V8 Chev Trike Tour Paihia: 60-Minute Bay of Islands Ride

Race the wind on a V8 trike, soaking in Bay of Islands’ wild views

A 60-minute V8 350 Chev Trike tour from Paihia takes you through the Bay of Islands with a local guide, stopping at the seaside village of Opua, the horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls, and Waitangi Lookout for 360-degree views. You ride without a helmet (full seatbelts secure you) on an open-air machine built for adrenaline. Minimum two people per booking. Children from age 3 welcome, with booster seats available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Haruru Falls3m · entry included
2. Waitangi5m

Bay Combo Tour highlights

• View majestic Opua
• See unique Horseshoe shaped falls
• Enjoy 360 degree Bay of Islands views

The experience

The V8 350 Chev Trike is a three-wheeled beast that runs on pure engine and no windscreen. You feel the air, hear the road, and sit low enough to see the landscape change as you move through it. The 60-minute loop departs from Paihia, located beside the bus stop and information centre, so cruise ship passengers arriving via shuttle can walk straight to the departure point. Your local guide drives and narrates the route in English, handling the machine while you take in the stops.

The ride passes through Opua, a working marina village where fishing boats and yachts line the water, then climbs toward Haruru Falls: a horseshoe-shaped cascade that drops into a river gorge. From there you head to Waitangi Lookout, where the land opens into a 360-degree view of the entire Bay of Islands, the water dotted with islands and the coastline stretching in every direction. The trike's open design means you're not watching the scenery through glass. You're moving through it.

Bring a light sweater and sunglasses in summer, a jacket and beanie in winter. The ride is fast enough that wind chill matters, and you'll want your camera ready at the lookout. Children from age 3 can ride. Booster seats must be pre-booked. The minimum booking is two people, and all surfaces and areas are wheelchair accessible if you need that option.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• private trike tour.
• GST (Goods and Services Tax).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and Thursday6 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Denise Fincher

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary and the stops without strain. This suits anyone who wants the adrenaline and the views without needing to navigate or drive. The trike handles the road, and you handle the moment.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I ride the Chev Trike if I've never done anything like this before?

Yes. The trike is built for riders of all fitness levels, and the guide handles all the driving. You sit as a passenger and experience the ride. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the full seatbelts keep you secure the entire time.

What's the difference between Haruru Falls and the other stops on this tour?

Haruru Falls is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that drops into a river gorge. It's the only natural cascade on the route. Opua is a working marina village where you see the water and the boats, and Waitangi Lookout is the high point where you get the widest view of the entire Bay of Islands.

Do I really ride without a helmet on the Chev Trike?

Yes, the tour operates without helmets. You're held in by full seatbelts instead. This is part of the open-air experience the trike is designed for, and it's the standard setup for this ride.

How do I get to the trike if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Take the free shuttle bus from the ship into Paihia, which takes about 5 minutes. The trike departure point is located right beside the bus stop and the information centre, so you'll walk straight there from the shuttle.

What should I bring or wear for a 60-minute trike ride?

In summer, bring a light sweater, sunglasses and a camera. In winter, bring a jacket, perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and a camera. The open-air ride means wind chill is real, and you'll want to protect your eyes and capture the views at Waitangi Lookout.