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Bay of Islands

Wrecks, kelp forests, and island cruising in New Zealand's subtropical Far North

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Destination Guide Sources For Bay of Islands

Reference links used to build and maintain this guide.

19 sources • Updated Feb 13, 2026

Written by DiveJourney. Built from public sources and local operator knowledge. Last updated Feb 13, 2026.

Department of Conservation: Te Pewhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary - Sanctuary rules, including in-water exclusions and vessel behavior
Immigration New Zealand: International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) - Current IVL amount and how it is collected
New Zealand Government: NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) - Who needs an NZeTA and how to apply
Tourism New Zealand: Bay of Islands - Destination overview and planning context
Tourism New Zealand: Dolphins - General dolphin encounter guidance and expectations
Tourism New Zealand: Whale watching - Seasonality and whale watching context in New Zealand
DOC: Motuarohia Island snorkel trail - Marked snorkel trail and island guidance
Visit Bay of Islands: Paihia-Russell ferry - Ferry connection overview and typical crossing time
PADI: Diving in New Zealand - General water temperature range and exposure suit advice
MetService: New Zealand marine forecasts - Check wind/swell before booking boat or headland days
Forest & Bird: Bay of Islands rahui / no-anchoring coverage - Context on rahui tapu and anchoring restrictions
NZ Underwater Association: Diver Emergency Service (DES) - Diver emergency hotline number and guidance
Healthpoint: Slark Hyperbaric Unit (Waitemata, Auckland) - Hyperbaric unit contact details (referrals; emergencies via DES/111)
Health NZ: Bay of Islands Hospital (Kawakawa) - Local hospital and 24-hour accident and medical services
DiveJourney: HMNZS Canterbury (Wreck) - Internal dive spot page for linking and conditions
DiveJourney: Rainbow Warrior (Wreck) - Internal dive spot page for linking and conditions
Paihia Dive - Local operator info, site options, and regional conditions
Freedive Aotearoa (Paihia) - Local freediving studio, courses, and wellness recovery options
Destination hero photo by Rod Long - Photographer profile: https://unsplash.com/@rodlong