Top 10 Things to do in Opua, New Zealand

April 6, 2018 Enedina Augsburger

Opua is a locality in the Bay of Islands, in the sub-tropical Northland Region of New Zealand. It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving in the country after crossing the Pacific Ocean. In the original 1870s plans for the town, it was named Newport. The town of Paihia is nearby, and the small settlement of Te Haumi is in between.
Restaurants in Opua

1. Great Escape

Richardson Street, Opua 0200, New Zealand
Excellent
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5 based on 73 reviews

Great Escape

Escape from ordinary and set sail with us. We have a fleet of well-maintained yachts and powerboats for Bareboat Charter, Flotilla Rallies and Learn to Sail courses. Our boats are suitable for two to six people; complete novices can be skippering their own boat in our beautiful Bay of Islands after once of our sailing courses, experienced sailors can cast off straight away.

Reviewed By 306kirstyc

Brilliant! Awesome company - very professional, organised, super friendly, and absolutely recommend. We’d booked for the 6 day trip on the Noelex 25, but unfortunately the weather gods weren’t on our side so only managed to fit in the 3 day course, and will be...MoreThank you so much for taking time to write this review, very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you back here to complete your sailing holiday.

2. Pompallier Mission and Printery

The Strand, Russell, New Zealand +64 9-403 9015
Excellent
75%
Good
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4.5 based on 457 reviews

Pompallier Mission and Printery

Pompallier Mission, where Catholic missionaries translated religious texts into Maori, printed and bound them into beautiful books, was a saintly enclave in the most sinful site of the southern seas. In what is undoubtedly one of the best heritage tours in the country, our passionate guides will take you through the steps of leather and book-making as it was done by courageous pioneers living in this tiny outpost, over 150 years ago. Hear the stories of the lives and times of French missionaries caught up in British Treaty-making and war between Maori and European settlers. Delight in our award winning heritage Gardens, take in the wonderful views across the Bay and browse our gift shop for a unique reminder of a special place.

Reviewed By valleymeg - Brisbane, Australia

If you have time this beautiful Mission is worth visiting. We had a very informative guide in Tracey who gave us a detailed history of the Mission and it’s work.....the printing workshop and tannery. Then we were able to spend time exploring the magnificent Gardens.

3. Coastal Kayakers

Te Karuwha Parade | Paihia/Waitangi Beach, Waitangi 0200, New Zealand
Excellent
75%
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20%
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4.5 based on 131 reviews

Coastal Kayakers

Kayak Hire & Tours - Paihia, Bay of Islands For a unique Northland experience, come and join us on one of our sea kayaking adventures. Ideal for families, individuals, school and conference groups. We have a large range of both single and double kayaks to choose from. Departing daily from Waitangi we offer a range a range of tours that caters to all levels and experience. Our friendly guides will regale you with local legends and point out historical points of interest as we explore the mysterious mangrove forest, Haruru Waterfall and the Coastal Waters of the Bay of Islands. We invite you to see the Bay up close and personal, away from the crowds. A truly memorable adventure.

Reviewed By DcnCol

We greatly enjoyed this adventure with Coastal Kayakers! Chad, Cruz and Nic were great guides and storytellers. Paddling through the mangroves was an added bonus and right up to the falls was awesome. Snack boxes were a nice energy provider for the paddle back. Would definitely book with them again.

4. Kawakawa Public Toilets by Hundertwasser

60 Gillies St, Kawakawa 0210, New Zealand
Excellent
44%
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42%
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4 based on 328 reviews

Kawakawa Public Toilets by Hundertwasser

Reviewed By spaqueen_9 - Charleston, South Carolina

What a hoot! The unique and creative designs of the public toilets in Kawakawa have made them a tourist destination. It's a five minute drive off highway 1 into Kawakawa. Toilets are on the main street and you can't miss them as there will be a crowd of tourists taking photos. Worth a stop if you're in the area. Parking is either on the street or in a public lot off the main street nearby.

5. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

1 Tau Henare Dr, Paihia, New Zealand +64 9-402 7437
Excellent
71%
Good
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most important historic site, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and the indigenous Maori in February 1840. Set on a stunning site overlooking the Bay of Islands, Waitangi is an absolute must-see for all visitors to the North, international and New Zealanders alike. Attractions include the historic Treaty House, a giant flagstaff, a unique fully carved Maori meeting house and the the world's largest single-hulled canoe (waka). Guided tours and cultural Performances run at regular intervals throughout the day. Open daily except Christmas.

Reviewed By 123LS - United Kingdom

Took a gamble in between the rain showers paid off. Just walked up and straight onto a tour. Great guide informative and humorous. The 30min cultural performance is fun very friendly dancers. The museum was also really interesting. Came away with a much better insight of the history leading up to the treaty signing and culture. Well worth doing.

6. Christ Church

Church Street, Russell, New Zealand +64 9-403 7696
Excellent
53%
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4.5 based on 283 reviews

Christ Church

Nau mai, haere and welcome to Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest existing church and cemetery. A digital walk can be downloaded from the App stores from Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours which share the fascinating stories of some of the people buried here. Enjoy visiting our cemetery and do visit our beautiful church.

Reviewed By A R H - Charleston, South Carolina

A lovely setting and the graves of both Maori and settlers give a fascinating glimpse of the time when Russell was the nations capital. The bullet holes from the 1845 rebellion are still easy to spot. Well worth a visit to get a feel for New Zealand's early days.

7. Bay of Islands Yacht Charters

10 Richardson Street, Opua 0200, New Zealand
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5 based on 2 reviews

Bareboat Charters in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Relax, Unwind and Sail away on your own yachting adventure around the stunning Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Beautiful sandy Beaches and crystal clear waters await! Bareboat charter sailing yacht "Sensation" - a spacious and well set up Farr 1020 ~ 34ft yacht. Designed and built in New Zealand and set up for comfort and performance.

Reviewed By mwfield - Warren, Connecticut

A glorious day on the water with Stephen. The boat is comfortable and handles well in all weather. The Islands and dolphins are truly magnificent to see and it is a magical place to cruise under Stephens able hand

8. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

33 Bayly Road, Waitangi 0230, New Zealand +64 22 128 3805
Excellent
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5 based on 40 reviews

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

A family-friendly mountain bike park located off Bayly Rd, Waitangi. Currently 35km+ of professionally built trails with many more planned for development. Trail grades range from Grade 2 (Beginners) to Grade 5 (Advanced) so something for all. Riders are encouraged to register as a rider on the website for $25 per year. This registration donation goes straight back into trail building and track maintenance to keep the tracks awesome for you all. Check it out on our website. Donors will receive a map and two coloured plastic tags. One tag is for your bike – very uncool to be seen without one – and a smaller one for your key ring to be flashed around town. Many businesses in the Bay of Islands have volunteered incentives to encourage bike riders to donate in this way. The key tag is their way of knowing who you are. The tag colour changes each year, we will send you a reminder when your tag is about to expire. We have had a number of requests from visitors who are keen to donate, but are only here for a day, or who can only ride for one day – and are not keen for the annual registration. So, in response to this we are have introduced a ‘one day’ $10 donation option for visitors. As a ‘one day donors’ you are provided with a luggage tag style sticker with the days date on it, which once removed from your bike, can be used similarly to the annual tags – they can be used for the great incentives offered around town – but only for that one day. So remember to remove it from your bike after your ride. This option also comes with a free map. Pick up your Registration tags (or pay) at any of the handy locations in Paihia: Fullers-Greatsights Paihia, Bay of Islands Information Centre, Paihia iSite, Waitangi Holiday Park, Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals or Hunter Cycles (Kerikeri). Need a bike too? Check out the bike hire providers in Paihia: -Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals- Quality Full Suspension Cross Country and Trail Bikes, Towball Bike Racks -ZapaRound E-Bikes: Quality Full Suspension All Terrain e-Bikes -Bay Beach Hire- Quality Front Suspension Bikes -Bay Adventurers- Front Suspension bikes

Reviewed By Robin_Laura - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Wow! Those tracks are epic!!! Should you be looking for a fun ride or a challenging one, you'll find incredibly well designed tracks for an awesome ride! Unmissable!

9. Flagstaff Hill

Russell, New Zealand
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
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4.5 based on 336 reviews

Flagstaff Hill

Reviewed By A R H - Charleston, South Carolina

Out for a walk and saw the signs to Flagstaff Hill. A 20 minute hike up the lane followed by a series of steps before you reach the car park. Those less active can drive up and then walk the 60 metres to Sundial. Great views down onto Russell and the surrounding ocean. I did it on a cloudy, drizzly day and it was still lovely, so worth a visit what ever the weather.

10. Tango Sailing

Opua Marina, Opua 0293, New Zealand
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5 based on 4 reviews

Tango Sailing

Come and Sail in the beautiful Bay of Islands on our modern 46foot beneteau yacht.Picnic on an island and indulge in fresh seafood. Island walks, snorkeling, fishing and Kayaking available.View the local sealife up close and personal.Our professional skipper has years of local knowledge and can take you to amazing places. White sandy Beaches and tranquility guaranteed!Half day, full day, sunset sails and over night options available.

Reviewed By budLondon - London

We had a cracking day on Tango with trusty skipper Dave. The weather was stunning and we had the boat to ourselves like a private charter. Right from the off Dave was friendly and informative, teaching us land lubbers some of the tips and tricks about sailing as well as sharing some tails of his adventures on the high seas! The boat is fantastic and we had a good sail despite light winds... so a good tip to choose Tango over other larger yachts when the breeze is low. We hung out with a pod of playfull dolphins and ate the gorgeous fresh mussles that we had just picked off the rocks. And to cap it all Dave invited us to join him and some friends for race night at their local yacht club.... a massive bonus for us!

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