Arabella Hideaway

13/10/2026

And just like that, it's cruise ship season again. Welcome back Celebrity dge.

11/10/2026

Another great way to explore from Arabella Hideaway… hop on your bike!
Opua is just a few minutes ride away and the views enroute are AMAZING!
You can then explore the start of the Twin Coast Cycleway, or simply explore the historic village on two wheels. 🚲

27/09/2026

What a super special weekend stay at Arabella Hideaway as Richard popped the question to Ally. That's a first for us and we are just as excited as Ally was. Richard hired Keith in his other role as Shifting Light Photography to capture the moment and all went to plan. It truly was a memorable moment. Huge congratulations to Richard and Ally. We hope to see you again in the future. Baie geluk, Alles van die beste!

23/09/2026

Last weekend we had a small celebration for Vicki’s birthday. We booked a table for lunch at Sovrano estate. Impressed would be an understatement. We highly recommend making the 25 minute drive to this restaurant and vineyard.
It really just has to be done when you are in the bay.

09/09/2026

And the dusky goodness is also available at a beach near you

08/09/2026

It's starting to look like spring up here in the Bay of Islands. Come and check out an amazing sunrise or two. This scene was captured at Horotutu beach, right in the centre of Paihia. It is, incidentally the site of New Zealand's first ever Cricket match; played on 20 December 1832. The participants were local Māori and Pākehā youth, including pupils from the Church Mission School, led by Reverend Henry Williams who gave the children an afternoon off after their exams. "Teams consisted of 40 or 50 a side, and ‘fielders pleased themselves as to the position they took in fielding, and things were generally carried out in a very independent manner all round." There is history everywhere you turn in the beautiful North. It's time you came for a visit.

25/08/2026

A special way to remember your Bay of Islands stay 📸

If you're staying with us at Arabella Hideaway, you might like to take home more than just the usual holiday snapshots.

Keith, who runs Shifting Light Photography, is offering a special introductory portrait photography offer as he launches his business here in the Bay of Islands.

It’s perfect for couples wanting some beautiful photos together during their stay, or for those meeting up with friends or family while they're here.

You can find out more about the introductory offer here:

Book a Bay of Islands portrait session with award-winning photographer Keith Maynard from Shifting Light Photography. Special introductory offer with all edited images included.

24/08/2026

Another lovely comment from guests 🥰

22/08/2026

We’ve had some gorgeous evenings in the Bay of Islands recently. It may still be winter but what a wonderful place to enjoy it. ✨

12/08/2026

You can almost see Arabella Hideaway from here. We were flying north over the beautiful Bay of Islands for a winter break in the Pacific. On days like this you would wonder why anybody would leave.