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Auckland & Bay of Islands

Auckland, formed by two large harbours, is the most populous urban area in New Zealand. There’s always something to do in and around the city. Throughout the year, Auckland hosts festive experiences, sporting events and is home to numerous cultural and heritage attractions and photography walking tour opportunities. With great waterside dining and being surrounded by various vineyards and wineries, Auckland’s food and wine scene is certainly worth savouring.

The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country’s North Island mainland. It can be reached from Auckland by car and ferry in under 4 hours. It’s a superb destination for underdeveloped golden beaches, water-based activities such as fishing, sailing and dolphin watching. The sunsets over these paradise islands are incredible too.

 

What you’ll love most about Auckland & Bay of Islands

  • Whilst in Auckland, you’ll never be far from a phenomenal dining experience. Given that eating and drinking your way around New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore the country, why not start your foodie adventure here at a waterfront restaurant or enjoy a luxury dinner cruise
  • Join a marine mammal eco-safari and see bottlenose dolphins and Brydes whales in Auckland’s amazing Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
  • Go diving, snorkelling or kayaking in New Zealand’s first marine reserve – Goat Island. Alternatively, head just offshore from Tutukaka to the Poor Knights Islands which is one of the best diving sites in the world
  • Explore the ancient Waipoua Forest with local Maori guides and see New Zealand’s largest Kauri tree
  • One way to explore the region’s coastline and lush forests is to take a fascinating bike ride along the Twin Coast Cycle Trail that stretches between the east coast of Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour to the west
  • There are plenty of waterfalls to discover. Head out of Whangarei City for just 10 minutes by car and you’ll find the 26 metre high Whangarei Falls

Where to Book

  • Auckland City paddleboarding

  • Urupukapuka Island boat trip

  • Goat Island, north of Auckland

  • Motuihe Island, Bay of Islands

  • Piha Beach, Auckland

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 24℃
  • 24℃
  • 23℃
  • 20℃
  • 18℃
  • 15℃
  • 14℃
  • 15℃
  • 16℃
  • 18℃
  • 20℃
  • 22℃
  • 6
  • 6
  • 6
  • 8
  • 12
  • 12
  • 15
  • 12
  • 10
  • 10
  • 7
  • 8

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Contiki is social travel exclusively for 18-35 year olds. To travel with Contiki is to travel confident. Confident you’ll have the best experiences, seamless transport and sweetest stays. Confident you’ll be introduced to incredible new destinations and flavours. And con...

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For over 30 years Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe, creating positive change through the joy of travel. That’s over 30 years of adventures, of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people.

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New Zealand Sky offers luxury tailor-made tours and holidays specialising in providing expert travel advice and exceptional unhurried customer service. With a wealth of experience we will find the perfect trip for you.

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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Trafalgar is a dream holiday without the stress of the ‘what ifs’. Carefully designed tours so you can experience the world differently. You’ll get the personal service, attention to detail and ease you’re looking for, while enjoying the unmissable experiences you have always dreamed...

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Are you ready to roam beyond the ordinary? Travel like you belong, not like you are just passing through. Travel Essence creates bespoke journeys to Australia and New Zealand. As specialists in the art of travel, they will ensure that you make the most out of your time Down Under.

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Wendy Wu Tours are the UK’s leading specialist tour operator offering fully inclusive tours in almost every region of the world, from Asia to South America. With over 25 years of touring experience, they offer an authentic experience, delving deep into local life, with expert guiding from ...

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Hotels

Booking.com

Top Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Offers page.

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