Tours and Trips in Bay of Islands

Discover the beauty of the Waitangi River estuary and experience Maori traditions during a 3-hour cruise in a traditional canoe (waka) with a local Maori guide. Learn traditional paddling techniques in the calm waters of the estuary and make your way to Haruru Falls. Your guide shares informative commentary about Ngapuhi customs and history, and points out wildlife as you glide along. Disembark to visit a Ngapuhi meeting house and perhaps meet people from this Maori community. You'll also learn the moves of a 'haka' - an ancient Maori war dance.

Visit 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga in New Zealand's Far North District. This day trip from Paihia takes you aboard a Dune Rider vehicle, ideal for traversing the gorgeous coastal landscape. Stop at Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Try sandboarding at the Te Paki Stream sand dunes and enjoy a buffet lunch at Waitiki Landing.

Experience 40 seconds of thrilling freefall as you skydive the Bay of Islands, then drift back to earth with views of 144 islands and turquoise water. Jump in tandem with an instructor from 12,000 feet (3,658 mt.), with the option to purchase photos and video footage of your Bay of Islands skydive. This skydive adventure includes pickup and drop-off at locations in central Paihia and Kerikeri.

Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on a 4-hour wildlife cruise by high-speed catamaran, with the chance to swim alongside a pod of dolphins. This half-day dolphin tour is specially designed to respect the dolphins' habitat, and includes use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Ride a custom-built Waverider coach over the rugged and sandy coastline of Ninety Mile Beach on this full-day guided tour to Cape Reinga. Departing Paihia's Bay of Islands for the top end of New Zealand's North Island, you'll walk under ancient trees in the Puketi Kauri Forest and go sandboarding down a quicksand stream at Te Paki Sand Dunes. Includes lunch and round-trip all-terrain transport from centrally located hotels.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this 4-hour cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay's 144 islands, sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and experience Maori culture at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Along the way, tuck into lunch and afternoon tea on-board and spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Explore the Bay of Islands from the seat of a 350 Chev Trike for a fun-filled and memorable experience. You can choose from three different routes that include some of the area's must-see sights, or combine them all for a longer trip. Your driver will keep you safe and give you local insights into the Paihia area. This tour is wheelchair accessible, so anyone can join.

Take an afternoon day trip from Paihia to Kerikeri for a 3-hour tour of the historical settlement. A knowledgeable guide takes you to the Stone Store and Mission House, home to New Zealand's first permanent mission station. Then visit an organic vineyard for a wine and coffee tasting, and enjoy further delights at a local chocolate factory. Upgrade to include a morning sightseeing cruise on the Bay of Islands.

Enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands region led by a knowledgeable guide. Personalize the itinerary with options including historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri, and Russell - where Europeans first settled in New Zealand. See St Paul's Anglican Church in Paihia, learn about Maori culture at Rewa's Village, and admire natural attractions including marine wildlife, Haruru Falls and Rainbow Falls. Or check out wineries and gourmet shops with handmade treats, fine wine and fresh seafood.

See the Bay of Islands from water, land and air on this half-day tour that includes a boat cruise, island stopover and helicopter flight. Departing from Paihia, board the Sea Shuttle for a scenic boat ride, and stop for a few hours at Roberton Island to hike, swim or snorkel. Finish with a helicopter tour over the Bay of Islands and hover above the Hole in the Rock for great photo ops.

When your ship docks in Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of New Zealand's spectacular North Island. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including Kawakawa and the Kawiti glowworm caves. Explore the Puketi Forest's rich ecological diversity, sample New Zealand sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory, and gaze out over the Haruru Falls and the Waitangi River.

Watch wild dolphins frolic near your boat and have the option to hop in the water and swim near them on this half-day Bay of Islands dolphin-watching cruise in New Zealand. Your captain cruises to remote islands, where you look for dolphins and other marine animals such as seals, orcas and penguins. If conditions allow, you can even swim with the dolphins from the boat - an unforgettable experience! Hear informative commentary from the crew on a tour that has a maximum of 35 participants, ensuring a more customized adventure.

Discover the Bay of Islands by helicopter, with an optional landing at the Hole in the Rock. See Cape Brett from above during an aerial tour from Paihia, narrated by a professional pilot. Fly over Russell and Waitangi en route to the Hole in the Rock. Upgrade to land atop the iconic natural landmark, with an optional walk led by a Maori guide.

Take a picturesque drive from the Bay of Islands to Auckland on a one-way coach tour from Paihia. The 4-hour journey departs in late afternoon and heads south from the Northland through rugged landscapes and scenic countryside. Listen to onboard commentary about this North Island region and enjoy views of native bush and farmland before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge into the city, with drop-off at your hotel.

Enjoy a 2-hour sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands on a boat that gets you close to landmarks such as Black Rocks, Urupukapuka Island and Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island). After departing from either Paihia or Russell, your captain takes you through the scenic region and provides informative commentary about its history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for sightings of dolphins and seals, and snorkel independently at Urupukapuka Island if you wish to disembark and  catch a boat back later in the day (8:30am departure only).

This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

Hop in a helicopter for a 20-minute aerial tour over the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. When your cruise ship docks at the Bay of Islands, enjoy a bird's-eye view over the historic townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi. View the iconic natural landmark from above while your professional pilot narrates the sights on this scenic helicopter flight.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you'd like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You'll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Follow the century-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies throughout the Bay of Islands - called a 'cream trip' - on this full-day cruise by catamaran from Paihia or Russell. See the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, spend time on one of many Islands that maker up the Bay of Islands, and search the waters for whales, seals and other marine life. On board the multi-level vessel, an informative crew points out natural landmarks, local homes and secluded bays. Stroll the island, relax on the beach or opt to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat (own expense).

Fly over the Northland coastline on a scenic flight between Paihia and Cape Reinga. Soar above Ninety Mile Beach before landing for a 2.5-hour minibus tour at the top end of New Zealand's North Island. Visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, then stroll along the beach at Tapotupotu Bay and surf the sand dunes of Te Paki. Look down on remote Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay on your return flight. Includes morning tea and round-trip hotel transfers.