Kamilla Henke
There are several ways to travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, including by plane, bus, car, car ferry, train, or a combination of these. The fastest way to get from Auckland to Bay of Islands is to take a train and then fly, which takes around 3 hours and costs $65-$200. The cheapest way to get from Auckland to Bay of Islands is by bus, which costs $20-$35 and takes around 4 hours.
If you want to take in the beautiful landscapes, you can drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands in about three hours. Alternatively, you can book a coach and arrive in about five hours. The Bay of Islands is a pleasant three-hour drive north of Auckland via the East Coast Highway. You can also take the less-travelled Kauri Coast route via the Hokianga on the way there or back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 154 miles |
| Cheapest travel method | Bus |
| Bus cost | $20-$35 |
| Bus duration | 4h 20m |
| Fastest travel method | Train and flight |
| Train and flight cost | $65-$200 |
| Train and flight duration | 3h 12m |
| Average flight duration | 40-45 minutes |
| Average flight cost | $56 |
| Drive duration | 3 hours |
| Drive duration (with breaks) | 3+ hours |
Travel by bus
The InterCity bus company operates multiple daily bus services to Paihia, Kerikeri, and other destinations in the Northland region. Buses depart from the SkyCity bus terminal in central Auckland, located at 102 Hobson Street, and arrive at the Paihia Maritime Building by the wharf. The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours, with stops along the way. Tickets cost $20–35, and you can buy them online.
InterCity is New Zealand's most popular national bus network, and its buses offer free WiFi. The company also offers the best rates for accommodation in Paihia.
GreatSights, New Zealand’s premier sightseeing tour company, also runs daily services to and from Paihia. Its experienced and knowledgeable drivers provide informative and entertaining commentary as you travel through the scenic Northland countryside.
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Travel by car
Driving from Auckland to the Bay of Islands is a popular option for travellers, with the journey taking around three hours non-stop. However, it is recommended to take breaks during the trip, and there are several interesting towns and attractions to stop at along the way.
The Scenic Route
The scenic route from Auckland to the Bay of Islands offers a wealth of things to see and do. Here is a suggested itinerary:
- Orewa: A seaside town on the edge of a long, white sand surf beach. Take a stroll, explore the northern bush trails, or go for a quick swim. There is also a seaside playground, which is great for families.
- Warkworth: A charming town situated on the banks of the Mahurangi River. Warkworth is home to cafes, shops, vineyards, art galleries, golf courses, and regional parks.
- Whangarei: New Zealand's northernmost city, offering stylish cafes, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops. Don't miss the Whangarei Falls, a short walk through native forest, and the Kawiti Glowworm Caves.
- Paihia: The gateway to the Bay of Islands, with colourful tiled Hundertwasser toilets and a recently opened community centre, 'Te Hononga'.
The Direct Route
If you are short on time or prefer a more direct route, you can stay on the Northern Motorway and bypass Orewa, Puhoi, and Warkworth. This route includes a toll road, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the toll fee and payment process.
Other Tips
- If you're driving an electric vehicle (EV), there are several places to stop along the way to charge your car, including Puhoi, Whangarei, and Kawakawa.
- The Bay of Islands is also accessible by plane, bus, or car ferry.
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Travel by car ferry
If you're travelling from Auckland to the Bay of Islands by car, you can also take a car ferry part of the way. The car ferry goes from Rangiora Ferry Terminal to Rawene.
The Bay of Islands Ferry, operated by Northland Ferries, offers regular and reliable connections for locals and visitors to the region. The ferry crossing time is 10 minutes, and it runs from Opua Ferry Terminal, Beechy St, Opua, to the wharf at the end of the Te Araroa Bypass in Okiato.
The vehicle ferries are suitable for all types of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and campervans. However, low tides may affect travel time for extra-large vehicles, so it is recommended to contact Northland Ferries in advance to confirm your requirements.
You can purchase vehicle ferry tickets on board or at the Opua Store, and prices are based on vehicle length. For example, a car or ute under 6 metres costs $18 one way, while a 2-berth campervan under 6 metres costs $18, and a 2-berth campervan with a toilet and shower (6-8 metres) costs $29.50.
The ferry operates as a shuttle, departing approximately every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes early in the morning and late in the evening.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Paihia Russell Passenger Ferry and Opua Vehicle Ferry are also ferry options within the Bay of Islands.
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Travel by train
To travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands by train, you can take the train from Britomart Train Station 1 to Puhinui Train Station 2. This is the first leg of a journey that also involves taking a plane, which is listed as the fastest way to get from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, taking 3 hours and 12 minutes in total and costing between $65 and $200.
Alternatively, you could take the train to Puhinui Train Station 2, walk to Stop A Puhinui, take the bus to Stop A International Airport, walk to Auckland Airport, and then fly to either Deer Lake Regional Airport or Gander International Airport. From either of these airports, you can travel to your final destination in the Bay of Islands.
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Travel by plane
Flying from Auckland to the Bay of Islands is a quick and convenient option, with the closest airport to the Bay of Islands located at Kerikeri, 23 km northwest of Paihia. The flight from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Kerikeri Airport (KKE) takes approximately 40-50 minutes, making it a great choice for those looking for a fast and hassle-free journey.
To get to Kerikeri Airport from Auckland, you can either drive or take a bus to the airport. The drive from Auckland to Kerikeri Airport is approximately 3 hours, so be sure to account for this travel time when planning your trip. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Auckland's Central Business District to the airport, which offers a more affordable option but may take longer depending on traffic.
Once you arrive at Kerikeri Airport, there are several transfer options available to reach your final destination in the Bay of Islands. Airport transfers can be arranged through your accommodation or at the airport, with shuttle services and taxis readily available. These transfers can take you directly to your hotel or any other desired location within the Bay of Islands region.
It is recommended to book your flights in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and times. Additionally, consider checking for any special offers or deals on flight booking websites or through airlines like Air New Zealand, which offers flights to the Bay of Islands.
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Frequently asked questions
You can travel by bus, car, car ferry, train, or plane.
The fastest way to get to Bay of Islands is to take a 40-45 minute flight from Auckland to Kerikeri Airport.
The cheapest way to get to Bay of Islands is by bus, which costs $20-35.
It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands offers sailing trips, reef diving, cruises to the Hole In The Rock, and dolphin-watching cruises. You can also visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori and the British Crown in 1840.
