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!

11 Top Cultural Experiences in New Zealand

NZ is a nation with centuries of Māori..

YHA Ahipara travellers checking out lighthouse at Cape Reinga

Northland Road Trip

Head to the Winterless North to catch some rays..

yha christchurch cyclist couple looking over lyttleton in the port hills

Top 7 Mountain Biking Towns in New Zealand

Whether you're an avid downhill mountain biker..

DOC Short Walks

Experience some of New Zealand's highlights in..

YHA Kinloch, Glenorchy view from restaurant

Top 5 Romantic Hostel Getaways

We know what you’re thinking – hostels don’t..

"it!" Bay of Islands Food and Wine Festival

When: Oct 5, 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: 60 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Village Green, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands

When: Jun 6 to Jul 31, 04:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 69 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: The Rock Adventure Cruise, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Red Carpet Dinner

When: Jul 20 to Jul 21, 05:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: Tau Henare Drive, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Waitangi Golf Club, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Stumper Quiz Night

When: Jun 27 to Jul 25, 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 1 Joyces Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Paihia Ex-Services Club , Paihia, Bay of Islands

The Paihia Famous Jam/Open Mic Night

When: May 19 to Sep 8, 07:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 16, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Thirty30, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Duo Coco

When: May 16 to Jul 4, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: 50 Marsden Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Rayz On the Bay, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Saturday Night Slipmat Sessions

When: May 25 to Jul 27, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 16, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Thirty30, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Reducing Our Household Rubbish: The Zero Waste Approach

When: Jul 17, 05:30 PM to 07:45 PM
Where: 76 Marsden Road
Venue: Bay of Islands Community Centre, Paihia, Northland

Live Music From WiEkko

When: Aug 23 to Dec 6, 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 16, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Thirty30, Paihia, Bay of Islands

Live Music From Scarlet Fever

When: Aug 24, 08:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 16, Kings Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Venue: Thirty30, 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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more