Things to do in Bay of Islands
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Bay of Islands Catamaran Sailing & Island Stop from PaihiaYou board at Paihia Wharf and sail the Bay of Islands for six hours on a catamaran with a maximum of 19 guests. You get a two-hour island stop where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim or walk ashore—or simply sit and rest. Lunch is served onboard with dietary options available, and the crew handles the commentary on local wildlife and history while you watch for dolphins and penguins. The whole thing is designed so you don't have to arrange transport, equipment or timing yourself.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the Bay of Islands without driving yourself or coordinating separate activities—the boat, the gear, the lunch and the timing are all arranged, and the small group size means you're not herded through the day.
Bay of Islands: V8 Trike Ride to Haruru Falls & LookoutYou’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.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Bay of Islands: WaterfallKayak or paddleboard through the Bay of Islands to a waterfall where water meets ocean, guided by a local who knows the mangrove channels and the sea bird colonies nesting overhead. No prior experience is required; a safety vessel stays with the group the whole time, and anyone who needs a rest can sit it out in comfort. Children from age 5 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.Is it for me?At two and a half hours, this fits into a free afternoon without eating up the whole day. The safety boat means anyone less confident on the water can rest without slowing the group, so families with mixed paddling abilities can go together without compromise.
Bay of Islands: Evening sailing cruise with swim stopYou’ll board straight from Paihia beach for an evening sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands, guided by locals who know every inlet. Swim off the catamaran in sheltered waters, sip a complimentary drink as dusk settles in, and catch those shifting colors you’ll remember long after the trip.
Kerikeri historic tour Stone Store Mission Station with lunchA guided tour of Kerikeri's historic Mission Station, established in 1819, takes you through the Stone Store (1832, New Zealand's oldest stone building) and Kemp House (1821, the oldest wooden building), followed by Makana Chocolate Factory, Rainbow Falls and lunch with a glass of local wine at the Plough & Feather pub. The tour runs approximately 3 to 4 hours and includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, all entrance fees, lunch and beverages. A live English-speaking guide leads the group, and hotel pickup is included; children from age 13 are welcome.Is it for me?Pick this if you want a guide who speaks English throughout a 4-hour walk through New Zealand's oldest stone and wooden buildings—the Kerikeri Stone Store and Mission Station—rather than reading plaques on your own.
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach tour from Paihia: Lighthouse walkA full-day guided tour from Paihia to Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, Te Paki Stream and Mangonui, with a knowledgeable tour leader, air-conditioned vehicle and lunch stop included. The tour takes 11 hours and carries a maximum of 11 passengers. Children from age 11 are welcome, and pickup from your Paihia accommodation is included.Is it for me?At 11 hours, this tour fills most of a day and leaves the rest of your schedule open for other activities in the Bay of Islands or a return to your accommodation. The fixed itinerary and included transport mean you're not arranging the route or managing multiple stops — the day is built for you, and the small group size keeps the pace manageable for all fitness levels.
