The Bay of Islands at Easter — A Spectacular Destination
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most celebrated destinations, and at Easter it is simply breathtaking. The four-day long weekend — from Good Friday 2 April to Easter Monday 5 April 2027 — coincides with perfect autumn conditions: warm golden days, calm seas, and the kind of weather that makes outdoor adventures and beach days utterly irresistible.
The Bay of Islands encompasses dozens of islands, world-famous dolphin watching, the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the charming township of Russell, the bustling Paihia waterfront, and some of Northland's finest beaches. Staying at Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri puts you right at the heart of it all, just 25 minutes from Paihia and less than 20 minutes from Waitangi.
Easter 2027 Public Holiday Dates
- Good Friday — Friday 2 April 2027 (Public Holiday)
- Easter Saturday — Saturday 3 April 2027
- Easter Sunday — Sunday 4 April 2027
- Easter Monday — Monday 5 April 2027 (Public Holiday)
Bay of Islands Easter Activities
With four full days to explore, you can cover a remarkable amount of the Bay of Islands region. Here is what awaits you during Easter 2027 in one of New Zealand's most beloved holiday destinations.
Paihia & On the Water
- Dolphin Watching Cruises — Join one of the popular dolphin watching tours departing Paihia — an unforgettable experience for all ages
- Island Cruises — Explore the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
- Hole in the Rock — The iconic cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock is a Bay of Islands bucket list experience
- Sailing — Charter a yacht or join a sailing trip through the islands
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding — Explore the sheltered bays and inlets at your own pace
- Swimming & Snorkelling — The water is still warm in early April — perfect for a swim
Historic Sites & Culture
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds — Visit New Zealand's most significant historic site — just 20 minutes from Kerikeri. Cultural performances, waka displays, and guided tours
- Russell — New Zealand's first European settlement, with historic buildings, excellent restaurants, and a beautiful waterfront
- Stone Store, Kerikeri — New Zealand's oldest stone building, set in the picturesque Kerikeri Basin
- Kerikeri Basin — Walk the beautiful river tracks through native bush to the historic basin area
- Rainbow Falls — A spectacular short walk to Kerikeri's iconic waterfall
Beaches
- Matauri Bay — One of Northland's most beautiful beaches, with golden sand and crystal-clear water
- Coopers Beach — A long, sheltered golden sand beach — perfect for families
- Tokerau Beach — Remote and spectacular in the Far North
- Bland Bay — A hidden gem not far from Kerikeri
- Paihia Beach — Convenient and beautiful, right in the heart of the Bay of Islands
Wine, Food & Markets
- Kerikeri Winery Tours — Northland's wine country is at its best during autumn harvest season
- Kerikeri Farmers Market — Fresh local produce, artisan foods, and crafts every Saturday morning
- Packhouse Market — A wonderful artisan market in a converted packhouse
- Russell Restaurants — Some of the Bay of Islands' finest dining is found in charming Russell
- Paihia Cafes — Great coffee, fresh seafood, and casual dining by the waterfront
Why Kerikeri is the Best Base for Easter in the Bay of Islands
While many visitors stay in Paihia, Kerikeri offers a superior base for exploring the entire Bay of Islands region at Easter. Here is why:
- Kerikeri is central — well-placed for driving to Paihia (25 min), Russell (35 min), Waitangi (20 min), or the Far North beaches
- The town itself has excellent cafes, restaurants, and the Farmers Market — so you are never short of things to do locally
- Self-contained chalets give you the flexibility to come and go as you please without relying on restaurants for every meal
- Kerikeri is less crowded than Paihia over Easter, while still being fully serviced
- The orchard setting of Kerigold Chalets provides a peaceful retreat at the end of each busy day