Bay of Islands

A must see according to all New Zealand travel guides!!

Beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife.

We went with “Fullers: Great Sights”, I think there were far too many people on the boat for an enjoyable day/good photo opportunities....but looking around other boat companies didn’t seem any better. May be learn to sail and rent your own boat??

While you’re in the area it’s worth spending a bit of time in Russell, a quaint seaside town, and Paihia, where there are some great restaurants. There are quite a few islands off the coast of Paihia which we intended to kayak around. Although it turns out the kayak rental places close eeeeearly. So instead we swam to Motuarahi Island!! Not sure if you’re supposed to go there #awks but it was a fun adventure!!

And if you’re looking for a bit of culture the Waitangi Treaty grounds are very close by to Paihia.