Top Bay of Islands Outdoor Activities

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay’s 144 islands and sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Along the way, spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Half day cruise of the Bay of islands including the famous Hole in the Rock, Island stopover and marine mammal viewing. The perfect water activity for your visit to the Bay of Islands.

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.

There’s no better way to discover the 144 sub-tropical islands that stud the Bay of Islands than on a cruise. With a top limit of just 20 passengers, this intimate boat trip delivers two island stopovers, one at Roberton Island or Twin Lagoons, plus the chance to hike, swim, snorkel, or even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Look out for dolphins along the way.

There are few more unique ways to see the Bay of Islands than catching the wind and parasailing high above the water. See the Bay’s towns, forests and islands – all the way out to Cape Brett’s famous Hole in the Rock – from the sky on this aerial adventure. Take to the skies with your friends or family on tandem or triple flights. Your children can even go parasailing – this adventure is suitable for all.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a 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 keeps you safe and gives you local insights into the Paihia area. This tour is wheelchair accessible, so anyone can join.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

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.

This historic Kerikeri tour has been designed especially for cruise ship passengers in the Bay of Islands. Your local guide will take you to many beautiful and interesting sites on a convenient half-day tour, so even visitors with a short stay in the area will see a lot. All sites are easily accessible for travelers with limited mobility, and the tour minivan is air conditioned for your comfort.

Take a Bay of Islands shore excursion to the Puketi Rainforest for a half-day guided hike from Waitangi Wharf. You’ll follow a moderately strenuous footpath though a subtropical rainforest of lofty kauri trees and pass by cascading waterfalls as your guide shares local knowledge of rare bird and plant species. Enjoy morning tea on this small-group tour, limited to eight people for a personalized experience. Port pickup and drop-off included.

When your cruise ship arrives in the Bay of Islands, escape the crowds with a small-group half-day tour to two gorgeous islands. Go snorkeling at pristine island reefs, try stand-up paddle boarding, take a short hike to viewpoints, and look for New Zealand wildlife. You’ll ride on a small motorboat that can access places that large ships cannot go, and hear live commentary from your guide about the region.

Fly over the Northland coastline on a scenic flight between Paihia and Cape Reinga. Soar above Ninety Mile Beach before landing for a 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.

Escape for the day and head into paradise with our Day Escape Package. Set sails and go exploring on a beautiful island. Enjoy your lunch with a swim, snorkel, SUP or walk before heading home Help out with the sails or just sit back and relax and take in the amazing scenery as we make our way out into the Bay of Islands. Anchoring up beside one of the many beaches only accessible by boat. Once anchored you can choose how to enjoy your excursion. You can swim in the clear waters, Or take a tender ride to the beach and have a picnic with our packed lunch. Then go for a scenic walk on the island and view the birdlife. Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle boards are also provided. Plenty to keep you entertained before sailing home at the end of the day. Includes: Packed Lunch, 2 hour island stopover, Snorkel and SUP usage. Please notify us if you have any dietary requirements.

Usual Summer Schedule: 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Times may vary please check Your Kayaking/Paddleboarding can be dry, but bring a towel, change of clothes or wear swimwear (you may enjoy getting up closer to the waterfall than you plan) Bring a warm jacket, camera, sunscreen, sun protection, drinking water, nibbles etc in a small bag.

Cruising is the best way to see the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. Do this in style aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard private yacht. Your hosts are an enthusiastic sailing family who have traveled the world in their yacht. Sit back and relax on board the Phantom while enjoying views of the islands and bay, with possible dolphin sightings and the chance to snorkel.

See the best sites and experience an adrenaline-filled ride around Paihia and surrounds with this unique V8 tricycle tour. Meet your local guide at the I-site (local information center) and then be whisked away to beautiful Haruru Falls and then onto Waitangi for the perfect photo-opportunity. This is an exciting and unique way to get to know the local area, especially if you are short on time.

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.

A fantastic tour designed to see the two highlights without taking up your whole day. Perfectly suited for Cruise Ship Passengers visiting for the day. Enjoy seeing the sights of our spectacular town as we venture out to the two attractions. Glow Worm Caves & Waterfalls

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and beachside tea with biscuits.

Spend an evening immersed in Maori culture with a traditional ‘hangi’ dinner and live performance, held at the historically important signing site of the Waitangi Treaty. Enact a warrior challenge on a bush walk and watch energetic Maori music and dance. For dinner, feast on a multilayered meal cooked using the ancient hangi pit oven method.

Race around native bush and back-country on the Northland coast at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, located a short drive north of Waitangi and Paihia. Hire a top-of-the-line mountain bike and ride like the wind around some of the Park’s trails. Choose from over 20 trails – some suitable for beginners, others ready for more experienced riders.