Bay of Islands Deals

Bookme.co.nz is offering up to 40% off activities in the Bay of Islands, including dolphin watching cruises and Cape Brett cruises. You can also find discounts on campervan hires from $89/day with Discover Cars. Additionally, Booking.com is offering free cancellation on most holiday park and motel bookings.

Cover-More travel insurance is also available from $4.50/day, providing comprehensive coverage for your family's trip.

The Bay of Islands offers a range of activities that are great value for families. A dolphin watching cruise, which typically costs around $120 per person, can be booked for up to 40% off with Bookme.co.nz. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which costs around $50 per person, offers a discounted family pass for $120.

Other best-value activities include the Hole in the Rock cruise, which costs around $120 per person, and the Haruru Falls walk, which is free.

Paihia is the cheapest and most convenient base for a Bay of Islands family holiday — most cruises, the i-SITE and the Russell ferry all leave from here. In winter (June), accommodation is well below summer rates, and there's plenty of availability without booking months ahead. Holiday parks like the Paihia Top 10 offer cabins and self-contained family units with shared pools and playgrounds, while motels with kitchenettes along Marsden Road suit families who want to self-cater. Look for free-cancellation rates on Booking.com so you can lock in a price and adjust if plans change, and consider a unit slightly back from the waterfront for the best value.

The single best-value outing in the bay is the Paihia–Russell passenger ferry. A return crossing costs only a few dollars per person with discounted child fares, and frequent-traveller multi-trip passes drop the per-trip cost further if you plan to cross more than once. It's a cheap way to add a whole extra day of sightseeing in historic Russell.

For the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, skip individual adult tickets and ask for the family pass — it bundles two adults and accompanying children at a meaningful discount, and your ticket usually includes a guided tour and cultural performance, so it's a full half-day of value. Under-5s typically enter free.

To make the most of your family holiday in the Bay of Islands, here are some money-saving tips. Firstly, book your activities and accommodation in advance to get the best prices. Secondly, consider hiring a campervan instead of booking separate accommodation and transportation.

Thirdly, pack your own food and snacks instead of eating out for every meal. Fourthly, take advantage of free activities such as the Haruru Falls walk and the Waitangi Beach.

Fifthly, book your travel insurance in advance to get the best price. Lastly, consider visiting during the off-season to get cheaper prices for activities and accommodation.