Even More Reasons to Stay
Bay Of Islands Country Rock Festival
13, 14, 15th May
Top Country-Rock singers and bands from around NZ, Australia and further afield! A three-day event featuring some fine local and international Country Rock Acts. Street events and local venues one badge gains entry to all venues.Visit BOI Country Rock Festival's Site
Explore Group - Paihia Half Marathon
5th June
Queens Birthday Weekend Visit Their Site to learn more
Kerikeri International Piano Competition
30 June - 5 July
Bi-Annual four-day event Featuring 14 top pianists from around the world competing over two rounds with the top four competing in the final – plus an Adjudicators Recital. Learn More Here
Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands - Beast Run
9th July
Mud Sweat and Run! The Bay of Islands Beast is a super tough 7km course over rolling countryside; navigating swamps, river crossings, a little bit of mud, some very steep hills and traverse rugged uneven terrain. The Beast is designed to be tough but FUN! www.thebeast.co.nz
Paihia Community Street Party
9th July
Following on from the Beast Run - a chance for runners and supporters alike to wind down.
Russell Birdman Festival
14 - 17th July
Madness as human power attempts to fly off Russell Wharf into the bay in all sorts of manmade contraptions with great prizes up for grabs. It’s three days of fun in the Bay of Islands … enter or just turn up to watch the fun and games. More information here. See past events here
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
6 August
Fundraising Trivia Night – Kawakawa Yes the Bay of Islands has a vintage Railway and while there is no Thomas or Fat Controller from Sodor Island fame, Gabrielle is the star in Kawakawa … Not only the trivia night in early August but most weekends and throughout school holidays the Vintage Railway delights kids and parents alike … www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz
Bay Of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival
12, 13, 14 August
The Bay of Islands grooves every August to Local and international acts as the Jazz and blues festival returns each year. Various venues in both Paihia and Russell. All genres of Jazz and Blues can be heard over this three-day festival. www.jazz-blues.co.nz
Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival
1st October- "it!"
This boutique wine and food festival celebrates all the greater Bay of Islands and Northland has to offer … and this year marks the 7th year the festival returns to Paihia. Catch it Cook it Eat it … all sorts of activities and great entertainment on the Village Green … the headline act for this year has yet to be announced but in the past has featured one of New Zealand’s Top Bands along with great supporting acts. Tickets are essential if you enjoy wine food and music … Mark it on your calendar now and watch this space for more details.
"it" Bay of Islands Festival
1st October- "it!"
Headline Act - Dragon
We are looking forward to trying the festival out on a new date that is not super busy like Labour Weekend. The successful formula from our 6 previous years is unchanged! Dragon are the headline act - they wrote a string of hits that most Kiwis, and many Australians could sing along to word-perfect - April Sun in Cuba, Are You Old Enough, and Rain. Certainly a good draw card to get people along. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
7, 8, 9 October
Based in Russell this is a great opportunity to discover some of the beautiful walkways in and around the Bay of Islands. There are walks for all abilities over this three day celebration of the beauty of the local area.
Bay of Islands Classic – Russell to Paihia Swim
18 March 2017
Part of the NZ wide Ocean Swim series. Events for the younger ones just off the safe Paihia Beach right through to the elite swimming athletes who take on the 3 kilometres plus swim from Russell across to Paihia – the kids event and the Seniors event finish right on the beach just along from the Pioneer Waterfront Apartments. Great as a spectator or as a participant. Signup Here
Past Events
- 8th May - Jennian Homes Mothers Day Fun Run/Walk
- Saturday 15th November 2014: Fullers Great Sights Kerikeri Half Marathon Supporting the NZ Cancer Society
- Saturday 22nd November 2014: 11am - 4pm Bay of Islands Classic Ocean Swim - Russell to Paihia
- Friday 6th February 2015 Waitangi Day - 175th Anniversary of the signing of New Zealand's Founding Document. A big one and events are being planned for 5th & 6th February The Waitangi National Trust website will be updated with what's on as the events are confirmed.
- Saturday 24 November 2015 Bay of Islands It Festival - Wine and food festival Catch It! Eat It, Drink It etc etc! A great day out on Paihia's Village Green with a family friendly atmosphere and live bands! The It Festival 2014 finished yesterday and the 2015 site hasn't been as we post here but keep checking Visit Paihia