The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Paihia, North Island

Salt Air's helicopter and fixed wing scenic flights and tours offer you a unique and memorable experience of the Bay of Islands and Northland from the air with spectacular coastline views and island scenery. Our guided tour options and island escapes will also leave you with an appreciation of our beaches, local history, culture and coastal environment that is uniquely Northland.

Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins! Surrounded by deep blue water, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on Carino NZ our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. Help to set sails or sit back and relax as the sails catch the breeze. Watch wild dolphins in their ocean habitat. We are only yacht licensed view wild dolphins in the Bay of islands. We can watch and appreciate the magic of wild dolphins. Every ticket directly contributes to marine mammal research and conservation – Protect the future. While we are sailing, watch for our local little blue penguins, the world’s smallest penguin, our crazy diving gannets, pied cormorants, shearwaters, stormy petrels and other ocean birds. An island stop is included, where you get to explore a historic scenic island with nature walks and snorkel the beach. Kiwi style bbq lunch aboard Carino NZ, with a cash bar available. Departs Paihia daily 9.00am-3.30pm

New Zealand's HIGHEST Parasailing over the beautiful Bay of Islands. Family owned and operated since 1998. Enjoy fantastic views over Paihia, Russell and the Bay of Islands from 1300ft of towline. No physical restrictions or experience required. Fun for the whole family. Single, Tandem or Triple flights available. No getting wet- Unless you want to. Join our Epic, insanely fun crew on your next bucket list adventure!

Seize the rare opportunity to set sail on a working tall ship and step on board Northland’s own iconic R. Tucker Thompson! Often voted the best day of any holiday it is always an experience to create lifelong memories, one not to be missed. Be part of the crew for the day and help set the sails, ride on the bowsprit, or grab a harness to climb the rigging for an amazing view. If you prefer to relax, then let our crew do all the work. The ship is spacious and the friendly crew makes it a memorable experience. Ferry tickets, morning cream tea and delicious BBQ lunch are included, cash bar available. Three days a week we offer short 2-hour late afternoon sailings, a perfect way to start your evening. It's ideal if you are short of time but want a taste of this beautiful vessel. When you sail with us you’re helping others too, as funds raised are used to take kids on life-changing youth development voyages over winter.

Awesome day sailing adventure on our 65 foot go-fast ocean cruising sailboat. Heaps of sailing, unique island stopover and yummy fresh sandwich lunch included!

We offer guided jet ski tours around the amazing Bay of Island. feel the thrill of riding your own jet ski, explore caves, beaches and lagoons. Stop at the Bay's only Island Cafe. No experience necessary, professional experienced guides. Fun for the whole family!

The Rock Cruises Get on the The Rock NZ boat for the most action-packed Bay of Islands cruise in New Zealand. Come aboard and let the activities begin! an image Activities in the Bay of Islands don't get better than with the Rock Cruises. Our action-packed choice of 2 different adventure-filled Bay of Islands cruises are full of fun activities starting from only $138 per person! That includes fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, target shooting and star gazing. Of course, you can simply relax, drink in the stunning New Zealand scenery and enjoy the wide variety of wildlife that inhabits this unique region of Northland.

Paihia Dive is the best little dive shop in the Bay of Islands and it’s our pleasure to show you all the underwater wonders of this beautiful part of NZ. We offer trips to the spectacular Rainbow Warrior aboard our fully equipped dive RIB 'Aka Maru', which takes only 7 minutes from the shore to reach the dive site. Dive The HMNZS Canterbury, New Zealand’s last Frigate to be purpose sunk for diving. Sunk 11 years ago, she is covered in jewel anemones and sponges. This wreck is massive and well worth diving! Dive the Bay of Islands with the longest running dive charter operation. Paihia Dive has been taking divers under since 1978, and Craig has been diving in the Bay for 25 years. For a true local experience join Paihia Dive for a day diving. Learn to dive with the best! Paihia Dive is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre. All our dive courses are taught by experienced instructors, and the classes are nice and small. Start your Open Water Course today!

Parasailing in Paihia is the ultimate way to see the spectacular island paradise of the Bay of Islands. Jump on board our specialised parasail boat for the high-flying experience of a lifetime. Take a solo, tandem or triple parasail flight, and soar high above the tranquil blue waters of Paihia, Russell and the Bay of Islands.

Professional Charter fishing and adventure operation in the stunning bay of islands New Zealand providing the best service possible to ensure you get the ultimate fishing or bay tour experience