Bay of Islands, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bay of Islands, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Bay of Islands, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Bay of Islands, New Zealand, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bay of Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bay of Islands, New Zealand by month

January

If you visit Bay of Islands during January, you may notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

February is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March for Bay of Islands is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

April

If you are traveling to Bay of Islands in April, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

In May, Bay of Islands is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Bay of Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June for Bay of Islands is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

July for Bay of Islands can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

In August, Bay of Islands can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bay of Islands, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

In September, Bay of Islands can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Bay of Islands, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October for Bay of Islands is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

November

If you go to Bay of Islands in November, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you visit Bay of Islands during December, you might see that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bay of Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

What to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands is a breathtakingly beautiful region located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, thanks to its pristine beaches, scenic islands, and rich history. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, there is something for everyone in the Bay of Islands. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the Bay of Islands:

1. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown. Visitors can explore the treaty house, the carved meeting house, and a war canoe. There is also a cultural performance that showcases Maori culture and history.

2. Take a Dolphin or Whale Watching Tour - The Bay of Islands is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins and whales. There are many tour companies that offer boat trips to see these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

3. Sail to the Hole in the Rock - The Hole in the Rock is a natural rock formation located on the small island of Motukokako. It is one of the most popular attractions in the Bay of Islands, and visitors can take a sailing tour to see the hole up close.

4. Explore the Islands - The Bay of Islands is home to over 140 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Visitors can take a ferry or charter a boat to explore these islands, which offer spectacular scenery and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

5. Go Fishing - Fishing is a popular activity in the Bay of Islands, which is known for its abundance of fish. Visitors can go on a fishing charter or hire a boat and equipment to catch snapper, kingfish, and other species.

6. Relax on the Beach - The Bay of Islands has some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling at the many beaches, such as Paihia Beach, Taupo Bay, and Russell Beach.

7. Visit the Kerikeri Mission Station - The Kerikeri Mission Station is a historic site that was established by British missionaries in 1819. Visitors can explore the mission house, the chapel, and the Maori meeting house, as well as the beautiful gardens.

In conclusion, the Bay of Islands is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to New Zealand. With its natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of activities, it is the perfect place for a holiday.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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