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Photo essay: the stunning Bay of Islands

One of New Zealand’s most picturesque locations is the Bay of Islands, in the far north of the North Island. I recently spent a couple of days there and got out and about in Russell as well as some of the more far flung and pristine islands.

Motuarohia Island
This stunning aerial view of Motuarohia Island was taken by local photographer Stephen Western
Bay of Islands
We climbed up here with a picnic lunch on Moturua Island
Moturua Bay of Islands
After arriving in this yacht and motoring ashore with our chief photographer and boat owner Stephen Western
Moturua flax
Trekking around Moturua touches on four idyllic beaches
Moturua
Keeping up with Steve, our guide, as we hike around the island
Urupukapuka Bay of Islands
The gateway onto Urupukapuka Island
Urupukapuka bridge
Join the milk run out to Urupukapuka and bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views over lunch
Urupukapuka Island
The perfect spot for lunch and a few photos on Urupukapuka Island
Russell church
Back in Russell, this is New Zealand’s first church
Russell church musket holes
The church still has musket holes in the walls dating back over 100 years
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Wander along the ocean front and have a cheeky wine on the veranda at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, the first pub to get a liquor license in NZ
The Gables Russell
Wander down to the Gables for dinner with stunning ocean views
Russell Four Square
The famous Four Square supermarket has been run by the same family for several generations
Russell wharf
Russell wharf is where the ferries from Paihia come, where kids fish and where Birdmen leap off. Truly.

If you fancy a walk around these stunning islands or to potter around historic Russell, book one of the 21 walks being organised for the inaugural Bay of Islands Walking Weekend in October. Or, be inspired any time and come up here at your leisure to this gem of New Zealand’s northland.

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