Activies near Āio
Plan your day of activities from a stroll around the Waitangi Treaty grounds, to a parasail over the bay, a swim with dolphins, a game of golf on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful golf courses or a bus trip to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), a visit to Kawiti Glow worm caves. The options are endless and there is something to suit every interest.
Great Sights
Travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands on this half-day sightseeing tour.
Your journey into the 'winterless North' begins as you cross over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Along the way your driver guide will keep you informed and entertained, pointing out sites of interest as you drive through rolling farmland and lush native forest.
Explore NZ
Start your day with Swim with Dolphins.
Salt Air
Salt Air can offer you a unique and memorable experience of the Bay of Islands and Northland from the air with spectacular coastline views and island scenery. Our guided tour options and island escapes will also leave you with an appreciation of our local history, culture and coastal environment that is uniquely Northland.
Flying Kiwi Parasail
Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Bay of Islands at 1200ft from the perfect safety of our custom-designed boat.Suitable for the entire family, no physical restrictions or experience required. Take off and landing is from the back deck of the boat and a choice of single,tandem or triple flights.
Twin Coast Cycle Trail Northland
Spring in Northland brings warm days and blue skies. Ideal for a bit of cycling and shaking off the blues. Spring through Summer and Autumn are stunning times of year and perfect for cycling adventures. Clear bright days and moderate to warm temperatures make for an enjoyable bike tour.
Skydive - Bay of Islands
Skydive Bay of Islands is located in Northland and the Number 1 destination in the Bay Of Islands. Local towns are Paihia, Haruru Falls, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and we are close to Whangarei.
We offer the ‘Big Daddy’ of them all with Northland’s highest tandem skydive experience from 16,000ft above the beautiful Bay of Islands. With over 60 seconds of freefall, reaching speeds of 120 miles / 200 kilometres per hour or more, this jump provides some serious adrenaline overload.
Skydive - Ballistic Blondes
See the stunning views over the Bay of Islands from 12,000ft with Skydive Ballistic Blondes – The only operator offering beach landings in New Zealand!
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are an absolute must-do when you are in the Bay of Islands - rich in history and stories of the momentous events which shaped our nation.
Gain a deeper understanding during a guided tour with one of our professional guides and enjoy a high quality cultural performance in our beautiful carved meeting house (Whare Runanga).
Explore the Treaty House and marvel at the scale of Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world’s largest carved war canoes (waka taua). Take time to wander through the beautiful grounds of the Waitangi estate, complete with extensive gardens, bush tracks, beaches, and fabulous views over the Bay of Islands and beyond.
To make the most of your visit you should to allow at least three hours for your Treaty Grounds experience.
Waitangi Golf Course
A stunning 18 hole golf course with fantastic sea views, whether you are looking for a challenge or a relaxed round, Waitangi Golf Club will cater for you.
Visitors are most welcome all year round.
Kawiti Caves
Located right in the heart of the Waiomio Valley, the Kawiti Caves are home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breath taking rock formations and lush green rainforest.
Explore the world famous milky way, a cavern filled with glow worms as far as the eye can see. Journey underground through networks of stalactites and stalagmites to hidden chambers like the Waiomio night sky where the glow worms are so close you can almost touch them.
Enjoy a guided tour with a personal touch as we share one of New Zealand’s natural wonders with you and your family.
Visit Historic Russell
This tranquil seaside town became known as ‘The Hell-hole of the Pacific’ once it became known to whalers and began acquiring unsavoury European residents – a stark contrast to its present day population.
Pompallier Mission
Visitors to the Bay of Islands put Pompallier on their "must see" list.
Pompallier, is the sole surviving building of the French Catholic mission headquarters to the Western Pacific. Not only a witness to "The Birth of the Nation", Pompallier is also a uniquely French Provincial building that stands as witness to wider French influences in New Zealand and the Pacific.
As a visitor you will receive unique hands-on experiences in the working mission factory and hear the stories of the peoples who worked and lived through fascinating times of Treaty-making and subsequent war.
Further Information
The links below give more information about things to do in and around the Bay of Islands and Northland.
Destination Northland
Destination Northland - The official website for Northern New Zealand, Bay of Islands, Tutukaka Coast & Far North NZ - NorthlandNZ.com
Tai Tokerau Tourism
Northland New Zealand Maori and culture travel guide, From Auckland to Cape Reinga including Northland, Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Whangarei, Far North. New Zealand Accommodation, Tours, Adventure, Activities.
Historic Places Trust
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) is New Zealand’s leading national historic heritage agency and guardian of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national heritage. The NZHPT's work includes identifying our heritage places, seeking to ensure they survive for appreciation by current and future generations, and fostering that appreciation by recording and sharing their stories.
Department of Conservation
This Department of Conservation (DOC) site has information about the protection of New Zealand's natural and historic heritage, how and where you can enjoy public conservation places and how to get involved in conservation.
Navigator tours
At last a tourism company that understands and represents the indigenous view of “Nature, Culture, People and Place” in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
The enjoyment of a visit is based on three key elements: Maori people, Maori places, and Maori hospitality.
Destination NZ
New Zealand travel guide with comprehensive travel information on New Zealand and its regions and cities as well as New Zealand accommodation, New Zealand transport, New Zealand activities and New Zealand events.
Live, breathe and experience New Zealand with the ultimate travel guide Destination-nz.com