The 10 Best Tours in Paihia, North Island

November 4, 2021 Matilde Konrad

If you long to explore New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands, Paihia makes a wonderful base. Known as “the Jewel of the Bay Islands,” this seaside town has golden beaches, lovely coastal walking trails and waterfalls, and a colorful population of local birds. Paihia also holds an important role in the country’s history. It was here, after a century of conflict between indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers, that peace was finally made and the groundbreaking Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Restaurants in Paihia

1. Private Shore Excursion: Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour

Kernhem Private Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Add a special experience to your cruising holiday and see the Bay of Islands your way on this full-day, private sightseeing shore excursion tour of the region’s major attractions and highlights. You will learn a lot about the Bay, its surroundings and the whole of New Zealand and also delight in the opportunity to enjoy a Rainbow Falls river walk. Your personalized tour includes private pickups from either the port, or Paihia i-SITE!

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, Port pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entry Fees (if any)

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

2. 5-Day Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Hobbiton Tour from Auckland

Leisure Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A five day independent tour departing Auckland daily and taking in most of the key tourism destination in the North Island of New Zealand. You will visit the Bay of Islands, with a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic township of Russell, and a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Your day in Auckland includes a full day sightseeing with both a harbor cruise and admission to the Sky Tower. On day four travel to Rotorua, via Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with a guided tour of the glowworm grotto. Day five includes admission to the main attractions in Rotorua, including Te Puia, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs along with a tour of Hobbiton on your return journey to Auckland. The tour includes four nights in 4 star accommodation and all transport and tours listed.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off for Auckland, Paihia, and Rotorua., Commentary by local guides, Two nights accommodation in Auckland and one nights accommodation in Paihia and Rotorua, Admission fees and all transport/tour fees listed in itinerary, All transport to and from activities/accommodation

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

3. Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both a nature and highlights tour together to form the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. Highlights: • Bay of Islands Cruise • Hole in the Rock • Wildlife spotting • Sites of cultural and historical significance Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Tickets, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Paihia available

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

4. V8 Trike Tours 60 minute Bay of Islands Combo Tour - 2 Passengers

Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, The Wharf, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Thunder Trike Tours
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5.0 based on 99 reviews

Have awesome thrills on a V8 350 Chev Trike with a 60 minute tour from Paihia. For those that love adrenaline, experience the sense of freedom with no helmets (full seatbelts) on this beast whilst enjoying the scenic Bay of Islands. Visit Opua - a marina seaside village, Haruru Falls, and Waitangi Lookout for some memorable moments and amazing views!  A definite bucket list experience. Summer - bring a light sweater, sunglasses and camera Winter - bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and camera Cruise ship passengers need to catch the free shuttle bus into Paihia (approx 5 mins) and we are located beside the bus stop and the I- Site (information centre) Price is for two travellers

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local guide, Private Trike tour, Local Hotel (Paihia) pick up available on 1 hour Combo tours - otherwise outside I-Site, Paihia, Hand sanitizer

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Reviewed By louiseshields89

We loved it. Weather was amazing and tour guide very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend visitors to try out this awesome activity.

5. Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

Bay Of Islands, Northland, New Zealand R. Tucker Thompson
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5.0 based on 54 reviews

If you are short of time but still want a special tall ship experience or just simply looking for a pre-dinner activity, why not jump on this wonderful Sundowner Sailing? Operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, this short 2-hour experience offers a gentle sail in the inner bay. Light finger food is included and a cash bar is available. Includes return ferry transfers to Russell if required so it's a great chance to spend the day in Russell before you step on board. 

Inclusions: Cruise the Inner Bay on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship, Shared Antipasto Platter, Wet weather gear (if required), Local taxes

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Phil R

Went with a group of school kids on a outing, great crew, nice lunch and kids loved climbing the rigging and jumping off the boat

6. Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on 'R. Tucker Thompson' Including BBQ Lunch

Russell Booking and Information, The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand R. Tucker Thompson
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4.9 based on 203 reviews

What better way to explore the peaceful waters of the Bay of Islands than by the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship. This replica of a 100 year old schooner looks just like a working ship of the 18th century and you can spend the day on board exploring the bays and beaches of this beautiful Maritime Park. Operated by a charitable trust, funds raised from our sailing goes to support our youth development voyages over winter.

Inclusions: Cruise on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship, Coffee and/or Tea, BBQ lunch, Wet weather gear (if required), New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off

Reviewed By LandC46

Everything was great! We considered ourselves fortunate that there were only 13 passengers (4 crew) on our two hour Sundowner sail since that perhaps made it more intimate. The best fun was in climbing up the rigging and helping with the sails, encouraged by enthusiastic crew. So nice to be out on the water on such a splendid, beautiful and historic vessel.

7. The Cream Trip - Day in the Bay

Fullers GreatSights, Maritime Building 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 2020, New Zealand Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Day Tours
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4.8 based on 139 reviews

Enjoy a Bay of Islands cruise on the region's only authentic Cream Trip; a 100-year-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies to island residents. Climb aboard a multi-level catamaran and venture out to sea with a knowledgeable crew to inform you along the way. See idyllic bays, Marsden Cross, local homes and natural landmarks like the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. Cruising through some 144 islands, be sure to watch out for whales, seals and other marine wildlife. Experience a unique local island by taking a walk or relaxing on the beach and climb in the boom net if you're looking for a thrill. The Cream Trip is the perfect cruise for nature lovers, and the most extensive historical cruise in the Bay.

Inclusions: Luxury air-conditioned catamaran, Live commentary on board, Island Stopover, Boom Net, WIFI

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch (lunch must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours prior to your departure), Food and drinks (drinks and limited snacks are available to purchase on board)

Reviewed By Wayne M

enjoyable trip on a sunny day, great scenery. little disappointed the coffee shop wasn't open for the lunch break on the island but very handy being picked up from russell where we were staying.

8. Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Cultural Maori War Canoe Guided Tour

Waitangi River Boat Ramp, Te Karuwha Parade, Waitangi 0293, New Zealand Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys
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4.7 based on 10 reviews

Enjoy this memorable shore excursion from where your cruise ship tenders in Paihia. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to delve into the Northern Maori culture from the Ngapuhi confederation of tribes, New Zealand’s largest tribal nation by using the living landscapes and environment as the setting and natural backdrop for your tour. The best part of your 3 hour tour is done in a Waka taua (traditional Maori war canoe) built from a mixture of composite and traditional materials. You will also view a Marae (meeting ground), historical sites and learn the age old art of storytelling to share the traditions, customs and the compelling stories of the bygone era. The activities are both interactive and educational where you will learn the ceremonial chants and haka of the magnificent Waka taua while absorbing the breath-taking natural and stunning beauty of the Waitangi river tidal estuaries, its rain-forest and the cultural living landscapes.

Inclusions: Professional, local guide, Sightseeing Waka Tour

Exclusions: Bottled water

Reviewed By Gilby91

We had a group of 25 from a secondary school in Queenstown take part in the waka tour up the Waitangi River. Honi and Judy were amazing hosts with a fun, informative, and interactive experience (even adjusting our trip to cater to the weather). Would highly recommend! Kā mihi mō tō manaaki!

9. Skip the Line: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Experience Pass

Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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4.7 based on 115 reviews

Spend the day exploring the Waitangi Treaty Grounds while soaking up the scenery and story of New Zealand’s most important historic site. Your Waitangi Experience Pass includes admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, entry to the brand new Museum of Waitangi, an informative (50-minute) guided tour, cultural performance (30-minutes), Waitangi – Birthplace of a Nation introductory film and full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, featured icons, bush walks and the spectacular views of the Bay of Islands.

Inclusions: All activities, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Local guide, Live entertainment

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Wayne M

very good historical look at the Maori perspective of how the treaty went down, great museums and a impressive cultural show to end the tour

10. Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands

69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Day Tours
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4.6 based on 242 reviews

Take an action-packed day trip from Paihia to the tip of New Zealand’s North Island on a guided tour of the north including Cape Reinga where the Pacific and Tasman seas collide.  Your purpose built coach that offers free Wi-Fi will take you in comfort along 90 mile beach to Te Paki sand stream where you can try your hand at sand boarding one of the giant dunes. During the day you will also take in stops at Taipa Beach for morning Tea , Ancient Kauri Kingdom , dig for some shellfish on 90 mile beach conditions permitting. Join our passionate driver / guides for a unforgettable tour of the top of New Zealand & Discover the unique history, culture and landscape of New Zealand's Far North on a day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

Inclusions: Coach tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, Sandboards provided, Lunch, Ancient Kauri Kingdom - award winning wood craft showroom, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Pickup from outside of Paihia or Kerikeri

Reviewed By Wayne M

enjoyable trip on a sunny day, great scenery. little disappointed the coffee shop wasn't open for the lunch break on the island but very handy being picked up from russell where we were staying.

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