowering weeds soothes the soul.

Kaihoke is a lush green area dotted with hilltops and sprawling nature reserves. Do a drive at sunset and marvel at the rolling countryside under pink skies. And you’ll understand Northland’s magic.

Things to Do in Kerikeri

Kerikeri is an adorable little town lined with boutiques and cafes and surrounded by orchards and wineries. The vibes here are so good and nothing says summer like tanned old ladies in white linen.

Fancy a coffee? Stop by Tomo Berries off Kerikeri Road where you can sip on a flat white under the lemon trees. The orchard is just behind the little shed and if you’re lucky, miniature goats will keep you company.

If it’s a hot day, head out to Rainbow Falls or Charlies Rock… natural swimming holes surrounded by the New Zealand bush. 

And you can’t miss the Kerikeri Mission Station. Featuring two of the country’s oldest buildings – the Stone Store and Kemp House – it’s a place where the local Māori chiefs first invited Europeans to live among them.

My favorite part of this place… the garden. Flanked by flower bushes and fruit trees, the meanderings paths make my heart sing. A great place to frolic and giggle after a few beers.

On the weekends, the Old Packhouse Market is a must-do in Kerikeri. One of my favorite New Zealand markets, it hosts countless artisans displaying their wares. Carts teem with fresh produce and savory scents permeate the air. Hunt for the French stall with fancy cheeses or have a tasting at the kombucha bar. Shop local art and soaps, or buy all the plants you didn’t know you needed.

And bring cash! The queue can get quite long at the cash booth.

Things to Do in Paihia

Disclaimer that Paihia was an acquired taste for me. After visiting the most beautiful beaches I ever laid eyes on in the Far North, I was disappointed at Paihia’s okay sands.

But Paihia is actually amazing. Small town, packs a punch… a New Zealand theme.

Everything exists to entertain you. There’s so much to do and see and eat. And everything is on the waterfront!

Get the seafood platter at Alfresco’s or sip on a Bloody Mary with fresh oysters at Charlotte’s Kitchen. Grab a pizza at the Pizza Shack or peruse the endless menu at Green’s. And make sure to grab a coffee at Third Wheel Coffee … their homemade macadamia milk is divine.

I’ll also make a special shoutout to our favorite fish and chips shop in New Zealand, Snapper Shack. Locally-run and hidden in Haruru, it serves freshly caught snapper and burgers bigger than your face. It’s cheap and absolutely mouth-watering. I don’t care what they tell you. Best fish and chips in the country.

Maritime Activities around the Islands

I should mention it gets hot in the Bay of Islands. Hence the endless maritime activities: kayaking, boating, dolphin cruises, island-hopping yachts.

I highly recommend the ferry out to Urupukapuka Island, a picturesque bird sanctuary with golden bays and breathtaking nature trails. Or take the ferry out to historic Russell, once known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific for hosting pirates and other scandalous company.

If you have some money to spend, book a yacht out to the islands, tour the Hole in the Rock, or spend all day drinking on the deck surrounded by the big blue. There’s no shortage of things to do in the Bay of Islands and so many different tours to cater to your summer needs.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

You can’t come out to the Bay of Islands without visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A historic landmark that shaped New Zealand’s history, this is where more than 500 Māori chiefs signed a treaty with the British Crown in 1840 to establish a government and end growing conflict in the country.

The Treaty Grounds are a great place to understand New Zealand’s turbulent history, and with awesome views!

Related: 6 Things I Hate About Travel

The Bay of Islands: Summer Paradise

I hope that’s enough to keep you entertained in the Bay of Islands. This is a long post and I only scratched the surface. There’s endless things to see and do and experience between Kaihoke, Paihia, and Kerikeri.

The Bay of Islands is summer paradise.

There’s a reason many Kiwis escape here for the summer (and eventually for retirement). Life is slow. Simple. Cradled in New Zealand beauty. Even the thunderstorms are cool.

It’s a place that makes me sigh. And I want everyone to be as enchanted by the region as I am.

Today’s Tunes: Wandering Eye by Fat Freddy’s Drop