10 fun and exciting things to do in Paihia and the Bay of Islands, NZ
Last updated on July 20th, 2026 at 04:10 pm
With144 islands, plenty of sea and sand, dolphins, caves, waterfalls, hiking, swimming and snorkeling, the Bay of Islands is a North Island “must-see.” This post will tell you what what you can’t miss in this North Island destination if you are an outdoor and nature lover or a bit of an adventurer.
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith – and in New Zealand I always check Bookme as it has good discounts. Some key options are:
- The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise – you can check on GYG for pricing too!
- Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers
- Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing
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My top 10 (actually 11) fun and exciting things to do in Paihia and the Bay of Islands
In no particular order, my top 10 are…..
1. Go cruising and dolphin watching to the “Hole in the Rock”
The iconic trip in the Bay of islands is to the “Hole in the Rock” and its pretty much a must do – or at least to get out in the islands. The hole in the rock is at the outer edge of the islands so you get to travel through some pretty nice island scenery as you go. All operators will go through the rock if the conditions are good. I highly recommend you choose a trip with stops on some of the islands – unless you need speed and/or are short of time!
Some great options are:
- Check Bookme – for a deal on a trip to the Hole in the Rock or other great deals!
- Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers – they may stop at three!
- Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops – also may stop at three islands!
- Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure – for the short of time and speed lovers!
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock – a stop at one of the islands where you will be able to see the fish below
Another amazingly popular option is to go cruising overnight on The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise.
I mean 5/5 stars with over 400 reviews means its got to be good – right? You get to do heaps of fun things like target shooting, dusk fishing, night kayaking, snorkeling, collecting seafood, SUP paddle boards, island exploring…..
You do need to book ahead – at the time of writing it is booked out for the next six weeks. You can also check on GYG as it is sometimes a little cheaper there.
2. Sail away for a day on a tall ship – rope swing included!
You might choose to do this instead of or as well as a trip to the Hole in the Rock. This is a replica tall ship and a really popular day out where they let you – want you – to help with ropes and the sailing and you can even climb the rigging! The most fun part though is the rope swing – from the ship into the sea! BBQ on a beach.
What’s super good about this trip is that your money goes towards towards a local youth sailing training scheme which is a great way to have fun and give to others all in one!
- Viator – Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson
- GYG – Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion
3. Try your hand at sailing in the islands and go swimming, hiking, paddleboarding and snorkeling – or just go for sundowners!
Once again – you can’t come to the Bay of Islands without getting out into the bay and its islands! rather than a hole in the rock trip you can spend some time sailing in the bay – even trying your hand at sailing! Sail trips generally include time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or walk. These are highly rated and recommended options:
Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise – sailing and relaxing in beanbags on a catamaran (helping sail if you want) and then plenty of time on an island where you can chose to paddle board, snorkel, swim and bush walk amongst many native birds.
Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch – similar to above, this trip takes you sailing on a catamaran and gives you time to enjoy some of the islands – snorkel, paddleboard, swim etc
Awesome Bay of Islands Day Sailing Adventure – anotther great day out but this time on an ocean-going monohull (available in summer only as in winter they are sailing in the Pacific)
Alternatively, you might just like to get out on the water for sundowners. You can! Either on the tall ship, or on a catamaran – whichever suits you best! Enjoy 🙂
4. Go hiking and camping on the largest island in the Bay of Islands – Urupukapuka
This is one of the most unknown and best things you can do in the Bay of Islands imho! Urupukapuka has three DoC campsites – on gorgeous beaches – swim, snorkel and chill – just look at the photo above! The island also has plenty of walking to do including the 7.3 km Urupukapuka Island loop track that takes about 5 hours. I highly recommend doing the walk – it has an excellent mix of coastal cliffs, beaches, bush, swamps and ponds, and birdlife.
Expect ups and downs but its not strenuous hiking and there are plenty of shady areas. I found it quite astounding that I met almost nobody on this track in the height of summer. Clearly its off the beaten path which is good by me!
To get there, take a ferry from Paihia or Russell and either camp or go early enough to do do the loop and return in a day. (I also highly recommend camping.)
If time is short and you want to spend a day getting to see as much as possible, you can do this cruise, island hopping, plus walking on Urupukapuka, or this similar one, also from Paihia! Both are quite a good deal!
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards on the island where the ferry comes in too! The same people also provide a guided walk where you will learn more about the island and its history and flora and fauna.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed just chilling in this island in my tent! Walking, bird life, swimming, snorkelling……Brilliant for a bit of chill time!
5. Kayak to a waterfall or around an island!
If you are an experienced kayaker (or even not so experienced) you can rent kayaks in Pahia and go do your own thing. It can be a great way to spend a few hours. Whatever you do, take your sunblock – even if its cloudy!
If you are more of a beginner, or enjoy a local guide to explain local history as you go then one of these tours up to a small waterfall might suit better:
And if you have the time (6 hours) – rather than just hiring a kayak you could also try these morning or afternoon tours which take you from Pahia on the ferry to Urupukapuka Island (see No. 4 above) and then take you for 2.5 hours kayaking the islands shores and spending a bit of time on the island itself.
I’m a bit of a fan of this island and loved doing this!
Island Discovery Kayak Tour – Morning or Island Discovery Kayak Tour – Afternoon
6. See the starry lights of thousands of glow-worms
Yes there are glow worms here too. And they are quite impressive – thousands of glow worms! The Kawiti caves are not that big but the glow worms steal the show anyway. You are guided by a local with strong ties to this ancestral land and learn plenty about the caves, their history and the glow worms. If you have been to Waitomo already then you would probably skip this, but if this is your only shot at seeing glow worms then go!
You can book direct to go to the caves with your own transport with bookme – do check times with discount deals!
But if you are in Paihia for a day and don’t have a car, these options are good:
6. Go walking – forest, rivers, and coast – your choice!
There are plenty of short walks in the area – as well as some longer ones. I love walking and hiking so I can’t choose for you because I will say do them all. For a longer hike check out the Cape Brett Track (No. 7 below) – and don’t forget the loop tack on Urupukapuka Island (No. 4 above)!
These are some lovely local walks you can also access from Paihia (without a car):
1. Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway – 6.5km one way / 1-1.5 hours
Boardwalks, beach, bush, paths, views and lots of beautiful tui birds! Follow the coast from Paihia to Opua Ferry Landing. Return the same way or take the ferry to Okiato on the other side of the bay and continue with the Okiato to Russell Walkway.
2. Okiato to Russell Walkway – 10km one way / 2.5-3 hours
Boardwalks through lovely wetlands as well as native bush and again, lots of tui! The Russell end has a lot of road and by sticking to the road (not the full trail) you can shorten the time it takes and get to Russell quicker.
3. Pahia – Opua – Okiato – Russell – Paihia loop walk and ferry 3.5-4.5 hours walking + ferries
Literally do a day walk combining the two walks above with ferries to make it a circular loop. Ferry timetables are here. I recommend doing this full loop if you have time!
4. Flagstaff Hill – 2.9km via low tide route / 0.5 – 1 hour
Walk up to Flagstaff Hill from Russell in one of two ways. Either via the coast at low tide, or go straight up from the township on a very short walk. Either way, its a pretty bushwalk to the top with lovely views of the Bay of Islands. Watch for wekas and learn about Hone Heke and NZ history here. I highly recommend this walk and reading the information panels!
If you are doing walks 3 or 4 above, you can add this in for a great day out walking and more. of course don’t forget to get an ice-cream or something cold in Russel!
5. Haruru Falls to Waitangi Track or vice versa – 10.5km return / 5 hours
The Waitangi end of the track is in wonderful native forest – kauri, rimu and totara above, ferns and fronds below. The rest of the track is on a boardwalk through a mangrove forest. These are two very different environments so it makes it really interesting! More tuis, crabs and flounder come in with the tide!
You can walk from Paihia to the start of the track, or take a short taxi ride.
6. Paihia School Road Track – 1.5 km return – 1 hour
This one I don’t recommend if you want the promised views – the trees have grown to block most of it! But its a nice walk through the forest for a bit of exercise – just others are better imho. I have included it in case you see it elsewhere talking about the great views. Don’t be fooled – that will be old info!
7. Challenge yourself on the Cape Brett Track
If you want a fairly decent hike, this is the one. I think it deserves its own heading!
The Cape Brett Track is a reasonably rugged hike – about 16.5km one way which takes about 8 hours walking due to the steep terrain. The track begins from Oke Bay in Rawhiti and crosses private land, then conservation land out to Cape Brett. Spend a night at the Cape Brett hut before returning the next day. There are stunning views of the outer Bay of Islands, north to the Cavalli Islands and south to the Poor Knights Islands.
You can also start the walk at Deep Water Cove if you take a water taxi, or only walk one way and return by taxi from Cape Brett. You can get a water taxi from Russell, Paihia and Rawhiti.
If you want to do a day hike to Cape Brett, you can, either by walking to the lighthouse and back to Deep Water Cove and getting a taxi (about 20km/12 miles), or by taking a water taxi in to and out of Deep Water Cove and walking to the lighthouse from there (about 8km/5 miles).
Watch out for weka and the rarer saddleback which live in the area! I did see them both – not sure if I was just lucky or you are likely to see them too!
8. Try parasailing for fun views or do 12000ft skydive!
Parasailing! What can I say – other than its fun and the views are cool! You know what it about – soar in the air for 10 minutes of tranquility and take in the beautiful views!
Note – this is for any age. A couple of 79 and 82 left a great happy review!
I have provided a link via either Get Your Guide or viator in case you have a preference! But definitely check on Bookme in case there is a deal!
- Viator – Parasailing Adventure Over the Bay of Islands
- Get your Guide – Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight
OR if you are feeling bold and brave – how about a 12,000ft tandem skydive?
You get a free scenic flight on the way up – even if you are too nervous to enjoy it! This will be a stunning way to see the Bay of Islands!
Book with Viator, but check Bookme for any deals that might be going too (I have seen them even in summer)!
9. Soak it all away at the Ngawa Springs Hot Pools
I loved these very rustic hot pools when I first went. Now they are a bit fancier than they were but are still quite rustic. There are a number of pools with different temps and uses. This is not like Rotorua or Taupo with the masses and with all the fancy-ness, but it is an absolute favorite of mine for that very reason. It will for sure soak away your aches and pains!
The isuue is getting there. There is no public transport, but you could get a taxi (about $100-120 each way – unless you do a deal), or better would be to hire a car for half a day and perhaps go to KeriKeri or Opononi / Rawene as well as to look for kiwis (No. 10).
Notes:
- If you go on a sunny day make sure you have a hat and sunnies!
- Don’t take valuables as there is only a basic change room.
- Bookme has Waiariki Soak and Replenish Couples Package deals, and ordinary single entry deals at selected times
10. I’ll tell you an absolute locals secret – go kiwi bird spotting!
If you walk the Haruru Falls to Waitangi Track there are supposed to be kiwis there. So it could be worth taking a torch and walking a short way at the Waitangi end of the track. I haven’t tried it but others have seen them there.
However, if you have a car and don’t mind a drive. Head to Opito Bay for dusk. Of course its a good swim spot and there is a nice little walk to Tareha Point Lookout so you could spend some time there waiting for dusk. At dusk you have a great chance to see kiwi. I went for the walk and on the way back to the car saw two.
Once again you do need a car, so if you don’t have one maybe make a day of it and hire one for 24 hours to go to the hot pools and this little spot.
Bonus – Fly high…..
Take a scenic helicopter flight!
I haven’t done it but the reviews are rave, and it is really tempting me for next time I’m there (which probably isn’t that far away)! People that have been say the pilot is really knowledgeable about the area and the views are magic. You also stop at the Hole in the Rock – land on the rock!
Sounds like fun? Here’s the link: Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour
If you don’t have much time, or a car, I recommend taking a tour like this one from Auckland…
What I like about this tour is what it covers in 2 days – not just the iconic Bay of Islands boat trip to the Hole in the Rock, but also the Kauri forests and Waitangi as well as other good spots on the way. It doesn’t try and fit too much in so that you are only really on a bus most of the time.
2-Day Bay of Islands Small Group Tour with Cruise
Bay of Islands Mini Itinerary for the nature and adventure lover (2 Days)
Day 1: Boat cruise to the Hole in the Rock and parasail in the afternoon, or a full day sailing the islands.
Day 2: Kayaking or parasailing in the morning, glow worms or hot pools in the afternoon, sundowners on the tall ship!
or
Day 1: Kayaking, hiking, parasailing or glow worms in the morning and early afternoon, the Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise later afternoon and night.
Day 2: The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise!
Bay of Islands Mini Itinerary for the nature and adventure lover (3-4 Days)
Day 1: Fast boat to the Hole in the Rock in the morning and hike the Haruru Falls to WaitangiTrack or parasail in the afternoon (or do all three).
Day 2: Ferry to Urupukapuka and camp. Swim, snorkel, kayak.
Day 3: Walk the Urupukapuka loop trail. Ferry back to Pahia. Sundowner on the tall ship.
Day 4: With a car – visit the glow worms in the morning, hot pools in the afternoon and then Opito Bay in the evening to look for kiwis.
Without a car do the Pahia – Opua – Okiato – Russel – Paihia loop walk and ferry. Hop up to Flagstaff Hill as well. Enjoy Russel before getting the ferry back
You may want to visit Waitangi as well if you are interested in history and culture. Read The must-see things to do in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand for more info!\
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days should I spend in the Bay of Islands?
A: 2–3 days for island cruising, and other activities – you may also want to visit Waitangi while you are here. But if you like the idea of chill camping and swimming, then allow a few more days to camp on Urupukapuka Island as well.
Q: What’s the weather like in the Bay of Islands?
A: You can get any kind of weather here but summer is generally warm or hot and can be very sunny. Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply it regularly. The hole in the ozone layer over New Zealand means the sun here is particularly strong.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Paihia is convenient but busier. Russell, a ferry ride away, is calmer, historic, and more ‘charming’ – especially in the evenings. Consider staying overnight, don’t just day-trip. See below for good options.
Where to stay in Paihia
Higher End – Tarlton’s Lodge or Sanctuary Palms
Mid Range – Pioneer Waterfront Apartments or ASURE Admirals View Motel
Budget – Ala Moana Motel or Rayya Suites
Backpackers – Peppertree Lodge or Haka House Bay of Islands
Villas and Houses – Paihia Lighthouse or Paihia Hilltop Villa
Where to stay in Russell
Higher End — Wahapu Lodge
Mid Range – Aimeo Cottage or Wisteria Cottage
Budget – The Duke Of Marlborough or The Bothy on York Street
Villas and Houses – Russell Harbour Apartment
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