Nestled in the stunning Bay of Islands, Waewaetorea Island is a slice of paradise.
I was lucky enough to visit last summer and I can say confidently say that its crystal-clear water, pristine beach and breathtaking views are worth the visit.
If you’re looking for details on its location, how to get there, and helpful tips, I’ve got you covered below.
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WAEWAEROREA ISLAND LOCATION
Waewaetorea Island is part of the iconic Bay of Islands in Northland, New Zealand. Situated northeast of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi. Its proximity is also nearby to Urupukapuka and Motuarohia islands–a larger conservation area, overseen by DOC (Department of Conservation).
HOW TO GET TO WAEWAEROREA ISLAND
To reach Waewaetorea Island, there is a slight catch as it requires a private or self-operated boat. That said, there are alternative ways to explore the area if you don’t have access to one.
Guided tours offer a great option, taking you past the island while providing local insights and history. This GetYourGuide tour takes you to popular spots like Hole in the Rock and Urupukapuka Island—plus, it’s on a fast boat, which will be an adventure in itself. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, this scenic cruise offers a slower pace while still taking you to some incredible locations.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more flexible schedule, summer ferries run regularly, connecting you to other stunning islands in the Bay of Islands. Urupukapuka is a popular one, perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking, along with a bunch of other activities. For ferry times to Otehei click here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Waewaetorea Island is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is in New Zealand’s summer months–December through February. During this time, the weather is toasty warm, and the water is great for swimming.
Spring and autumn also offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them great alternatives but chances are the water will be much colder. Also being on a boat means that you’ll need to be wary of tide and wind. So, unless you’re in for a cold plunge and don’t mind a bit more unstable weather, I would highly suggest summer.
Any time of day is great to visit, but keep in mind there’s no shade. We went mid-morning and stayed a few hours, leaving before the sun got too harsh.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT WAEWAEROREA ISLAND
Thankfully, Waewaetorea Island remains a relatively quiet destination compared to other nearby islands.
Even when we visited mid-morning at the height of summer, there were others around but by no means did it feel crowded. Being accessible only by boat, in this instance, is one of the perks as it naturally limits visitor numbers, in comparison to other spots in the Bay of Islands.
In saying that, if you’d like to have a more private experience consider visiting outside of the New Zealand holiday period. These run from just before Christmas to mid-January. Early mornings will also serve you well for avoiding crowds.
CAN YOU CAMP ON WAEWAEROREA ISLAND
Camping is not permitted on Waewaetorea Island, as it is a protected conservation area. However, nearby islands like Urupukapuka offer designated campsites that allow you to stay close to the action. You can find these campsites on the DOC website. They are well-equipped, providing a comfortable base for exploring the Bay of Islands.
PHOTOGRAPHING WAEWAEROREA ISLAND
Photographing Waewaetorea Island and the Bay of Islands is a dream on a cloudless day. You’ll have some beautiful landscape views, featuring the areas famous turquoise waters, golden sands and lush greenery. This is especially from the hilltop viewpoint, starting from this bay. The short 10-minute walk up rewards you with an elevated viewpoint with stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding islands.
As always, the best time to photograph landscapes is either sunrise and the hour after or if towards the end of the day, golden hour and sunset. That said, even mid-morning, the bright sun really highlighted the blues and greens beautifully.
No matter when you visit, you’ll leave with incredible shots.
SUMMARY
In this post, we explored Waewaetorea Island, a gem in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. From its location to how to get there, the best times to visit, and photography tips, this guide outlines everything you need to plan your adventure.
For more travel inspiration, check out our comprehensive travel guides and uncover epic destinations across some of New Zealand’s ultimate destinations.