Bay of Islands: V8 Trike Ride to Haruru Falls & Lookout

V8 trike ride through Paihia to Haruru Falls and Waitangi views

You’ll feel the wind rush past as you ride a V8 trike from Paihia out to Haruru Falls with a local driver who knows every curve in the road. Snap photos at Waitangi lookout, laugh with your group, and catch those small moments of quiet above the Bay of Islands. It’s quick but leaves an impression long after.

What’s included

Your short adventure includes use of a classic V8 Chev Trike driven by an experienced local guide, with stops at Haruru Falls and Waitangi lookout for photos. Pickup is provided outside Paihia I-Site (including for cruise passengers), and accessibility needs like wheelchairs or prams are accommodated so everyone can join in comfortably.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trike ride and scenic photo stops

• Meet outside Paihia I-Site
• Ride 30 minutes on V8 Chev Trikes
• Visit Haruru Falls
• Stop at Waitangi lookout for photos

The Experience

The first thing that happened was my sunglasses nearly flew off as we pulled away from Paihia’s I-Site — I’d underestimated the wind on these V8 trikes (and overestimated my coordination). Our driver, Mike, just grinned and handed me a strap for them, like he’s seen it all before. The engine’s rumble was louder than I expected, but it sort of matched the energy of the Bay of Islands — bright, salty air, seagulls yelling over the traffic. It felt a bit ridiculous at first, sitting up high on this shiny machine with strangers waving at us, but after a minute or two I stopped caring and just leaned into it.

On our way out to Haruru Falls, Mike pointed out where he grew up fishing as a kid — said the eels in the river used to be “the size of your arm.” The road twisted past green paddocks and bush; you could smell damp earth after last night’s rain. We got to the falls fast — honestly, 30 minutes goes by quicker than you think when you’re grinning like an idiot. The water wasn’t roaring but it had this steady sound that made everyone go quiet for a second. Someone tried for a group selfie and almost dropped their phone into the river (not me this time).

I didn’t expect the best view would be from the Waitangi lookout stop — you can see half the Bay spread out below, boats looking like toys. There was this weird moment where nobody said anything; even Mike just let us take it in. It’s not every day you get that kind of silence with strangers. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear engines revving back home. The ride back felt shorter somehow — maybe because we were all talking about what we’d just seen or maybe because I finally figured out how to keep my sunglasses on.

Top questions

How long is the Bay of Islands V8 trike tour?

The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes from Paihia.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from outside the I-Site information centre in Paihia.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, cruise ship passengers are picked up outside Paihia I-Site five minutes before departure.

Are children allowed on this trike tour?

Infants and small children can join if they have a pram or stroller; booster seats should be pre-booked.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for the ride?

In summer bring a light sweater and sunglasses; in winter bring a jacket or beanie plus sunglasses and your camera.

What attractions are visited during this tour?

The route includes Haruru Falls and Waitangi lookout for photo opportunities.

Is public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Paihia I-Site.