Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a fantastic walking destination for much of the year, with the best times being the summer and the shoulder seasons. December to February is summer in New Zealand. This period is typically warm to hot, offering excellent weather for swimming at the many isolated beaches you'll discover along the trails. This is the peak tourist season, coinciding with school holidays, so you will need to book well in advance for January and February. March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) are often considered the perfect seasons for walking. The days are typically long and sunny, but the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking. The tracks are also quieter during these months, allowing for a more serene experience.

This package is designed to give you a comfortable base from which to explore the region independently. What's Included: Accommodation: 4 nights' accommodation at a superb Bed and Breakfast in Russell. Meals: 4 breakfasts and 2 packed lunches are included. Transfers: Private transfers from Kerikeri (the nearest airport) are included, as are all the water taxi transfers required for the walks. Walks & Permits: The itinerary includes 3 great walks, including the challenging Cape Brett track. All necessary National Park fees and the walking permit for Cape Brett are covered. Navigation: You will receive Auswalk's comprehensive, self-authored walking notes and maps to guide you as well as access to our exclusive walking app. What's Excluded: Some Meals: Dinners are not included, giving you the freedom to explore the excellent eateries in Russell. Two lunches are also not included. Local Ferry: The short, 15-minute ferry ride from Paihia to Russell (a $9 cash fare) is not included. Optional Transfer: If you choose the shorter version of the Cape Brett walk, you will need to pay for an additional water taxi transfer directly to the operator. Travel to the Region: You are required to get yourself to the start of the walk in Russell. This may involve flights to Kerikeri or driving from Auckland.

For the entire 4-night duration of your stay, you will be based at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Russell, the oldest town in New Zealand. This allows you to settle in and explore the region without the hassle of changing accommodations. The B&Bs we use, such as the lovely Villa Russell, are chosen for their quality and superb views over the bay. Your hosts are knowledgeable and welcoming, adding to the charm of your stay. Being based in Russell also affords you the opportunity to enjoy the town's historic atmosphere and dine at some of its excellent local restaurants in the evenings.

The walks in the Bay of Islands are on well-graded tracks, but they do feature some ascents and descents, and there are some sections that may be challenging if you have a fear of heights. The daily distances average about 16 km per day. The signature walk to Cape Brett is challenging, and you will need a good level of fitness to be ready for it. However, as a self-guided walker, you have flexibility. An optional shorter version of the Cape Brett walk is available, which can be accessed via an additional water taxi transfer (at your own cost). This allows you to manage the difficulty and tailor the day to your energy levels. The self-guided format means you can always walk at your own pace, taking time to explore the many isolated beaches and scenic viewpoints along the way.

You can check current departure dates here. It is essential to book well in advance if you plan to travel in January or February. This is the peak summer holiday season in New Zealand, and the charming, small-scale accommodations in Russell have limited capacity and get booked out many months ahead. For travel during the shoulder seasons, we still recommend booking a few months in advance to ensure availability.