Welcome to the beautiful and sunny (hopefully) Bay of Islands. With opportunites for boating, swimming, fishing, walking and diving, it's great place to spend a bit of time.

The Bay of Islands is rich in history, with key sites including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (where NZ's founding treaty was signed), and Kerikeri (NZ's oldest stone building - the Stone Store, historic Mission House and Haruru falls). Be sure to take a trip to historic and picturesque Russell, just a short 15 minute ferry ride from Paihia where you can visit Pompallier Mission (French Catholic mission, printery, gardens) and Flagstaff Hill.

A marine wildlife hotspot, the Bay of Islands is famous for its resident bottlenose dolphins, with pods often seen alongside visiting whales (Bryde's, Pilot, Humpback), plus seals, penguins, and abundant fish life including stingrays and snapper. Islands such as Urupukapuka and Moturua are home to many species of rare and endangered birds including kiwi, saddlebacks, karkariki and dotterel, thanks to conservation projects like Project Island Song.

Useful links:

Project Island song: https://projectislandsong.co.nz/land-birds/

Walks and hikes: https://www.paihiatop10.co.nz/things-to-do/bay-of-islands-activities/walks

Department of Conservation heritage sites in Northland: https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/heritage/by-region/northland/

Waitangi Treaty Gounds: https://www.waitangi.org.nz

Heritage New Zealand visit Northland: https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/visit/northland

The 10 best Northland region sites (Tripadvisor): https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attractions-g1747761-Activities-c47-Northland_Region_North_Island.html