The Estate
Paroa Bay is a private 75-acre estate nestled on a scenic peninsula in the Bay of Islands, just 15 minutes from the historic township of Russell. Surrounded by pine and native bush, the estate stretches from its ocean-facing ridgeline to an eight-block working vineyard that is home to a boutique winery, luxury villas, and off-grid cabins.
A private gated entrance, helipad, and boat ramp ensure ease of access and exploration, while walking paths, citrus trees, birdsong, and native flora and fauna reflect the land’s natural rhythms.
Just across the road, our award-winning Sage Restaurant offers a coastal dining experience that celebrates New Zealand's produce and garden-grown ingredients, with views across the vineyard and out to the bay.
The Estate
Paroa Bay is a private 75-acre estate nestled on a scenic peninsula in the Bay of Islands, just 15 minutes from the historic township of Russell. Surrounded by pine and native bush, the estate stretches from its ocean-facing ridgeline to an eight-block working vineyard that is home to a boutique winery, luxury villas, and off-grid cabins.
A private gated entrance, helipad, and boat ramp ensure ease of access and exploration, while walking paths, citrus trees, birdsong, and native flora and fauna reflect the land’s natural rhythms.
15 minutes to Russell
Native birdlife
Sage Restaurant
Boutique vineyard & winery
Boat ramp & helipad
Winter temperatures 12°C to17°C
Summer temperatures 20°C to 30°C
Native Birdlife
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Bird Song
Paroa Bay is alive with the sounds of native birdsong. The estate’s fern-covered bush is home to sightings of tūī, kererū (wood pigeon), kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet), and kōtare (kingfisher).
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Call of the Kiwi
As dusk settles, the calls of wild kiwi echo across the estate — the male’s sharp, rising whistle often answered by the female’s deeper, rasping call, joined by the voices of wekā and ruru (morepork).
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Kiwi Conservation
Paroa Bay sits within one of New Zealand’s most successful kiwi recovery regions, supported by long-term predator control led by the volunteer-run Russell Landcare Trust. Their work has helped the local North Island brown kiwi population grow significantly over the past two decades.
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Nesting Boxes
On our estate, purpose-built nesting boxes, motion-activated trail cameras, and an active trapping programme contribute to monitoring and protecting these remarkable native birds. Although kiwi are rarely seen, their distinctive calls often echo across the valley at dusk.
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Name Sakes
Our premier villa and off-grid cabins are each named after native birds — Tarāpunga, Kākāriki, and Kōtare — a nod to the sights and sounds that shape the Paroa Bay experience.
Our Environment
Our Commitment
With its subtropical climate, vibrant marine life, and deep connection to land and sea, the Bay of Islands invites natural exploration and fosters a profound respect for the environment. At Paroa Bay, this ethos guides everything we do.
Stewardship
Across the estate, our operations are supported by solar energy systems, rainwater collection, and sustainable daily practices led by our dedicated onsite team. These measures allow us to operate with care and intention while preserving the beauty of our coastal surroundings.
Sustainable Stays
Our accommodation embraces an environmentally conscious approach, offering estate-grown produce and freshly made provisions alongside a considered selection of eco-friendly amenities. Our off-grid cabins operate independently from mains services, relying entirely on solar power and rainwater autonomy to deliver a low-impact stay.
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Site-Driven Winemaking
Our vineyard is shaped by the character of the land and flourishes with minimal environmental impact, with site-driven winemaking that reflects the distinct terroir of the Bay of Islands.
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From Garden to Table
At Sage Restaurant, our menu celebrates local produce, sourcing from nearby growers, our own gardens, and the surrounding land and bay.
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Paroa Bay Peninsula
Home to two significant pā (traditional Māori settlements): Kahuwera and Paroa. Paroa Pā, a Ngare Raumati stronghold, dates to the pre-European era and includes sacred burial grounds. By the early 1800s, the bay’s sheltered waters had become an important anchorage for whaling ships navigating the Bay of Islands.
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Russell Township
Russell — originally Kororāreka, meaning “sweet blue penguin” — was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its seaside streets still follow the 1843 town plan, with historic buildings and stories from the past offering a rare window into early colonial life.
“Hell Hole of the Pacific”
During the 1830s whaling era, Kororāreka gained notoriety as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” — a lively, chaotic, and often unruly port frequented by sailors, traders, and adventurers. Today, it has transformed into a peaceful harbour town rich in history, character, and coastal charm.
Waitangi
Across the bay lies the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 Māori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi, forming the foundation of modern Aotearoa. Carved meeting houses, historic sites, and the whenua itself preserve the layered story of partnership, aspiration, and nation-building.
Cultural Discovery
From the historic streets of Russell to the significance of Waitangi, the region surrounding Paroa Bay offers a living tapestry of Māori heritage and early European history. Here, culture and landscape intertwine, inviting deeper understanding of the land and its people.
History
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Waitaki Valley, Otago
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