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PaihiaNature & adventure

Our most recommended Paihia Nature & adventure

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

1. Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Maeune Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe. Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako). Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

2. Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands on a personalised, small-group, interactive boat cruise. Combine the best activities of the Bay of Islands with interactive and informative commentary for an amazing day excursion. Stop at Roberton Island and disembark for a 10-minute walk along a native bush trail. At the end of the trail discover a breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint over the bay. Enjoy a complimentary beachside morning tea provided by the crew and have the opportunity to explore the tidal lagoons. Climb back on board and continue cruising among the 144 islands of the Bay keeping a lookout for marine wildlife and unique shorebirds. Your second island stop takes you to one of the Bay of Islands’ most secluded and unfrequented bays. Snorkel and explore the underwater reefs and take a walk along the island trails. Relax on the beach or jump in the water for a swim, do as much or as little as you want.

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

3. From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

Travel among the 144 remote islands of New Zealand's renowned Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided boat tour departing from Paihia and discover some of the most unique sights of this natural destination. Admire the stunning Hole in the Rock and stop to explore one of the islands. Set sail and surround yourself with the imposing rocky scenery of the Bay of Islands. Keep an eye out for a variety of marine wildlife as you cruise along the coastline. Listen to interesting commentary from your tour guide as they relay the history of the area. Visit the original landing site of Captain James Cook on Roberton Island. Experience Cathedral Cave on Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. If weather permits, you'll even sail through it. Up next, take in the awe-striking Cape Brett Peninsula and its lighthouse. Stop at one of the islands along the way. Take a short walk toward a lookout point and help feed the schools of fish in the Voluntary Marine Reserve.

Bay of Islands: Island Hopper Day Sailing Cruise from Paihia

4. Bay of Islands: Island Hopper Day Sailing Cruise from Paihia

Embark on a magical day sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands. Experience the Kiwi barefoot culture for yourself as you step straight from Paihia's beachfront onto a modern catamaran.  Set sail through the bay's 144 islands to a remote island stopover aboard Kopiko, a 33-foot performance catamaran built for speed, comfort, and style. Lend the friendly crew a hand with sailing the boat, or spread out with plenty of deck space where you can grab a bean bag and chalk up some leisure time. Discover a wealth of wildlife from seabirds, stingrays, seals, penguins, to dolphins.  Arrive in a stunning bay, where you'll anchor close to the beach. Step off onto the island and enjoy a delicious packed lunch at a stunning picnic spot of your choice. Enjoy short walking trails, picturesque views, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, or digging your toes into the sand. After your island adventures, set sail and watch the wind fill the sails as you relax on the return trip. 

From Paihia: 3.5-Hour Day Cruise and Island Tour

5. From Paihia: 3.5-Hour Day Cruise and Island Tour

Discover the remote islands of the Bay of Islands on this guided cruise. Get to know the local flora and fauna, dive underneath the waves, snorkel alongside colorful fish, and try your hand at other fun water activities. Check-in before setting off along the sheltered coastline for a scenic cruise. Stop off at Roberton Island, also known as Twin Lagoons, for a 10-minute walk along the native bush to a breathtaking 360-degree lookout over the bay.  After the walk, explore the tidal lagoons before stepping back on board the boat and continuing your cruise along the Bay of Islands, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Then, stop at one of the bay’s most secluded and unfrequented bays to try some new activities.  Snorkel and explore the underwater reefs, stroll on an island trail, give stand-up paddle-boarding a try, relax on the beach, or jump in the water for a swim. Make the day your own, with the activities that interest you most. Finally, board the boat for the return scenic cruise back to Paihia.

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over

6. Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over

Set off on a scenic 4.5 to 5-hour cruise to discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife in an area soaked in rich culture and history. Board the black and yellow power cat at Paihia Wharf and be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. Your crew will deliver a full safety briefing and overview of the trip. Cruise among the 144 islands and enjoy entertaining live commentary from your local knowledgeable skipper. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it. Spot local wildlife including dolphins, birds, seals and even the occasional whale with a success rate of over 90%. Your trip will also include a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Enjoy free time to explore the island. If you wish, you can hire kayaks, or paddleboards (available during summer only) or just relax on the beach. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island and return on a later ferry (only available during summer).

Bay of Islands: Tandem Skydive Experience

7. Bay of Islands: Tandem Skydive Experience

Combine a thrilling adrenaline buzz with spectacular views of clear turquoise water, long stretches of pristine golden beaches, and lush countryside in the Bay of Islands. Self-drive to Kerikeri Airport or arrange for courtesy pick-up. Meet the friendly ground staff who’ll look after you before and after your jump. Board the plane for the cruise up to 9,000, 12,000, 16500, or 20000-feet (depending on which option you book) and admire the 144 stunning islands that make up the Bay of Islands. Be harnessed to a highly trained tandem instructor who’ll ensure your safety and fun throughout. At altitude, jump from the plane for adrenaline buzzing freefall that is anywhere between 20 to 85 seconds, depending on which altitude option you choose. Enjoy a relaxing flight under canopy before landing back at the drop zone.

Luxury Yacht Cruise in the Bay of Islands

8. Luxury Yacht Cruise in the Bay of Islands

Board our beautiful sailing catamaran “Serenity” from Paihia Wharf at 10am; once we have cleared the harbour we hoist the sails and make our way out into the stunning Bay of Islands. Relax and take in the sights with a complimentary tea or coffee as we cruise past some of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. We select a bay that is sheltered from the prevailing weather conditions and drop anchor. From here we will prepare your kiwi barbeque lunch onboard before you step ashore to explore. If you are feeling adventurous, you may want to hike to the nearest viewpoint, or we have snorkelling gear and paddleboards available for your use. If you simply want to relax we have plenty of lounging areas onboard for you to take full advantage of, or you may want to pick a quiet spot on the beach. We weigh anchor and set sail in time for us to arrive back at Paihia Wharf at approx 4pm. Enjoy the sail back to Paihia with a complimentary beverage.

Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Catamaran Charter

9. Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Catamaran Charter

Relax as we set sails and take in the amazing scenery as you make your way out into the Bay of Islands. Hop onboard a 40ft sailing catamaran; Hibiscus Star, with plenty of space to soak up the sun on the top deck. Keep an eye out for local wildlife. We'll anchor at a beach that is only accessible by boat and you can choose how to spend your two hour island excursion. Take a dinghy ride to the beach, go for walk on the island, or explore the water with the included snorkeling and paddle boarding gear. Enjoy a delicious packed lunch before our return sail to Paihia. With the option to purchase snacks and non alcoholic drinks onboard, or bring your own alcoholic drinks to sip while you glide over the water. Please note: This cruise requires a minimum of 4 passengers before your booking will be confirmed.

Bay of Islands incl Russell Trike Tour (2 per trike)

10. Bay of Islands incl Russell Trike Tour (2 per trike)

Take an exhilarating private tour departing from Paihia and explore the Bay of Islands and the historic town of Russell. Feel the wind in your hair as you travel by trike with a personal guide and witness some of the most stunning views and natural sites the area has to offer. Leave Paihia behind aboard your trike and head to Haruru Falls for a visual of the half-moon-shaped waterfalls. Continue on to Waitangi Lookout for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Bay, all the way to Russell. Wind your way through native bush onto Opua and catch the car ferry across to Okiato. Reach Russell, the first settlement in New Zealand, pass the oldest church in the country and notice its signature musket holes. Experience the breathtaking views from Russell Lookout and learn about local history. Wander around the charming town or dine at your own leisure. Finish your tour by staying in Russell and returning via passenger ferry by yourself or hop back aboard your trike and travel back to Paihia with your guide.

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What people are saying about Paihia

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 265 reviews

We were blessed with a perfect morning. There was a cruise ship in so it was a full boat but everyone was friendly and coperative. The captain gave just enough information on the historical context and the natural marine habitation of this beautiful place. He always turned the boat so everyone on board got a prime view of each spectacular place we visited. We spent quality time at Hole in the Rock. At the island stopover we chose to hike to the top of the nearby hills (about 15 minutes walk up) to enjoy the serenity of the spectacular 360 degree vista we were surrounded by. This also gave time for a swim in the clear aquamarine waters. It was a totally awesome day which I highly recommend.

Nice short tour, covers off the basic Bay of Islands. The walk to the top of the lookout takes you to breathtaking views of the Bay. Not much to see during snorkelling but SUP was fun. Lin and Gaby are very sweet hosts. Providing you with bits and pieces of information with an ever smiling face. Recommended for a short trip to the Bay.

No rain and calmer ocean meant we were able to go out to see The Hole in the Rock! In the last 10 minutes, we saw a pod of 10-12 dolphins! Absolutely fantastic morning!

Enjoyed the day trip to 2 islands. Locations were picturesque, staff were happy and friendly.

Great day out even though the weather wasn’t great. Still really enjoyable