Bay of Islands Mini Tour: Haruru Falls & Waitangi Visit

Stone Church, Haruru Waterfalls, and Waitangi views in one morning

A 75–90 minute guided tour from Paihia that loops through the Bay of Islands, stopping at the Stone Church, Opua Bay and Marina, Haruru Waterfalls (where you walk right up to the cascades), and Waitangi Lookout for panoramic views of the bay. The tour runs in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide and includes complimentary shuttle drop-off to Waitangi Treaty Grounds during peak periods.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Haruru Falls15m · entry included
2. Waitangi15m

Scenic Bay of Islands mini tour

• Pass St. Paul's Anglican Church
• Drive past local beaches
• Stop for photos at Opua Bay and Marina
• Visit Haruru Waterfalls up close
• Enjoy views at Waitangi Lookout

The experience

The tour starts in Paihia Town and moves through the bay's landmarks in sequence. You pass St. Paul's Anglican Church (the Stone Church, built from local Kawakawa stone in 1925), and local beaches before reaching Opua Bay and Marina, where you stop for photos and watch the car ferry crossing to Russell. The route then heads toward Haruru Waterfalls, where you get out and walk right up close to the cascading water instead of viewing it from a distance.

The final stop is Waitangi Lookout, which sits above the bay and offers wide views across the water. From here you can see Waitangi Marae and the Maori carvings. The tour wraps in roughly 90 minutes, leaving time to fit other activities into your day. During peak periods, a complimentary shuttle will drop you at Waitangi Treaty Grounds if you want to explore further, then return you to Paihia Town.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with driver and live English-speaking guide.
• stops at Stone Church, Opua Bay and Marina, Haruru Waterfalls and Waitangi Lookout.
• complimentary shuttle drop-off to Waitangi Treaty Grounds with return to Paihia during peak periods.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:45 and 12:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Elite Excursions

Is this one for you?This 75–90 minute loop works best if you want the Bay of Islands highlights without committing a full day, and if you're based in or returning to Paihia the same morning or afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How close do you actually get to Haruru Waterfalls on this tour?

You get off the vehicle and walk right up close to the cascading water at Haruru Waterfalls, rather than viewing them from a distance or a lookout point.

What is the Stone Church and why is it on the tour?

St. Paul's Anglican Church, known as the Stone Church, is a notable Bay of Islands landmark built in 1925 from local Kawakawa stone on the site of the original mission church established in 1823. It's one of the iconic stops the tour passes early on.

Does the tour include a stop at Waitangi Treaty Grounds?

The tour ends at Waitangi Lookout, which overlooks the bay and Waitangi Marae. During peak periods, a complimentary shuttle will drop you at Waitangi Treaty Grounds if you want to visit, then return you to Paihia Town afterward.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport throughout, a live English-speaking guide, and the complimentary shuttle service to Waitangi Treaty Grounds during peak periods. Meals are not included.