The Honeymoon Guide to the Bay of Islands

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Romantic Outdoor Adventures

The Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise that’s best explored in the great outdoors. Whether you’re adrenaline junkies or prefer a relaxing cruise, there are outdoor activities to suit all couples.

Cruise among the 144 islands of the bay at the most romantic time of the day on one of the sunset sailing cruises. Barefoot Sailing Adventures is a sailing catamaran that pulls right up on Paihia Beach, so take off your shoes and kick back with a drink, snacks and enjoy the sunset as you sail around the bay. Find out more about Barefoot Sailing Adventures on Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, the R. Tucker Thompson is a tall sailing ship that has a late afternoon sailing with drinks and antipasto platters available to purchase at the bar. More information on R. Tucker Thompson can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor.

If tour groups aren’t your thing, then escape from it all on the Cape Brett Track. Traverse the hilltops of Cape Brett through native vegetation and exposed hills revealing breathtaking coastal views on this two-day hike. With a fee of around NZ$40 each for track maintenance and NZ$15 for the hut accommodation, the trail blissful uncrowded. Start the track from Oke Bay in Rawhiti, approximately 32km (20 miles) from Russell.

Test your relationship by teaming up in a double kayak! From kayak rentals to guided tours, there are plenty of options for paddling fun in the bay. Join Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak for their scenic nature cruise down the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls where you can get together in a kayak and paddle under the waterfall. Find out more about Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak on Viator and Tripadvisor. Coastal Kayakers also offers a tour down the Waitangi River, as well as a coastal tour passing uninhabited islands.

For more ideas, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in the Bay of Islands for Couples.

© Mullarkeys Tours

All-weather Experiences

For the days when some of that subtropical rain decides to pour, or when you simply want to do something more relaxing, these all-weather experiences are another great way to experience the bay.

Make a unique souvenir to remember this time together in the Silver Jewellery Class with Rogue Pony. They’ll transport you 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 gift to your loved one). Find out more about jewellery workshops with Rogue Pony on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Share a sensual experience with 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 relaxation, which can be experienced together in a massage room with two massage tables for both of you.

Finally, explore the Bay of Islands one winery at a time on one of the excellent wine tours. Rogue Pony offers a range of experiences from their dedicated wine tour to a scenic tour with a winery lunch. Find out more about Rogue Pony’s tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.  Alternatively, the craft beer and wine tour with Mullarkeys Tours showcases some of the best of Kerikeri’s wine and beer scene, as well as a chocolate factory visit. More details on Mullarkeys Tours can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor.

For more all-weather ideas, see the 10 Romantic Activities in the Bay of Islands for Couples.

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Romantic Restaurants

Finally, complete your day with a romantic meal at one of the excellent fine dining restaurants, casual eateries or wineries of the region. For instance, Charlotte’s Kitchen on Paihia Wharf has unbeatable views of the harbour to go along with your sharing platter, woodfired pizza or something else.

The Marsden Estate Winery (56 Wiroa Road, Kerikeri) serves international cuisine from their terrace overlooking the vines, river and gardens. Maha Restaurant (190 Kerikeri Road) offers an Asian spin on local produce in Kerikeri. Or take the ferry from Paihia to Russell to dine at the Duke of Marlborough (35 The Strand), the oldest pub in New Zealand serving up an array of seafood and meats in their heritage building.

For fine dining recommendations, check out The Luxury Guide to the Bay of Islands, as well as more suggestions in The Foodie Guide to the Bay of Islands.