Things to do in

Paihia

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy insightful commentary as you visit famous sights, including the "Hole in the Rock" and make a stop at Urupukapuka Island. Board your vessel in Paihia or Russell and glide out through the islands. Cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’.  The natural sculpture, one of New Zealand's most popular attractions, was created from centuries of sea and wind erosion. According to Maori legend, local warriors paddled through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof were a good omen. Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the bay. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life.  Cruise in comfort aboard the Dolphin Seeker with indoor and outdoor seating and the Bay of Island's largest outdoor viewing decks. Treat yourself to snacks and a licensed bar on board, or enjoy the Otehei Bar Café and Bar on Urupukapuka Island.

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).

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, take a walk along the island trail and try stand-up paddleboarding. Relax on the beach or jump in the water for a swim, do as much or as little as you want.

On the scenic tour, you'll climb aboard your trike, buckle up, and settle in for one of the most exciting tours of your life. Venture out onto the open road, take a short burst out to the half moon-shaped Haruru Falls, and then continue back to Waitangi Lookout. Capture the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands on your camera, plus get your picture taken behind the handlebars of the big beast.  The thriller tour includes an action-packed, 30-minute tour on the V2 Chek Trike. Zip off to the picturesque Opua and return with photos and even more adrenaline-pumping thrills as you cruise down this awesome, winding coastal road. The combo tour includes a one-hour tour around the scenic Bay of Islands. Visit the beautiful Haruru Falls before continuing to Waitangi Lookout for breathtaking views. Wind your way through the hills of the idyllic Opua before a thrilling ride back to Paihia. This option works as combination of the first two and is the best choice for adrenaline-seekers.

Check-in at the Salt Air Office at 3.20 PM, 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 native bush walk to a breathtaking 360-degree lookout over the bay. After the walk, explore the tidal lagoons before climbing back on board. Cruise among the stunning islands of the Bay, keeping an eye out for wildlife.  Then, stopover at one of the Bay of Islands’ 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 afternoon your own with the activities that interest you most. Finally, board the boat for the return scenic cruise back to Paihia, arriving at 6:30 PM.

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. 

See the breathtaking Bay of islands on this unforgettable helicopter flight. Upgrade to one of the two landing options to experience the iconic natural landmark ‘Hole in the Rock’ up close and on foot.  Departing from the Paihia Office and Helipad, you will fly over the crystal clear turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous “Hole in the Rock.” The flight features stunning island and coastline views including the townships of Russell, Paihia & Waitangi. There is no doubt that seeing the Bay of Islands from the air is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful area and appreciate the scenery it has to offer. Your pilot will provide a detailed commentary during the flight, highlighting points of interest and historical facts about the area. You will be provided with a headset with voice activated microphone in order to communicate with the pilot and your flightmates while in the air. Select an upgrade to land by helicopter on a newly built helipad on top of the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Very few people in history, including Maori, have ever ventured on the island in this way before. Be surrounded by steep cliffs and admire stunning scenery looking towards Cape Brett. You have the option to land on the island with a brief stop on the viewing platform or to be hosted on the island by a local Maori Guide who will share the islands’ unique history plus its cultural and ecological significance. 

Departing from Paihia or Russell, join us on a small group cruise through the Bay of Islands. Keep an eye out for Marine Wildlife as we cruise along the coastline making our way out into the islands. Listen to commentary from your tour guide as they relay the history of the area, and visit the landing site of Captain James Cook on Roberton Island. Experience Cathedral Cave on Motukokako Island and the Hole in the Rock - if weather permits, we will even CRUISE THROUGH the Hole in the Rock! Take in the scenery of the stunning Cape Brett Peninsular and Lighthouse Enjoy a stopover on one of the 144 Remote Islands in the Bay of Islands, take a short walk to one of the island lookout points, and help feed the schools of fish in the Voluntary Marine Reserve.

Explore the rugged Northland beauty of Cape Reinga, located at the top end of New Zealand, on a half-day tour from Paihia. Combine scenic return airplane flights and a driving tour with plenty of stops to make the most of your visit to this remote North Island region.  After pick-up from your hotel, fly above stunning oceanic landscapes, including spectacular harbors and beaches on a 45-minute scenic flight to Cape Reinga. From Ninety Mile Beach, fly inland to an airfield located only 20-kilometers from the Cape Reinga lighthouse. Upon landing, set off for a 2.5-hour guided driving tour with an experienced guide. Arrive at the Cape Reinga Lighthouse after a 20-minute drive and see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Your local guide will accompany you on a walk to the lighthouse, sharing the myths and legends of this very spiritual area.  Enjoy fresh oven-baked treats for morning tea, and then rejoin the vehicle for a short drive to Tapotupotu Bay where you can go for a swim. After a stroll on the beach or a swim, finish with a stop at the Te Paki quicksand stream where you can try to surf down giant sand dunes. On the return 1-hour flight, soar over more spectacular coastal scenery. Fly above Great Exhibition Bay’s pure white silica sand and crystal clear water - one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. The tour concludes with hotel drop-off in Paihia.

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s premier historic site, with a 2-day pass. Valid for two consecutive days, your pass includes an informative 50-minute guided tour, introductory film, and 30-minute cultural performance. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where New Zealand’s most significant document was signed. Watch an introductory film about the Treaty of Waitangi. Embark on a 50-minute tour with a local guide, with headsets provided so that you can hear clearly. Stroll through the beautiful grounds and admire panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. See the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, and stand in the spot where the treaty was signed. Visit the Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu to see permanent and changing exhibits, and explore the educational center. Make use of multimedia and visual displays as you admire taonga (treasures). Enjoy a 30-minute cultural performance at the magnificently carved meeting house. Te Pitowhenua, a performing arts group, will invite you inside with a traditional Maori powhiri (welcome). Poi twirling, Maori weaponry, stick games, heavenly harmonies, and a traditional haka dance will leave you spellbound.