PAIHIA ACTIVITIES

Cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on Dolphin Seeker, our purpose-built dolphin and whale-watching catamaran. Cruise past many of the 144 islands and take in the sights of the Hole in the Rock and the rich history and scenery that makes up the Bay of Islands. Island stopover included as well as a bonus free ferry ticket to extend your day.

Take part in the Bay of Islands most famous cruise. The "Cream Trip" began in 1927 and remains a popular cruise with tourists today. You will have a full Day in the Bay including dolphin encounters and swimming (additional fees apply), discovering the Hole in the Rock, delivering mail, boom netting, island stopover for lunch and learning the history of the Bay of Islands through informative and interactive commentary.

Journey to the very tip of the North Island in a purpose-built coach, travel along the sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bay of Islands with an island and wildlife day cruise. Watch dolphins, penguins and seabirds in their natural habitat, with a stop at an island sanctuary, for exploring, snorkeling and lunch.

Experience the Bay of Islands the old-fashioned way with a cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner with her own unique history. Be as active as you like – take the helm, hoist the sails, climb the rigging or just relax with a cold drink while the crew command this impressive ship as she sails across the Bay.

The Rainbow Warrior was a Greenpeace ship which played a key role in New Zealand's history. Destroyed in 1985 by a covert French military operation in Auckland Harbour, the vessel was finally scuttled in Matauri Bay at the Cavalli islands. The Rainbow Warrior Dive wreck sits 18-27m deep. Dive with Paihia Dive or Divezone Bay of Islands, launching from Matauri Bay.

Enjoy an interactive Waka experience that provides participants with unique insights into Maori ancient customs, rituals and traditions. Ancient histories and stories are shared with you as you paddle a 40 ft Waka Taua (War Canoe) on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River.

Explore the two contemporary museums, Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga and traditional Māori waka taua. Visitors can also enjoy a full programme of tours and cultural performances.

Take a bus tour to Cape Reinga at the tip of the North island. The tour includes Ninety Mile beach, sand-boarding the giant sand dunes, Gumdiggers Park and Mangonui – the best fish and chips in NZ!

Haruru Falls is one of several beautiful waterfalls in the Bay of Islands. Both the small township and the waterfalls, are about 5km from Paihia and are worth seeing. In Te Reo Māori, "haruru" means "big noise." If you happen to visit after one of Northland's big rains, you'll understand how the place earned its name. The torrent of water raging over the horseshoe-shaped falls roars down the walking track that follows the inlet. You'll hear Haruru Falls long before you arrive.

Salt Air can offer you a unique and memorable experience of the Bay of Islands and Northland from the air with spectacular coastline views and island scenery. Their guided tour options and island escapes will also leave you with an appreciation of our local history, culture and coastal environment that is uniquely Northland.

Explore the best Northland locations by paddleboard or kayak. While kayaking guests can explore up close, paddle through mangrove forests or photograph a colony of sea birds that nest in trees hanging over the river, onto the final destination, where a waterfall drops into the sea.