Bay of Islands Airport (KKE), also known as Kerikeri Airport, has up to five daily direct flights from Auckland.
The airport is 6km south of Kerikeri. Super Shuttle run a shuttle bus service that meets all flights and picks up and drops off at accommodation in Kerikeri and Paihia.
InterCity coaches stop in Kerikeri near the Subway on Cobham Road.
There are direct coach services from Kerikeri to Auckland, Kaitaia, Paihia, Waipu, Warkworth and Whangarei.
Skydive Bay of Islands offers tandem skydives in New Zealand’s warmest drop zone where you are treated to views of both the east and west coasts. You have the option of tandem jumps from 9000ft (20 seconds freefall), 12,000ft (45 seconds freefall) or 16,000ft (over one minute freefall).
If you’re looking for a slower paced, but more hands-on experience than a simple boat cruise, then sailing a yacht on the Bay of Islands may be for you. There are several companies that operate yacht trips that range from one to three-day cruises. Most of the one-day cruises depart Paihia or Russell around 10am, returning around 4pm. Some of the sailing companies only operate during summer.
Bay of Islands Sailing operate sailing trips on Gungha II, a 60ft maxi-yacht is loads of fun and many people regard it as the best of the one-day cruises. You have the opportunity to help crew the yacht or you can let others do the work. There is an island stop over and there is also a chance to see dolphins. This trip operates October–May and a full day sailing costs $110 including lunch.
Carino Sailing operate full day sailing trips on a spacious 12m (40ft) catamaran. This boat makes plenty of island stops where you can swim or snorkel and there are often opportunities to swim with dolphins. A day sailing costs $124.
Ecocruz run a fantastic three-day sailing trip aboard a 22m (72ft) ocean-going yacht and the longer trip allows you plenty of time to really experience the Bay of Islands. This trip includes sea kayaking, snorkelling and fishing and you get to explore islands in the bay. There’s also the opportunity to see marine wildlife, including dolphins. This trip departs Tuesday and Friday between October and May. The three-day cruise starts at $725, including all meals and accommodation on board the boat.
She’s a Lady Island Sailing Adventures run full day trips on the bay with lunch on an island and opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, fishing and knee boarding. A full day sailing costs $97.
There are several companies in the Bay of Islands that offer sea kayaking that range from a half day to two-day overnight trips.
Coastal Kayakers operates three-hour guided sea kayak trips that take you past the Waitangi treaty grounds, through mangrove forests to the Haruru Falls. They also have independent kayak rental, which is ideal for travellers who don’t like the idea of guided tours.
The Bay of Islands is a popular spot for a cruise and there is a large variety to choose from, ranging from high-speed craft to small yachts. Many cruises sail out to Motukokako Island, which is famous for the ‘Hole in the Rock’ that most of the bigger and faster boats sail through. Boats that make it out this far also sail past the picturesque Cape Brett lighthouse.
Fullers GreatSights run most of day cruises departing from Paihia. The Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise (3 hours) and the Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stopover (4 hours) are the most popular. There are also cruises that are more geared towards spotting marine life, such as Fullers GreatSights Dolphin Eco Experience (4 hours). The all-day Cream Trip covers the lot, going to the Hole in the Rock, an island stopover with boom-netting and swimming included as well. There is not a big price difference between the short and longer cruises, so if you have the time it is worth paying the extra $20 or so for the longer cruise.
The Rock is a popular cruise for backpackers. Although this big boat gives you the option of day cruise, it is the overnight cruise that The Rock is famous for. The overnight cruise features island treks, snorkelling, kayaking and a phosphorescence swim. It gets mixed reports from travellers, but generally, if you are looking for a good time you will have a good time on this boat. It’s a good value trip and the price includes a night’s accommodation on board plus a barbecue dinner and breakfast.
Paihia Wharf near the bus and coach stop on Marsden Road is the departure point for ferries to Russell as well as sightseeing cruises.
Fullers InterCity Ferries operate between Paihia and Russell; the 15-minute trip costs $12.50 return and ferries depart from Paihia Wharf every half hour.
There is also a car ferry, which leaves from Opua (6km south of Paihia) every 10 minutes, which can be better value if several people are travelling together.
The most popular sightseeing cruises are the cruises to the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island, which also offer opportunities to see dolphins.
InterCity Coachlines and ManaBus stop in Paihia with direct coach services to Auckland, Kerikeri, Warkworth and Whangarei.
Buses and coaches depart from the Maritime Building on Marsden Road near the wharf.
Sightseeing tours (including tours to Cape Reinga and Hokianga) also depart from here including tours run by awesomeNZ and Fullers GreatSights.
InterCity Coachlines stop in Waipu en route between Auckland and Kerikeri and ManaBus stop here on their Auckland–Paihia service. This gives Waipu direct coach services to Auckland, Kerikeri, Paihia, Warkworth and Whangarei.
Bus and coach services stop outside the monument on The Centre with northbound services stopping outside 50 The Centre and southbound services stopping outside 61 The Centre.
Ultimate Descents operate white water rafting trips among the granite canyons of the Buller Gorge. The four-hour trip on the Buller River features grade 3–4 rapids.
Rafting trips depart from Ultimate Descents base in Murchison, across the road from the Lazy Cow hostel.