Things to do in Bay of Islands, North Island: The Best Tours

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)

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 6.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Also included are a winery lunch and a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Wine tasting and antipasto platter at one of Northland's award winning vineyards., Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase during lunch option)

Tour is for two passengers - Wind your way from Paihia, thru native bush and valleys to the seaside marina village of Opua. Definitely more for the "Thrill Seeker" Awesome tour filled with gorgeous views, great photo opportunities and adrenaline packed thrills. Summer - bring a light sweater, sunglasses and camera Winter - bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and camera All passengers including Cruise ship passengers to be outside I-Site (information centre) in Paihia 5 mins prior to departure time.

Inclusions: Guide, V8 Trike

Exclusions:

The Bay of Islands is a place to indulge and have fun. Visit the area's leading wineries, taste quality wines, excellent craft beers and enjoy a platter lunch. No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete if you do not visit the Makana Chocolate Factory and sample their award winning products. Visit the Phat Brewery, home to an outstanding range of Craft Beers.

Inclusions: Cost of wine & beer tasting, Lunch

Exclusions:

This Jet Boat ride is sure to keep you on your toes with speeds of up to 80km on the water and twists, turns and spins that will make you scream with laughter! This is a great activity for both the old and young!

Inclusions: Life Jacket, Splash Jacket, Glasses

Exclusions:

We only take 10 guests and offer a unique personal experience with 20 years taking guests on our beautiful live-aboard yacht and we still love it!! We share our passion for what we do and love meeting people from all over the world and sharing stories from our travels and lifestyle. We have sailed to many countries on many different boats, so come along and hear the tales of adventures far and wide. We raised our son on the boat while sailing from the Caribbean and throughout the South Pacific and New Zealand for many years.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions:

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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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

Hop aboard Vigilant and enjoy a beautiful day sailing in the Bay of Islands. We only take 10 passengers, the small group allows you to lounge on the yacht comfortably and enjoy the islands privately. Our skipper lives here in Russell and knows plenty about it's history which they will be happy to share with you. Vigilant is a beautiful traditional 42 ft Cutter rig yacht with a wineglass transom, teak decks, and a swamp kauri wooden interior. Enjoy an adventure away from the crowds of sightseers. Here, you can steer your own experience by helping the skipper at the helm, hoisting the sails or, if you prefer, just relaxing on deck while you journey from island to island. If you wish, you can swim on one of the beaches, snorkel and kayak. Comb the shores and walk around to see some great lookouts with panoramic views of the islands.

Inclusions: Lunch, Coffee & Tea, Kayaks, Snorkeling gear, Local guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Sightseeing, Hiking, Private transportation

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Gratuities

Get bird’s-eye views of Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on a Bay of Islands scenic helicopter tour from Paihia. Take in the stunning scenery of the main group of islands; view the iconic natural landmark, Hole in the Rock; and pass over the historic townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi. You also have the opportunity to experience the island in a way that very few have before by choosing to land on top of the Hole in the Rock!

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock, Commentary by pilot

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off