Top 4 Things To Do in the Bay of Islands New Zealand

The Bay of Islands offers incredible trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes. Whether you have an hour or a few days, there’s a perfect trail waiting for you.

Opito Bay Walk:

The Opito Bay walk in Northland, also known as the Akeake Historic Reserve Track is a short trail that leads to Tareha Point Scenic Lookout. The start of the trail is roughly a 15 minute drive from Kerikeri town centre and offers panoramic views of Moturoa Island, the Te Puna Inlet, and the surrounding Bay of Islands.

This is a short walk so perfect for a casual stroll. Whilst on this track, you also have the option to explore Lizard Bay Beach. This section of the trail involves a few additional stairs but is alive with the sounds of many cicadas. Once you’ve then made your way to the lookout, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views that stretch across turquoise waters and rocky headlands that make up the Bay of Islands. From here, the remainder of the walk which is roughly 5-10 minutes follows the coastline, offering more scenic views before ending back at Opito Bay.

If this place sounds like your vibe, the full rundown is in my Opito Bay walk blog here.

Dukes Nose:

Dukes Nose Lookout is a rewarding day hike through stunning New Zealand native bush and diverse terrain. From the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views stretching across the Bay of Islands and the Pacific.

The drive takes about two hours from Whangārei and 40 minutes from Kerikeri. Once parked and ready to go, expect a 2-3 hour trek to the lookout. The trail is quite the adventure, winding through lush bush, river crossings, and marshlands before reaching the final stretch.

It is worth noting that the last section is steep and requires using a handrail to reach the summit. But once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views over Waitepipi, Te Were, and Pekapeka Bays.

Despite its growing popularity, Dukes Nose remains quieter than many other Northland hikes. Both times I visited—once in late spring and once in mid-summer—we had the summit to ourselves at sunrise. While the trail does get busier later in the day, we only passed a handful of hikers on our way back in the morning.

I could go on, but the full post has all the details—take a look at Dukes Nose Lookout here.

Cape Brett:

Cape Brett stands proudly at the head of Cape Brett Peninsula and is one of the most most formidable things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. 

We hiked this track at the end of December—New Zealand’s summer—but luck wasn’t on our side, with low-lying fog limiting visibility. Still, the views were breathtaking, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. On this hike, you’ll walk through lush native forest and at points, take in panoramic views over the Bay of Islands.

It is best to note that Cape Brett is rated an ‘advanced’ track, and in my experience not necessarily because of its length but due to its rugged and challenging terrain. We tackled it shortly after rain, making some sections muddy and reinforcing my appreciation for sturdy hiking boots.

The hut itself provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, but the real highlight is the sunset. Watching the sun dip beyond the Pacific Ocean from this spot was easily the most memorable moment of our hike.

If Cape Brett is a challenge you are wanting to tick off, you’ll find all the details in the full blog here.