LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND TOUR OPERATORS

Bay of Islands, the play ground for holidays and special occassions

Fun Things To Do

We are happy to give advice about  the many activities available in the local area. Check out their websites with the links below for further information;

  • Diving the Rainbow Warrior wreck. www.divenz.com
  • Marlin and light tackle fishing.
  • Parasailing, Mountain bike park and tours, Scenic flights, Kayaking.
  • Share a tall ship sailing adventure and step back in time to the romance of bygone years, with the tall ship “R.Tucker Thompson”. www.tucker.co.nz
  • Take the harbour cruise, either the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock cruise or the more leisurely Cream Trip. www.exploregroup.co.nz
  • Carino Wildlife Cruises, sailing with us on our marine conservation boat is one of the most sustainable ways to see the Bay. www.carino@wildlifecruises.co.nz.
  • Visit Williams House Museums and the Paihia Library in central Paihia. Learn about the early missionaries. Free admission.
  • Visit Kerikeri and see NZ’s oldest building down by the wharf. Buy kiwifruit at the local orchards and follow the art & crafts trail. www.kerikeri.co.nz
  • Stroll around Russell looking at Russell Museum, Pompallier House, and Christ Church. Dine at one of their quality restaurants. Explore the DOC tracks in the area. Information centre in Russell www.russellnz.co.nz
  • At Paihia visit the Treaty House and the Waitangi National Reserve. This is the focus of NZ history. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. There is a 6km walking trail from the Treaty grounds to Haruru Falls. www.waitangi.net.nz
  • Play 18 holes amongst one of the most picturesque golf courses in New Zealand www.waitangigolf.co.nz
  • Further information about activities in the Bay of Islands. www.visitboi.co.nz.
  • For information about Paihia – www.paihianz.co.nz

Notes From the Hosts:

“I have named it the Bay of Islands” wrote Lieutenant James Cook. It was late November 1769. The red pohutakawa flowers would have been fringing the land, with every cicada rasping in the world’s largest orchestra.

The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime park in New Zealand, with 144 islands, secluded bays, an abundance of bird & marine life and spectacular scenery. To the locals this is know as the winterless north.

This is the birthplace of New Zealand, the cradle of European civilization with many points of interest relating to both early European and Maori settlement.

Paihia is the main centre for the area and makes a perfect base for visitors wanting to explore. Renowned for deep sea fishing, boat cruises, sandy beaches and the famous “Hole in the Rock” boat cruise.

Whether you want to jump out of the clear blue skies, dive under the water, explore the numerous islands and waterways, catch a Marlin, walk through the verdant bush and discover a giant Kauri tree, or visit Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand, soak up the sun or just relax, we can point you in the right direction.

Your hosts Anne & Garth have lived in the area since 1978 and have a wealth of local knowledge to share with you.