We are planning our first trip to nz next decemberjanuary and wondered where is best to do whale watching and see dolphins either kaikoura or bay of islands. Services other services administration of offshore islands. It is 60 km 37 mi northwest of the city of whangarei. Places to see bay of islands travel guide new zealand. Whales are very similar to dolphins in that theyre warmblooded mammals and breathe air through their blowholes. The stunning scenery, golden beaches and fresh seafood make it one of the most prominent tourist destinations in new zealand. The bay of islands is a great base for exploring all of the far north. The bay of islands is a magical sailing destination.
The bay is home to 144 islands, ranging from rocky outcrops to large inhabited islands with private farms. The bay of islands 240 km north of auckland, 3 hour drive is one of the most beautiful coastal areas of new zealand. Walking access only from either the car park on matapouri road 30 mins round trip, through groves of ancient puriri. Northland and bay of islands attractions new zealand. Dolphin and whale tours new zealand downsideup blog. Further west is the waipoua kauri forest, home of tane mahuta often described as the 2,000 year old lord of the forest. The bay of islands is a natural harbour about 16 kilometres wide on the northeastern coast of new zealands north island. Bookme 50% off deals things to do in paihia, russel, bay of. A small population of less than 200 animals call new zealand home, orca visit the bay of islands in pods of 2 15 animals on average. The stone store is the oldest stone building in new zealand. The bay of islands, new zealand was given its name when captain james cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769.
New zealand whales the giants of the deep are frequent visitors to the bay of islands. This halfday dolphin tour is specially designed to respect the dolphins habitat, and includes use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit. If you dont mind getting wet, swimming with the whales or dolphins may be an option. Most dolphin and whale cruise boat tours leave from paihia in the bay of. In fact we liked it so much we stayed twice during two different weeks during our visit. The 15 best things to do in bay of islands 2020 with.
Choose between a sedate hole in the rock cruise or an exciting speed boat ride to the tip of cape brett. Not only is it the main place to see whales in the whole country, it is also one of the most popular spots in the world where you can easily have access to sperm whales. This church is the oldest working church in new zealand. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its biggame fishing since american author zane grey publicised it in the 1930s. Discover the ocean views, sandy beaches, and lush islands that make the bay of islands so popular. Kerikeri is a former winner of the new zealand s top small town title bestowed annually by north and south magazine. Whale bay tutukaka, tutukaka coast, northland, new zealand. The morrison reserve track starts 75 metres on the right. Known as the highlight of northland, new zealand, the bay of islands is an outdoor lovers paradise. Blue whales usually travel alone or with one other individual. Bay of islands new zealand travel bay of islands nz information. The bay of islands is an area on the east coast of the far north district of the north island of new zealand. Whale motuhora island forms the summit of a largely submerged pleistocene daciticandesitic complex volcano that lies 11 km offshore from whakatane in the bay of plenty. A threehour drive or 35 minute flight north of auckland, the bay of islands encompasses 144 islands between cape brett and the purerua peninsula and includes the boutique towns of opua, paihia, russell and kerikeri.
Great historical facts and a wonderful introduction to nz history for my aussie guests. Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on carino nz our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. Whale rescue, providing logistical and practical expertise. Kawau island super cruise royal mail run return cruise. Bay of islands whales, dolphins, seals and penguins tourism. The bay of islands is one of new zealands great holiday. View new zealand s oldest european buildings the stone store and mission house follow the art and craft trail and watch the artisans at work. These distinctive black and whitetoothed mammals are actually part of the dolphin family. This smallgroup yacht charter lets you explore at a leisurely pace and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide. Located just over three hours from auckland by road, in the winterless north, the yearround warm weather makes it.
Whale rescue provides logistical and practical expertise and equipment for the rescue of whales and dolphins. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Facts about orca, pilot whales, brydes whale, humpback whale and more. Strategically positioned, the whale bay surf bach is located right on the foreshore of the famous whale bay surf break. We are a small, local family owned and operated wildlife cruise. Whale bay on the tutukaka coast is an idyllic nature reserve, accessible only by foot, with a pohutukawa framed white sandy beach and clear blue sea. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands 2020 with. We endeavour to be effective communicators and facilitators, maintaining and building relationships and networks while striving to be the leading and most successful cetacean rescue crew in new zealand. Lingering shots of its turquoise waters and 150 undeveloped islands feature heavily in the countrys tourist promotions. Whale watching, fur seals, penguins and wildlife, bay of. Join barefoot sailing adventures aboard our comfy cruising catamaran for a great day out while visiting northland. Mission house is the oldest wooden structure still standing in new zealand. There is a flight of steps before the track levels out and follows the edge of the bush reserve and new residential development.
Although when it comes to orca, the summer months from october march are particularly good whale watching months. The most important regions on the northern island are hauraki gulf in auckland, bay of islands in the north and bay of plenty in the east where a lot of different. The bay of islands is a island paradise comprising of 144 islands and a handful of historic towns. Whether you have a car, campervan, boat or kayak, you are bound to find the perfect spot that suits your needs. Some wellknown species of toothed whales include sperm whales and orca whales. Go in off the rocks, watch for the current as youll be pushed down the line making positioning for takeoff harder than it needs to be. The bay of islands ranks as one of nz s top summertime destinations. Whale bay carpark top of the hill on matapouri rd after matapouri bay to whale bay beach. Bay of islands in new zealand things to see and do in. See dolphins and whales in the bay of islands greatsights. Testimonials my husband and i travelled through new zealand with our son for 4 weeks.
Whale bay surf bach was our favorite place that we stayed at. The best place to be in new zealands bay of islands, a sheltered bay strung with more than 140 subtropical islands, is out on the water. Waitangi treaty grounds is a half hour walk along the beach from paihia. Whale watching whats hot new zealand destination nz. A choice of tour operators in the region offer excellent trips by sea or air to spectacular cape brett and the hole in the rock on piercy island. Stunning at any time of the year, this little piece of paradise will take your breath away. Toothed whales feed on fish, squid, other whales and larger marine mammals. The bay of islands is an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myraid of secluded beaches. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in bay of islands, new zealand on tripadvisor. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. For free independent travellers complimentary shuttle buses are available for the short 5 minute trip into paihia, which is the hub of bay of islands activities.
Adventures bay of islands travel guide new zealand. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealand s north island, about 9 kilometres 5. Sep 09, 2016 new zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. Humpback whale in pahia bay of islands new zealand youtube. The 354mhigh central dome complex is flanked by east. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. The legendary indicators surf break is just out front to your left, and the world claimed manu bay also known as the point is just out to your right. The captivating bay of islands shelters 150 islands and enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins, and even whales. Bay of islands in new zealand things to see and do in new. Pompalier mission is where the red roof is, and christs church, is seen to the left above where the wharf starts. Information on migratory whales in the bay of islands, new zealand.
Whale rescue, providing logistical and practical expertise in. The island is 15 x 5 km wide and elongated in an eastwest direction. Find your perfect hotel or other accommodation for your stay, or book something to do in the tours or activities section. Go in off the rocks, watch for the current as youll be pushed down the line making positioning for takeoff. New zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. It looks as though we will be visiting both islands over the three weeks so want to. The bay has a great historical value as this is where the maori and the british signed the treaty of waitangi. Under section 22 of the local government act 2002, the minister of local government is the territorial authority for a number of offshore islands that are not included in the boundaries of an established territorial authority. It is also the location where the first southern right whale on main islands sighted since. Humpback whale in pahia bay of islands new zealand.
We walked down to the beach it was so beautiful with hardly anybody on it. Head ashore to hike around the islands, dive in to swim and snorkel, and look out for wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. A view of the russell wharf, in the bay of islands of new zealand. On arrival at waitangi those on prebooked tours will be met and directed to their transport.
At its northern end are the kerikeri and te puna mangonui inlets and to the south is the waikare inlet. Island bay is a coastal suburb of wellington, the capital of new zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre island bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays off cook strait and west of lyall bay. Whale bay carpark top of the hill on matapouri rd after matapouri bay to whale bay beach walking time. Whale bay surfing in west coast auckland, new zealand. Whale watching, fur seals, penguins and wildlife, bay of islands. Watch for dolphins in the bay of islands on a 4hour wildlife cruise by highspeed catamaran, with the chance to swim alongside a pod of dolphins. Orca and kayaker encounter caught on drone video youtube. This is still an area of volcanic activity and there are hot springs on the. Kaikoura is on the east coast of south island, new zealand. Find your perfect hotel or other accommodation for your stay, or book something to do in the tours or activities section the bay of islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in new zealand, combining great outdoor experiences with some. While kaikoura in the south island is new zealands whale watching capital, you.
Or you can visit a seal colony or penguin colony in bay of islands, northland, new zealand. You can travel north to cape reinga the lighthouse where the pacific ocean and the tasman sea are in collision the place the spirits in maori. For those that love beaches and water activities, its paradise. Kerikeri is in the bay of islands and is a fascinating, friendly town with a local community of orchardists and artists on the way to kerikeri, take a break in kawakawa and visit the famous hundertwasser toilets. Pods of local resident dolphins and orca, longfinned pilot and brydes whale can be seen all year around this large marine area. The new zealand waters have whale migration routes running straight through them, and many whale species are residents here, so its not that. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands updated 2020. I would recommend this trek to anybody passing through the area. Toprated paihia whale watching tours 2020 dolphin tours. Bookme 50% off deals things to do in paihia, russel, bay.
Beautiful coastline, forgotten beaches, and endless wildlife the bay of islands is a family holiday treasure, where spot, culture and scenery combine in a heady mix. New zealand, the bay of islands is an outdoor lovers paradise. Top 10 things to do bay of islands, new zealand experience oz. From dolphin and whalewatching expeditions to sightseeing boat tours that follow scenic routes through the bay, here are just a few of your cruising options in the bay of islands. When is the best time of year to see whales in the bay of islands. Whale watching in the bay of islands bay of islands. When it comes to beaches you are really spoilt for choice. Anchoring at roberton island, captain cook made contact with the local maori people and immediately started trading with them. Starting at the whale bay car park, the track heads towards whale bay. Walking access only from either the car park on matapouri road 30 mins round trip, through groves of ancient puriri trees or via matapouri bay 40 mins one way. Try swimming with dolphins, sailing, big game fishing or kayaking. New zealands last whaling station was in whekenui bay in tory channel in the.
We endeavour to be effective communicators and facilitators, maintaining and building relationships and networks while striving to be the leading and. The department of internal affairs supports the minister in fulfilling her responsibilities as the. Bay of islands new zealand travel bay of islands nz. Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastlines and spectacular forest, northland is also rich in a unique history. If youd like to see dolphins and whales in the bay of islands, book a day tour from auckland or visit. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the effort. The ridge track joins from the left near the bottom. Some wellknown species of baleen whales include the blue whale and the humpback whale. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the. Most of the action here is out on the water, whether that be yachting, biggame fishing, kayaking, diving or cruising around in the company of whales and. Bay of islands whales, dolphins, seals and penguins directory, new zealand.
Top things to do in bay of islands, northland region. The bay of islands is a tender port, so you will arrive by tender at the wharf at waitangi. There are an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 blue whales in the southern hemisphere and they usually travel alone or in pairs. Spectacular close up photography of a lone humpback whale hunting for fish in the bay of islands near the hole in the rock.
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