10 Romantic Things to Do in the Bay of Islands for Couples

Romantic Experiences in Paihia, Kerikeri, Russell and the Bay of Islands

Adventure together, relax and learn together in the Bay of Islands. The Winterless North offers year-round experiences that are ideal for couples on a romantic trip or celebrating a special occasion. From parasailing over the islands to indulging in wine tastings, the variety of activities in Paihia, Kerikeri and Russell create a well-balanced trip. So pick out the experiences that speak to you with this list of romantic things to do in the Bay of Islands for couples.

For more advice on planning your getaway, see The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Bay of Islands and the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

1. Unwind on a Sailing Cruise at Sunset

Cruise among the 144 islands of the bay at the most romantic time of the day. Barefoot Sailing Adventures offers a two-hour sundowner cruise on their sailing catamaran that pulls right up on Paihia Beach, so take off your shoes, kick back with the included drink and snacks, and enjoy the sunset as you sail around the bay. Alternatively, join the R. Tucker Thompson, a tall sailing ship that has a late afternoon sailing with drinks and antipasto platters available to purchase onboard. Check out more cruising options, including private sailing charters, in the 15 Best Cruises in the Bay of Islands.

Location: Barefoot Sailing – Paihia Beach. R. Tucker Thompson – Russell Wharf (free ferry from Paihia included).

10 Romantic Activities in the Bay of Islands for Couples

2. Tackle the Uncrowded Cape Brett Track Together

Escape the crowds and embark on an adventure together on the Cape Brett Track. Traverse the hilltops of Cape Brett through a mix of native bush and exposed hills revealing commanding coastal views. The two-day hike has a fee of around NZ$40 each for track maintenance and NZ$25 for the hut accommodation, which keeps the trail blissfully uncrowded.

Location: Start the track from Oke Bay in Rawhiti, approximately 32 km (20 mi) from Russell.

3. Indulge in a Wine and Craft Beer Tour

Another way to experience the Bay of Islands is through one winery at a time. Leave the designated driving to Mullarkeys Tours which showcases some of the best of Kerikeri’s wine and beer scene, as well as a chocolate factory visit. Alternatively, keep things intimate with a private wine tour organised by the Kernhem Group. For more about tastings, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Bay of Islands.

Location: Pick-ups are available from Paihia and Kerikeri.

4. Double Up on a Kayaking Tour

Teaming up in a double kayak is the ultimate test of any relationship, so see how you fare on one of the Bay of Islands’ kayaking tours. From kayak rentals to guided tours, there are plenty of options for paddling fun, such as with Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak who offer a scenic guided paddle down the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. Find out more about Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak on Viator and Klook.

Location: Tours depart from 1 Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi.

5. Fly the Skies in Tandem Parasailing

Soar some 1,300 ft above the Bay of Islands on a tandem parasailing tour with Flying Kiwi Parasail. You’ll be harnessed under a canopy together so you can share every moment, from swooping into the sky to feeling your toes touch the water (water-touching is optional). The views of the calm bay waters and its islands are nothing short of incredible. See how this tour compares to others in the 5 Incredible Places to Do Parasailing in New Zealand.

Location: Trips depart from Paihia Wharf.

6. Buddy Up on a Scuba Dive

Experienced divers will know to buddy up for dives to famous Bay of Islands dive sites like the Rainbow Warrior or Canterbury wreck dives. For newbies, experience something new together on a Discover Scuba dive with Paihia Dive. You’ll be geared up and put with a qualified instructor who will share a few important skills with you before you immerse in the amazing underwater world of the Bay of Islands with its thriving kelp forests.

Location: 35 Williams Road, Paihia.

7. Treat Yourselves to a Couples Massage

Indulge in ultimate relaxation in a couples massage at La Spa Naturale. Located at the Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, La Spa Naturale uses premium spa products to enhance your state of bliss, which can be experienced together in the resort’s couples massage rooms.

Location: 130 Marsden Road, Paihia.

8. Make a Special Gift for Each Other in a Jewellery Workshop

Make a unique souvenir to remember this time together in a silver jewellery class with Rogue Pony. The team offers private transfers to a studio in Russell where you will learn how to make your own piece of sterling silver jewellery that you can take home with you (or, of course, gift to your loved one).

Location: Pick-ups are available from Russell Wharf and the Okiato Ferry Terminal.

9. Explore the Coast on Horseback

What’s more romantic than seeing your loved one riding a majestic steed? Gallop over the hills with stunning coastal views on one of the horse trekking experiences with Horse Trek’n Bay of Islands. Choose your adventure, including a forest and hillside trek, a bayview ride or taking your horse for a swim.

Location: 33 Bayly Road, Waitangi.

10. Enjoy an Intimate Scenic Flight Over the Bay

Share an amazing experience flying over the Bay of Islands in a scenic helicopter flight. The intimate scenic experience is ideal for couples, where you have the option to fly over the Bay of Islands and even land on the Hole in the Rock with Salt Air. There are many more flight experiences available, so take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in the Bay of Islands to discover more of your options.

Location: Tours depart next to Paihia Wharf.

More About the Bay of Islands for Couples

That’s it for our list of the most romantic things to do in the Bay of Islands. Of course, you may find romance in any of the other experiences in the Bay of Islands, so take a look at the following guides for more ways to spend your romantic escape:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Bay of Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
Visit Northland New Zealand (Regional tourism website)
Northland Regional Council (Local council website)
Far North District Council (Local council website)
Kaipara District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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