The Bay of Islands is located on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island in New Zealand. It has become one of the most popular sailing, fishing and tourist destinations in the entire country. It has been recognised internationally for its big-game fishing since the American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. It is situated 60 km north-west of the city of Whangarei. Cape Reinga, at the northern point of the country, is about 200 km by road further to the north-west.
The bay itself is an unconventionally shaped natural harbour and a 16 km-wide submerged valley system . It contains an incredible 144 islands and multiple peninsulas and inlets. The three largest inlets are the Waikare Inlet located in the south, and the Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets located in the north-west. The Purerua Peninsula, north of Te Puna Inlet, segregates the north-western part of the bay from the Pacific Ocean, and the Cape Brett Peninsula extends 10 km into the ocean at the eastern end of the bay. The largest town is Kerikeri, followed by Paihia. The small town of Russell is located at the end of a short peninsula that extends into the bay from the southeast. All in all this is an exciting destination for a New Zealand multi-centre, with many places to visit! Call us for more information on Lake Taupo and book your exciting holiday to New Zealand!