Explore the Bay of Islands with YHA New Zealand

Bay of Islands - the birthplace of the nation

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s hottest holiday destinations, and not just for the sunshine that beats down on its golden beaches. This collection of 144 islands north of Auckland enjoys year-round warm weather that lures visitors to its deep blue waters, rich marine life and undeveloped strips of sand.

Home to a string of quaint colonial-era towns, the Bay of Islands also carries immense historical significance. Waitangi is where Māori chiefs and the British Crown signed the landmark Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, earning this area a reputation as the birthplace of the nation.

at a glance

Best known for

untouched golden beaches

Did you know

the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840

Don't leave without

A trip on YHA Bay of Islands, The Rock!

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Bay of Islands Music Festival

When: Jan 25 to Jan 26, 03:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 1 Tau Henare Drive, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Waitangi Sports Grounds, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Tastes of the North - Garden Party!

When: Nov 30, 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Tuia 250 Open Vessels - Explore the Tuia 250 Flotilla

When: Nov 9 to Nov 10, 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: Te Karuwha Parade
Venue: Beach opposite Ti Tii Marae, Paihia, Northland

Otehei Bay New Year's Eve Party

When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 05:00 PM to 01:00 AM
Where: Corner of Williams and Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Otehei Bay, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Day Cruise In the Bay of Islands

When: Oct 18 to Nov 1, 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: 69 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: The Rock Adventure Cruise, Paihia, Bay of Islands

The Feelers - All The Hits Summer Tour

When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 07:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 69 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Zane Greys On the Dock, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Pōwhiri at Te Tii Marae/Waitangi

When: Nov 8, 09:30 AM to 02:00 PM
Where: Te Karuwha Parade, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Waitangi Marae, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands

When: Oct 17 to Oct 31, 05:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 69 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: The Rock Adventure Cruise, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Live Music From I See Red

When: Oct 26, 08:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 16, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Thirty30, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Whānau Day

When: Nov 9, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: 1 Tau Henare Drive, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Waitangi Sports Grounds, Paihia, Bay of Islands

YHA Bay of Islands, Paihia

We're 5 minutes' walk to the golden sands of Paihia, with a great outdoor seating area, friendly hosts, and comfortable backpacker accommodation.

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YHA Bay of Islands, The Rock

YHA Bay of Islands, The Rock Cruise will take you on an aquatic adventure around the Bay of Islands; kayaking, swimming, target shooting, exploring and more on this overnight cruise.

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YHA Whangarei

YHA Whangarei Falls Backpackers and Holiday Park is a relaxed spot right next to Whangarei Falls, complete with swimming pool and hot tub.

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YHA Ahipara

YHA Ahipara is part of a spacious holiday park including a purpose-built backpacker lodge, communal kitchen, lounge, and laundry facilities. Relax on-site or take a short stroll to Ninety Mile Beach.

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