Plan a holiday in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand to experience enchantment at every turn. Located on the eastern side of North island, this South Pacific region is a tropical haven for wildlife and foliage.

On the mainland, Paihia offers many opportunities for dining, accommodations and excursions. Explore this small quaint town easily on foot. Stop in for lunch at Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar for authentic island cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this mainly seafood establishment also offers contemporary options.

For reasonably cheap holidays , a great place to stay is Bali Hai Motel, located close to the beach and includes a kitchen in every suite. For a quick trip right in town, a walk around Paihia Harbour will bring visitors through idyllic gardens with views of the bay. Take advantage of Culture North Night Show production to learn the history of the Maori and European settlers.

By ferry, visitors can ride a short distance to Russell, one of the busiest towns on North Island. Once a crime-ridden area that attracted ex-convicts, Russell is now a small quiet oasis that invests seriously in tourism.
Providing unique bay experiences, various sailing cruises are available . For deep sea fishing, Legend Charters Day Trips guarantees a fresh catch of marlin or snapper. Plan on dinner at Gables Restaurant for a choice of Pacific Rim or European cuisine. Offering a limit of two seating times, guests can take all the time they need to finish.
If staying overnight in Russell, Hananui lodge Motel offers apartments with kitchens and living areas. Outside each suite are decks equipped with grills and patio furniture. In addition, spa services, internet and laundry facilities are available.

Located on the northeastern shore of the Bay of Islands, Cape Brett provides the ultimate in water sports, sea life sightings and boat cruises. Featuring a hiking track that requires trekkers to trod through forests and along high cliffs, the 8 hour track allows for snorkel and swim breaks. At the end of the trail, hikers can reserve a night at Cape Brett Lighthouse keeper's home.

Reported as one of the most rewarding experiences to interact with dolphins, is Dolphin Watch Ecotours. Departing from Picton Harbour, the tour takes passengers through Marlborough Sounds to interact with bottlenose, common and dusky dolphin species. On the cruise, stay alert for sightings of a variety of birds and New Zealand fur seals.