Feeling that familiar urge to escape the Auckland city hustle? When the motorway slows to a crawl and you start craving a dose of sea salt and sunshine, there’s one classic Kiwi getaway that never disappoints: the Bay of Islands.
Just a 3.5-hour drive north, this subtropical paradise of 144 islands, golden beaches, and significant national history is the perfect antidote to city life. It’s far enough to feel like a real holiday, but close enough for a perfect weekend escape.
With the days getting longer and the spring sunshine warming things up, now is the ideal time to head north before the summer crowds arrive. Here’s how to make the most of it with the perfect weekend itinerary.
Friday Evening: The Escape North
Theme: Leaving the city behind and settling into holiday mode.
The key to a successful weekend trip is a smart getaway. Aim to leave Auckland between 2-3 PM to get ahead of the peak afternoon traffic. Put on your favourite road trip playlist and watch the cityscape melt into rolling green hills as you head up State Highway 1.
Dinner Stop: Break up the drive with a classic pub meal. The historic Puhoi Pub is a fantastic pit-stop for a bite, or carry on to Matakana or Warkworth for a great choice of cafés and restaurants.
Arrival & Check-in: You’ll arrive in the Bay of Islands around 7-8 PM. Your two main choices for a home base are:
- Paihia: The vibrant hub of the Bay. It’s where most tours depart from and has the widest range of accommodation and dining options.
- Russell: A short passenger ferry ride from Paihia. It’s a charming, historic town with a quieter, more romantic atmosphere.
Check into your accommodation, drop your bags, and head out for a relaxing drink at a waterfront bar in Paihia, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. You’ve arrived.
Saturday: Dolphins, Islands & History
Theme: The quintessential Bay of Islands experience on the water and a step back in time.
Morning: Hole in the Rock & Dolphin Cruise (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Today is all about exploring those sparkling turquoise waters. The must-do activity for any first-timer is a cruise out to the Cape Brett Peninsula and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Book a half-day cruise from the Paihia wharf. You’ll glide past stunning, secluded islands, keeping a keen eye out for the pods of dolphins that call these waters home. The grand finale is approaching Motukōkako Island, where, conditions permitting, your skipper will expertly navigate the boat right through the narrow Hole in the Rock. It’s a truly unforgettable moment!
Afternoon: Discovering Historic Russell (2:00 PM onwards)
After grabbing a casual lunch back in Paihia (a fresh fish burger is always a good choice), hop on the 15-minute passenger ferry over to Russell.
Once known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific,” Russell was New Zealand’s first capital and is rich with incredible stories. Spend the afternoon:
- Strolling The Strand: Walk along the stunning waterfront, home to beautiful colonial-era buildings.
- Having a Drink at The Duke: Pop into The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which holds New Zealand’s oldest publican’s license. Its waterfront veranda is the perfect spot for an afternoon drink.
- Visiting Christ Church: See New Zealand’s oldest surviving church, still bearing musket ball holes from the Northern Wars.
Evening: Dinner with a View
For dinner, you can either stay in Russell and dine at the iconic Duke of Marlborough or catch the ferry back to Paihia for a wider selection of eateries. Either way, you’re guaranteed a great meal after a day of adventure.
Sunday: Treaty Grounds & The Journey Home
Theme: Soaking in Aotearoa’s most important history before a relaxed drive south.
Morning: Waitangi Treaty Grounds (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
You can’t visit the Bay of Islands without visiting the place where New Zealand as a nation began. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is an absolute must-do.
Join a guided tour to fully appreciate the significance of the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. The tour includes a moving cultural performance in the beautifully carved Te Whare Rūnanga (meeting house), a visit to the historic Treaty House, and entry to two fantastic contemporary museums. Stand on the grounds overlooking the bay and feel the powerful history of the place.
Lunch: A Kiwi Classic (1:00 PM)
For your final meal, grab some classic fish and chips from a local shop in Paihia and enjoy them on the beach. It’s the perfect, relaxed way to say goodbye to the Bay.
Afternoon: The Scenic Drive Home
Begin your journey back to Auckland. If you have time for one last quirky stop, visit the famous Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa, a true work of public art.
You’ll arrive back in Auckland in the early evening, feeling completely refreshed, recharged, and full of memories from your perfect northern escape.
Your Weekend Trip Planner:
- Getting There: The drive from Auckland is approximately 3.5 hours without major stops. The majority of the journey is on State Highway 1.
- Book in Advance: Even in spring, it’s wise to book your accommodation and chosen boat cruise ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- What to Pack: A windproof/rain jacket is essential for boat trips, as it can get chilly on the water. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, togs (swimsuit), and a camera!
👉 Need Help Planning Your Trip?
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