Activities and Attractions in the Bay of Islands
As agents for local tour operators, Phil and Wendy can help you with free information and advice about activities and attractions for your Bay of Islands holiday.
You can see a variety of Air, Land and Water based activities below, feel free to pre-book any of these with us directly.
Air-Based Activities
Cape Reinga Half Day Fly/Drive Excursion
Two incredible scenic flights taking in both of Northland’s spectacular coastlines including the world famous 90 mile Beach before landing 20km south of Cape Reinga. 2½ hour guided vehicle tour around the very tip of the North Island and the incredibly spiritual Cape Reinga.
Price: NZ$480 per person (Includes return flights, guided ground tour, refreshments and GST)
Helicopter Hole in the Rock Scenic Flight
Enjoy a scenic flight over the beautiful Bay of islands. Fly over the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous “Hole in the Rock”. The townships of Russell, Paihia & Waitangi are also viewed from the air. Optional upgrades including landing on the Hole in the Rock is a magical experience. Alternatively stop over at one of the 144 islands in the Bay for a few hours and return by boat to Paihia later in the day.
Prices from $280.00 per person
Bay of Islands Parasailing
New Zealand’s highest parasail!
Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Bay of Islands at 1200ft from the perfect safety of a custom-designed boat. Suitable for the entire family, no physical restrictions or experience required. Take off and landing is from the back deck of the boat and a choice of single, tandem or triple flights.
From $105.00 per person (tandem/triple basis)
$135.00 per person single basis
Land-Based Activities
Cycling Adventures
From Opua Marina to Kaikohe as a one day 40km ride. A fairly easy ride along historic coal railway, to Kawakawa with its vintage railway and famous Hundertwasser Toilets. Kawakawa to Kaikohe provides more rail history along with great rural and bush scenery.
Pickups available from Paihia. $100.00 per person – self guided.
Cape Reinga Wanderer Tour
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island’s Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua).
Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region, rich in Maori culture and tradition, on a full-day return tour from Paihia or Kerikeri. Experience the thrill of driving along 90 mile beach and sand boarding on the giant dunes.
Hokianga Day Tour including Tane Mahuta
Journey into a unique part of New Zealand, first discovered by Kupe the voyager. Visit the 2.8 million year old Wairere Boulders and the Waipoua Forest, and meet a national icon, the mighty kauri tree Tane Mahuta on a full-day tour from Paihia. Enjoy a lunch stop at the picturesque Hokianga harbour.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Treaty Grounds are a “must see” when you visit the Bay of Islands. This is the place where the founding document of New Zealand as it is today was signed between the British and the Maori in 1840.
The Cultural Performance and evening Hangi at Waitangi are highly recommended.
Comprehensive Day Pass $60.00
Water-Based Activities
Fullers Great Sights/Explore NZ Hole in the Rock Cruise & Discover the Bay
Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and majestic Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, and hope for a lucky drip from above as you pass underneath it.
The Bay of Islands is home to a host of marine mammals, wildlife and native birds. Keep an eye out for dolphins throughout your cruise.
Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to relax or soak up the views from the hilltops. On our morning cruise you can choose our free island extension – stay longer, explore the island’s walking trails and beautiful beaches, and return with us in the afternoon.
Highlights:
- Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit travel through it
- Dolphin and whale viewing
- Informative commentary from the knowledgeable skipper
- 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island with option to extend on morning departure, subject to availability
Fullers Great Sights Cream Trip Super Cruise
Take part in the Bay of Islands most famous cruise. The “Cream Trip” began in 1927 and remains a popular cruise with tourists today. You will have a full day exploring the Bay of Islands including dolphin viewing, discovering the Hole in the Rock, delivering mail , boom netting , Island stopover for lunch and learning the history of the Bay of Islands through informative and interactive commentary.
Explore NZ Dolphin Eco Cruise
- 4 hours scenic cruising
- Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
- Marine mammal viewing guarantee – come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise
- 1.5 hour island stop to spot the native wildlife reintroduced on Urupukapuka
- Learn about Project Island Song’s ecological restoration programme
- Opportunity to snorkel/swim (conditions permitting)
- Option to enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the sun from our fully licensed café
$120.00 per adult/$60.00 per child (5-15 years)
Tall Ship Sailing Full Day Excursion in the Bay of Islands
Experience a day on the water on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner with her own unique history. Be as active as you like and take the helm, help set the sails, ride the bowsprit and climb the rigging or simply relax while the crew command this impressive ship as it sails around the Bay of Islands.
Fishing Adventures
Do you crave the thrill of the bite? The satisfaction of a successful fight? The kudos of catching a bigger fish than your mates? That’s why self-confessed ‘fish-a-holic’ Matt invites you to join him onboard ‘Anglers Anonymous’, his 29 foot sport-fishing boat, for some ‘fishing therapy’ in the beautiful Bay of Islands, at the Far North of New Zealand’s North Island.
Whether you’re staying in Paihia, Russell, Opua, Waitangi, or anywhere in between, they will can pick you up and drop you safely back on the wharf again after an enjoyable fishing trip.
4-Hour Snapper Fishing charter $99pp Max 8 persons. 6-Hour Kingfishing charger $250pp Max 6 persons
Diving, Snorkelling, Water Taxis
For a range of options for diving, snorkelling adventures or water taxis to get you out to one of those fabulous island walks, enquire here for more information or specific prices.
Explore NZ Ocean Adventure Fast Boat to Hole in the Rock
Relax in state of the art suspension seating for a safe and comfortable ride as you fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands.
Ocean Adventure combines exhilaration and exploration with a balance of speed and thrills, as well as stops to view wildlife, learn about the Bay of Islands and take photos
- 1.5 hour scenic cruise
- Informative commentary from your skipper
- When conditions permit, get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock
- Life jackets and water protective clothing provided
- Option to stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island at the end of your cruise and return on a later ferry at no extra cost
Carino Full Day & Wildlife Tour
Day Sailing Adventure including dolphin watching
- 9.00am – 3.30pm
- Daily – weather permitting
- Paihia & Russell, pickup from wharf
- Relaxing Day sail (6-hour duration
- A chance to feel the magic of Dolphins – marine mammal viewing conditions permitting
- Untouched beaches on Island stopover
- Learn about wild sea birds. Help gather information about seabird populations
- Every ticket directly contributes to marine mammal research & conservation
- Safe and easy Snorkelling
- Beautiful island scenic walks
- BBQ Lunch
$148.00 per Adult, $105.00 per Child, Including BBQ lunch
