Luxury Bay of Islands Tours made for you
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Bay of Islands with a private journey designed just for you
Inviting, subtropical climate and diverse marine life
Equally beautiful and historically significant, the bay is peppered with 144 vastly untouched islands that are renowned for their inviting clear waters, subtropical climate and diverse marine life.
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most popular travel spots, drawing locals and international visitors alike. The lure of the sea is impossible to ignore here, with virtually endless opportunities to explore the archipelago. Paddle through its turquoise inlets in a sea kayak, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, discover the underwater world on a diving excursion, embark on a sailing venture or head into the maritime playground to swim with dolphins and spot blue penguins, marlin and whales.
On land, take to the walking trails that weave through dappled verdant forests and past secluded beaches on Urupukapuka Island, or try to wrap your arms around the mighty trunk of the native kauri tree. For those who want to do very little at all, take your pick from some of the country’s best beaches that are fringed with New Zealand’s iconic, red-flowered pohutukawa trees.
Dotted around the islands are a cluster of seaside settlements, each with their own quintessential kiwi charm. From the peaceful Opua to the social hub of Paihia and the historic charm of Russell, they all offer a taste of classic New Zealand beach culture with low-key cafes, chatty locals and shop fronts that are reminiscent of the 50s. You’re sure to see the creative side of the community with local artworks on display in eateries throughout the region.
But the Bay of Islands is not just a coastal getaway, it has also played a significant role in the history of New Zealand, marking the spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was drawn up and signed in 1840. This agreement between the local Maori tribes and Europeans is still the cornerstone of race relations in the country today.
A visit to this archipelago serves up a rare concoction of exploration, restoration, culture and history, and without the crowds that typically flood a subtropical destination, it’s all the more alluring.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Bay of Islands specialists
Cruise the beaches and bays
Cruise around the beaches and bays on a boat tour.
Tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a tour that explains this site’s history.
Charter a catamaran for a private island day
Charter a catamaran for a private tour and swim, snorkel, kayak the nearby islands.
Marvel at Cape Reinga
Take a tour to Cape Reinga and visit one of the world’s longest beaches, 90-mile beach.
Walk Waipoua Forest with a Maori guide
Enjoy a private tour of the Waipoua Forest with a Maori guide.
A word from one of our experts
Island hop between some of New Zealand’s best kept secret beaches, enjoying the best weather New Zealand has to offer at its northernmost point. Stop at Paihia and learn about the historic significance this stunning area had in bringing two peoples together as one.
Rosanna Convey
Luxury accommodation in the Bay of Islands
There are many incredible places to stay in the Bay of Islands. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Lodge Kauri Cliffs is a lodge in Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
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Sanctuary at Bay of Islands
Sanctuary Bay Islands is a place to stay in Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
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Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our New Zealand example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
The Best of the North Island
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Luxury Australia and New Zealand
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Essential New Zealand
A wonderful introduction to New Zealand, this 15-day luxury trip takes in both New Zealand’s North and South Islands, passing through epic landscapes, friendly…
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Auckland
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Christchurch
Once known as the most English city of New Zealand with its manicured gardens, quaint trams, stately houses and a vast central park – Chris…
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Coromandel
A short drive from Auckland takes you to the Coromandel Peninsula, a classic Kiwi beach holiday destination made up of petite coastal towns…
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Craigieburn
Mountain country on the road over Arthur's Pass.
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Dunedin and Otago coast
The main city of the southern part of the South Island, Dunedin is a vibrant place to spend a few days. Its name is distinctly Scottish and…
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Fiordland
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Hawke's Bay
The North Island’s wine country is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains. The scen…
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Kaikōura
With the swelling Pacific Ocean on one side and the snowcapped Kaikoura Range on the other – Kaikoura is a quaint peninsula village that is…
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Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest peak, Aroaki Mount Cook, is an arresting sight dominating the skyline of the national park which surrounds it. Its tr…
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Marlborough
For many, their first impression of New Zealand’s South Island is entering by ferry through this spectacular filigree of bays, beaches, cov…
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Nelson and Abel Tasman
New Zealand’s sunniest region has a diverse geography ripe for exploring from golden sand beaches to dense forests, the clearest fresh wate…
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North Island
With a landscape that encompasses a coastline of black sand beaches, active volcanoes and unique geothermal activity, New Zealand’s North I…
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Queenstown and Wānaka
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns, sitting on the tip of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. It’s a bustling hub of in…
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Rotorua and Taupō
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit – one that is distinctiv…
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South Island
In contrast to the more populous North Island, the South Island of New Zealand is less inhabited, untamed and wild: perfect for adventure s…
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Wellington
Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity ̵…
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West Coast and the glaciers
The narrow strip of coastline squeezed between the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea plays host to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscape…
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Meet your Australasia team
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Cathy Jocubeit
Senior Concierge – Asia Pacific
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David D Arcy
Senior Travel Designer
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Ellie Khoury
Senior Travel Designer
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Georgina Bainbridge
Travel Designer
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Gilda Tang
Client Experience Manager for Asia Pacific
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Gita Widyasari
Asia Pacific Concierge
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Jessica Wijesinghe
Senior Asia Pacific Concierge
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Keith Jarman
Senior Travel Designer
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Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
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Leanne Anglo
Travel Designer
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Lucy Clarke
Travel Designer
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Rachel O Leary
Senior Travel Designer
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Rachel Rose
Travel Designer
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Rahma Adiningtyas
Asia Pacific Concierge
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Rosanna Convey
Travel Designer
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Taylor Williamson
Travel Designer
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Yvonne Green
Travel Designer
When to visit
You can enjoy the outdoors year-round. January and February see the best weather but this brings in larger crowds. Spring and autumn are good alternatives when the waters are still warm enough for activities such as snorkelling and kayaking.
June–September
On the cooler side
March–June, October - December
Being on the water
January–February
Warmer days
When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?
Bay of Islands travel guides
The Best Adventure Experiences in New Zealand
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The World’s Top 12 Places for Family Travel
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The World’s Top Wine Tours
Discover some of the most incredible vineyards around the world
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The Definitive Luxury New Zealand Family Guide
Explore spectacular natural scenery, learn about Māori culture, spot one-of-a-kind wildlife and stay at secluded hotels on an adventurous family journey throug…
Read moreDon't take our word for it
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
“heavenly honeymoon”
My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…
“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”
We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
“Communication and organization were…”
Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!
“Iceland 8 Days”
We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.