Bay of Islands Cruise Port Guide Through Caves Forests and Art

Sailing into the Bay of Islands by cruise ship was an easy introduction to one of New Zealand’s most relaxed and rewarding ports. Bay of Islands (Te Pewhairangi – Pronounced teh peh-FY-ran-gee) is not a place where everything comes to you at the dock, but with a short shuttle or excursion, it opens up quickly.

This region holds deep cultural significance as one of the earliest areas of Māori settlement and later European contact. The coastline and surrounding forests still feel lightly touched, with small towns acting as gateways rather than destinations themselves. That balance between history and landscape gives the area a calm and unhurried rhythm.

Most visits center around Paihia, a small seaside town that serves as the main hub for visitors. It is compact, friendly, and easy to explore on foot once you arrive, making it a natural starting point for seeing the wider Bay of Islands region.

On each visit, the shuttle dropped me directly at the town park in Paihia, where a local craft fair was already in full swing. Vendors sold wool knit socks and sweaters alongside locally sourced foods and handmade goods. It felt casual and welcoming, more like a community gathering than a tourist attraction.

Beyond the park, Paihia offered plenty to wander through at an easy pace. Shops and restaurants lined the nearby streets, making it simple to explore without a plan. It was the kind of town where stopping to browse felt just as worthwhile as any scheduled activity.

One visit included a full day excursion that showed just how much variety the region holds. We began at the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, a family owned cave system where thousands of glowworms lit the ceiling like a night sky. Walking into the larger chambers felt surreal and quietly magical.

From there we stopped in Kawakawa for lunch and a visit to the Hundertwasser Public Toilets. What could have been a novelty stop turned into a genuine highlight thanks to the bold colors, curved lines, and playful design. The final stop was the Kauri Walk at Puketi Forest, where a raised boardwalk led us through towering trees while a guide explained the local flora and conservation efforts.