Bay of Islands Insider: Where to Stay & Play

There’s a certain magic at New Zealand’s northern tip, a place where jade-green peninsulas meet crystalline water and time seems to slow with the tide. The Bay of Islands, a scatter of more than 140 islets along Northland’s east coast, isn’t just postcard-pretty, it’s the birthplace of the nation’s story.

This is where Māori first settled Aotearoa, where British explorers dropped anchor, and where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Once a rowdy whaling outpost nicknamed the “Hellhole of the Pacific,” the Bay has long since cleaned up its act, trading sailors and rum for rosé and superyachts.

Today, the rhythm here is deliciously relaxed. Days drift between long vineyard lunches, private yacht charters, and swims in impossibly jewel-toned water. For the adventure-inclined, there’s world-class diving, cruising through the famed Hole in the Rock, or exploring hidden islands by kayak.

 You come for the coves and beaches, but you stay for the easy charm of the north: relaxed yet refined, luxurious but never pretentious, and blissfully slow. Here’s your insider guide on where to stay, sip, and sail in the South Pacific’s best-kept secret.

Where to Stay 

The Bay of Islands blends signature Kiwi laid-back luxury with creative flair and effortless style - lodges, villas, and boutique wineries that know true indulgence lies in privacy, space, and a genuine connection to nature.

Eagles Nest, Russell - A Northland icon sitting high above the bay with sensational views across the Pacific. Its five private villas, including the incredible Rahimoana, offer sharp design, horizon-edge pools, and private chefs who source from local producers. The property is known for its discretion and sense of pure, unadulterated calm - perfect for travellers who appreciate low-key glamour and on-point service.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay – The grande dame of the north. Set on 6,000 acres of coastal farmland, this colonial-inspired estate offers rolling lawns, breezy verandas, and a world-renowned clifftop golf course just steps from your suite. Rooms open onto sweeping Pacific panoramas, while the spa, tucked beneath ancient tōtara trees, provides the perfect restorative escape. Dining is a destination in itself: the freshest Northland seafood and seasonal produce in a light-filled, elegant setting - more than enough reason to make the journey.

The Vineyard Cottage at Paroa Bay Winery – Perfect for wine lovers seeking a stay literally among the vines. Set amid native bush, the cottage features a pool, hot tub, and sauna for effortless relaxation. Mornings begin to birdsong, days drift through the vineyard’s endless rows, and evenings are best spent at the acclaimed Sage Restaurant, savouring Fiordland crayfish risotto paired with a glass of the estate’s signature Chardonnay.

The Landing, Purerua Peninsula – For those who measure luxury in acres. This impressive 1,000-acre coastal estate offers privacy, state-of-the-art design, and history across four architect-designed residences, each with unique character, access to private beaches, walking trails, and an on-site vineyard producing boutique estate wines. Guests can curate their stay with guided fishing trips, marine safaris, archaeological tours, or vineyard tastings paired with estate-grown wines. The property itself is steeped in history: the land carries significant Māori heritage, and The Landing’s collection of Māori artefacts and New Zealand art adds depth and context. From sunrise over the vineyard to evenings on the shore, it’s a fully immersive experience where nature, culture, and understated luxury converge.

What to Do

Explore by Water

With 144 islands scattered across its glittering expanse, the Bay of Islands is best explored by boat. Charter Ata Rangi for a private cruise through the archipelago, stopping at Oke Bay or Urupukapuka Island for swims and picnics on deserted shores. Dolphin encounters are frequent, snorkelling spots are plentiful, and the fishing is some of the best in New Zealand — from snapper to marlin. Or, drop anchor in a quiet cove, hop on a paddleboard, and end the day stretched out on deck with champagne and a gourmet platter.

Take to the Skies

The Bay of Islands is breathtaking from above, a scatter of emerald isles, white-sand coves, and glittering deep blue water. Departing straight from the beachfront helipad in Paihia, this scenic helicopter flight sweeps you over Russell and Opua before tracing the rugged peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and its historic lighthouse. The highlight? An exhilarating loop around the iconic Hole in the Rock. For something truly extraordinary, land atop Motu Kōkako itself (the island home to the Hole in the Rock), an exclusive experience made possible with the blessing of the Motu Kōkako Ahuwhenua Trust. Choose a 15-minute pilot-guided stop or be welcomed by a local Māori guide, who will share the island’s rich history, sacred significance, and ecological stories. Few have ever set foot here, making it a rare privilege. On the return, you’ll soar above the main islands for a bird’s-eye view of their secluded beaches and hidden luxury hideaways before touching down over Paihia township.

Discover Russell’s Fascinating Past

Russell was New Zealand’s first capital and an infamously wild 19th-century whaling port. Today, you’ll find quiet lanes lined with colonial villas and Christ Church, one of the country’s oldest, still bearing musket-ball scars. Stop for lunch at The Duke of Marlborough — New Zealand’s first licensed hotel, which began life in 1827 as an unlicensed “grog shop” and now hums as a breezy waterfront brasserie. Order the pāua risotto and hāngi kūmara dumplings with a crisp local Sauvignon Blanc — absolute perfection.

Where to Eat (and drink) 

The Bay of Islands is fast becoming a playground for boutique wine lovers. Omata Estate in Russell is perfect for a sun-soaked afternoon: settle on the terrace overlooking vineyards and the ocean, grazing on gourmet platters or wood-fired pizzas while sipping small-batch wines — from crisp Pinot Gris and vibrant Rosé to rich Chardonnay and Syrah. For a more intimate experience, Paroa Bay Winery lets guests wander the vineyard before dinner at Sage Restaurant, where fresh-caught local seafood is paired with estate-grown varietals. In Kerikeri, Marsden Estate offers relaxed, boutique tastings with garden and lake views — try the antipasto platter with prawn ceviche and Mahoe cheese alongside a flight of their wines.

For the ultimate Bay of Islands indulgence, The Cellar Door Long Lunch at The Landing is unmissable. Take The Landing’s private boat from Russell, Waitangi, or Paihia Wharf across the sparkling waters of the Bay, then disembark at The Landing’s jetty. Tour the vineyard and historic sites before enjoying a wine-matched lunch with panoramic views. The experience includes boat transfers, a tasting on arrival, a winery tour, and a two-course lunch paired with two glasses of The Landing’s boutique wines.

For casual local flavours, Charlotte’s Kitchen on Paihia Pier serves fresh, wood-fired pizza and seafood with a view, while next door, Zane Grey’s pairs oysters, Northland green-lipped mussels, and elevated pub staples with local craft gin overlooking the harbour, often accompanied by live music. For a touch of fine dining, The Gables in Russell offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with historic charm, set in a 19th-century villa where candles flicker against original timber beams.

Experience Northland’s Wild Side

A scenic drive leads to Ninety Mile Beach, where you can surf, fish, or drive the sand highway by 4WD. Collect tua tua with your toes in the shallows — a local rite of passage — or venture into the nearby Waipoua Forest to stand beneath Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree on earth.

Cultural Encounters

At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the country’s most important historic site, learn about the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the partnership between Māori and the Crown. The museum and guided tours offer a grounded sense of place that deepens any visit to the region.

Why Go Now?

Summer is prime time in the Bay of Islands, when calm seas and long sunny days make exploring 140 sparkling islets easy, breezy. It’s just a three-hour drive or a short flight from Auckland, yet it feels worlds away. Start your mornings kayaking through secluded coves, snorkelling over colourful reefs, or spotting dolphins and seabirds. By midday, retreat to a vineyard terrace for estate-grown wines paired with fresh local produce. Evenings are made for sundowners with sunset views over the Pacific - watch the sky shift from turquoise to molten gold from the prime vantage point of your luxury private villa. 

Reach out today, and let’s design your unforgettable Bay of Islands escape.