Bay of Islands Art & Culture: Top 5 Spots

The Bay of Islands, you know, is almost a special spot up in New Zealand. It’s brimming with not just crazy nice scenery, but, in a way, it’s super soaked in stories, histories, and that really deep Maori culture. If you are thinking about taking a trip, and you want something that feeds your soul as much as your Instagram feed, then, well, this area has actually got plenty. This is a rundown of five spots where the art and culture of this area genuinely come alive. Read our full review: Bay of Islands Art & Culture Full Review and Details.

1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

First off, arguably the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is likely top of the list for any visitor to the Bay of Islands. That place is so rich with historical meaning, seeing that this is basically where the Treaty of Waitangi got signed back in 1840. Is that wild? You’ll wander around the spot where it all happened and maybe even catch a Maori cultural performance. Actually, it is a moving experience that, in a way, brings New Zealand’s past right into the present. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Waitangi Treaty Grounds)

2. Village Arts Gallery, Kohukohu

Then, very different from historical sites, that Village Arts Gallery in Kohukohu might be something for those with an interest in something local, too it’s almost like you get to connect directly with local artists. Right there, the gallery showcases an incredible range of crafts and arts—paintings, ceramics, all that stuff. Anyway, checking out this gallery really does help give a little bit of support to the regional art scene. That’s a very awesome plus, right? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Village Arts Gallery Kohukohu)

3. Kerikeri Mission Station (aka Kemp House & Stone Store)

Speaking of historical significance, it’s like the Kerikeri Mission Station has just got that proper history vibe, with Kemp House and the Stone Store just standing as some of New Zealand’s earliest buildings. You can, you know, stroll around the grounds and then sort of imagine life back when missionaries and Maori lived side by side in a rapidly changing world. It’s a really reflective experience that offers insight, really, into how New Zealand’s cultural landscape, sort of, was shaped. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kerikeri Mission Station)

4. Hundertwasser Toilets, Kawakawa

So, for something definitely a bit unique, swing by the Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. Now, it sounds strange, right? But these aren’t just toilets; basically, they’re a work of public art created by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It is, maybe, the most colorful and creatively tiled public restroom you’re possibly ever going to come across. That they are actually a testament to turning the ordinary into something truly outstanding—which, really, is pretty cool. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hundertwasser Toilets)

5. Russell Museum

Finally, we should touch on the Russell Museum. That, too it’s almost a great spot to round off any cultural exploration. The museum gives, in some respects, an amazing peek into Russell’s past. This has all its Maori beginnings as well as it has its pretty colorful days as a European settlement and whaling port. That history and culture of the Bay is explained with a bunch of really cool displays and exhibits. Anyway, spending some time there really makes that whole area seem way more real and alive. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Russell Museum)