Activities · Destination Guide
Bay Of Islands New Zealand
Wrecks, kelp forests, and island cruising in New Zealand's subtropical Far North
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 19 sources
Bay of Islands Activity Planning
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
Scuba
What It Feels Like
Bay of Islands delivers classic Northland diving: boat-access reef structure, kelp forests, arches and caves, plus iconic wreck options. Most divers base in Paihia or Russell, then day-boat to outer islands and headlands where the terrain gets dramatic. Your headline day is usually the ex-HMNZS Canterbury, a purpose-sunk frigate that now acts as an artificial reef. For a second wreck story, many itineraries add the Rainbow Warrior in the Cavalli Islands (a drive north plus a short charter).
Signature Sites
Start Here
Blue Maomao Arch (Bay of Islands)
A photogenic arch where schooling fish often gather.
Outerisland rock and reef structure that can attract current and schooling fish.
Cape Brett area diving with more exposed structure and the chance of bigger schools.
Level Up
A reef site known for crevices and overhangs that shelter fish.
A boulderfield style reef dive that suits a broad range of divers.
Advanced
New Zealand Navy frigate scuttled as an artificial reef in Deep Water Cove.
A highenergy cavestyle site near the Canterbury area.
Two small islands with varied reef lines and fun navigation along boulders and kelp.
Planning Playbook
Operator Checklist
- Most visiting divers book boat trips through Paihia-based or Russell-based operators (for example Paihia Dive). Summer holiday weeks can sell out, so pre-book if you are traveling in Dec-Feb.
- Key rules and etiquette:
- If you want to add Poor Knights Islands, plan either a long day trip via Tutukaka or split the trip with a night in Tutukaka.
Conditions Fallback
- Most visiting divers book boat trips through Paihia-based or Russell-based operators (for example Paihia Dive). Summer holiday weeks can sell out, so pre-book if you are traveling in Dec-Feb.
- Follow your skipper's briefing on the Te Pewhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary. If dolphins arrive, expect a delayed entry or a site change.
- In rahui and other protected areas, do not take marine life (including shells) and do not feed fish.
Avoid
- Follow your skipper's briefing on the Te Pewhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary. If dolphins arrive, expect a delayed entry or a site change.
- In rahui and other protected areas, do not take marine life (including shells) and do not feed fish.
- Use moorings where provided and avoid any anchoring-restricted bays.