Things to do in Paihia, North Island: The Best Sightseeing Tours

February 18, 2022 Velvet Mowry

If you long to explore New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands, Paihia makes a wonderful base. Known as “the Jewel of the Bay Islands,” this seaside town has golden beaches, lovely coastal walking trails and waterfalls, and a colorful population of local birds. Paihia also holds an important role in the country’s history. It was here, after a century of conflict between indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers, that peace was finally made and the groundbreaking Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Restaurants in Paihia

1. Private Shore Excursion: Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour

Kernhem Private Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

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)

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

2. Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both a nature and highlights tour together to form the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. Highlights: • Bay of Islands Cruise • Hole in the Rock • Wildlife spotting • Sites of cultural and historical significance Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Tickets, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Paihia available

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

3. V8 Trike Tours 60 minute Bay of Islands Combo Tour - 2 Passengers

Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, The Wharf, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Thunder Trike Tours
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5.0 based on 99 reviews

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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Reviewed By louiseshields89

We loved it. Weather was amazing and tour guide very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend visitors to try out this awesome activity.

4. The Cream Trip - Day in the Bay

Fullers GreatSights, Maritime Building 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 2020, New Zealand Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Day Tours
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4.8 based on 139 reviews

Enjoy a Bay of Islands cruise on the region's only authentic Cream Trip; a 100-year-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies to island residents. Climb aboard a multi-level catamaran and venture out to sea with a knowledgeable crew to inform you along the way. See idyllic bays, Marsden Cross, local homes and natural landmarks like the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. Cruising through some 144 islands, be sure to watch out for whales, seals and other marine wildlife. Experience a unique local island by taking a walk or relaxing on the beach and climb in the boom net if you're looking for a thrill. The Cream Trip is the perfect cruise for nature lovers, and the most extensive historical cruise in the Bay.

Inclusions: Luxury air-conditioned catamaran, Live commentary on board, Island Stopover, Boom Net, WIFI

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch (lunch must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours prior to your departure), Food and drinks (drinks and limited snacks are available to purchase on board)

Reviewed By Wayne M

enjoyable trip on a sunny day, great scenery. little disappointed the coffee shop wasn't open for the lunch break on the island but very handy being picked up from russell where we were staying.

5. Private Tour: Bay of Islands Day Trip from Auckland

Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island Legend Tours and Travels Day Tours
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4.0 based on 3 reviews

Head towards one of New Zealand’s favorite travel destinations – Bay Of Islands! Bay Of Islands is situated towards the Northern tip of the North Island. It is ranked as one of New Zealand's top destinations, with boat trips and water sports providing the best experience for your private tour. Enjoy experiences at Parry Kauri Park, Whangarei Falls, Haruru Falls, Waitangi Treaty Ground and more!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Light refreshments and water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Entrance tickets, Cruise Tickets

Reviewed By K7293HPjosephh

Wonderful day trip to the glow worms and the Hobbit farm Driver was the best and took great care of us Long day but worth the expense of a private car

6. Pahia Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Bay of Islands Tour

Kernhem Private Tours
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

While you’re in port in Pahia, experience the best of the North Island coastline on this private 4-hour Bay of Islands tour. Explore the Bay of Islands with a private guide and take in top attractions such as Haruru Falls, Kemp House, Rainbow Falls, the Stone Store, St. James’ Anglican Church, and Wharepuke Falls. Look out for whales and dolphins off the coast, and learn of Maori history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This private 4-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Pahia hotel or the cruise port.

Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private guide, Transport

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

7. Private Tour: Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour

Kernhem Private Tours

Discover the natural wonders of the Bay of Islands on a private 6-hour tour customised to your preferences. Learn the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds; embark on a scenic hike to Rainbow Falls; spot whales and dolphins along the coast; or take in regional highlights such as Wharepuke Falls, Rewa’s Village, and the Stone Store and Kemp House. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Entry Fees (if any)

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

8. Private Tour: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting

Kernhem Private Tours

This private full-day, Bay of Islands Sightseeing tour is specially designed to show you all the highlights of this brilliant place. You will be shown around the area as well as seeing all the fabulous wineries and foodie places the Bay of Islands has on offer. This tour is for everyone, packed full of fun and information and has a lot of history and beautiful places to visit. The delicious confectionery you will try – just can't be better. Kerikeri area wineries offer fabulous tasting wines in an extraordinary setting. The wineries are all nestled in the most enchanting scenery. Each winery offers its own unique experience delivering a unique atmosphere.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

9. Private Shore Excursion: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting

Kernhem Private Tours

This private full-day shore excursion in the Bay of Islands is specially designed to show you all the highlights of this brilliant place. You will be shown around the area as well as seeing all the fabulous wineries and foodie places the Bay of Islands has on offer. This tour is for everyone, packed full of fun and information and has a lot of history and beautiful places to visit. The delicious confectionery you will try – just can't be better. Kerikeri area wineries offer fabulous tasting wines in an extraordinary setting. The wineries are all nestled in the most enchanting scenery. Each winery offers its own unique experience delivering a unique atmosphere.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees, Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch

Reviewed By Lauren B

We booked a private tour off a cruise and Slava our guide was really accomodating with us being an hour late off the ship. Obviously we had to rearrange our sightseeing but Slava was great at making sure we saw what interested us with added extras. Saw lovely waterfalls, Kerikeri Mission house, chocolate factory and more. A very enjoyable time with a knowledgeable guide. Can highly recommend this tour!

10. 3-Day Bay of Islands Arrival Tour with Waitangi Treaty Grounds from Auckland

Leisure Tours

Join this spectacular 3 day arrival tour for the chance to see both Auckland and the Bay of Islands. You will be picked up from Auckland airport on arrival and enjoy 2 nights accommodation in your Central Auckland hotel. On day two, you will experience a full day tour up to the beautiful Bay of Islands: a year round destination and the birth place of our nation. Eplore the townships of both Paihia and Russell and embark a guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Drop off at Auckland Airport on day three can be included.

Inclusions: 2-nights accommodation, Driver/guide, Airport pickup

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

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