Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands is made up 140 islands in an area in the Northland region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country. Its main towns include Paihai, Russell, Waitangi, Kerikeri, Opua and Kawakawa.

The Bay of islands is a major tourist area, offering sea activities, sub-tropical sandy beaches and native forests. It is also an area of considerable historical significance and is popular with craftspeople.

Paihia is the main visitor centre for the Bay of Islands and is the starting point for many sightseeing cruises including the Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock cruise, boat hires, diving and swimming with the dolphins excursions.

Things to see and do

* Cape Reinga day trip
* Big game fishing
* Swimming with dolphins tour
* Museums and craft galleries
* Historical buildings

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - NZ Dollar (NZ$)
Language - English & Maori
Land Area - km²
Population -approx
Electricity - 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time - GMT plus twelve hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 64

Port Location - The port is located at Opua.

Transport Links - Bus services operate daily from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and throughout Northland. Flights are available from Auckland to Kerikeri Airport, taking about 45 minutes.