Bay of Islands

Hosting over 30,000 resident dolphins, the Bay of Islands is the premier sailing destination in New Zealand, with 90% of the country's charter fishing trips taking place across its 144-island archipelago. This marine hub offers more accessible dolphin encounters than #6 Franz Josef Glacier's remote ice viewing. Its historical centerpiece, the Treaty of Waitangi grounds, draws over 100,000 visitors each year, anchoring the region's appeal beyond water sports.