Paihia Tours
Paihia has the best choice of shopping and accommodation in the Bay of Islands and is also a popular departure point for many Bay of Islands tours. With over 140 islands to explore it is a good idea to take organised tours with experienced guides. Tours departing from Paihia offer expert commentary and assurance you will be seeing all the highlights in the Bay of Islands. Many tours depart from the central wharf area and include Fishing charters, cruises, kayak adventures and ferry transfers. The fishing in the Bay of Islands is excellent and there are a range of different tours you can take.
Game fishing charters will take you out to fish for Marlin, tuna and other prized catches, while specialised snapper fishing charters will take you around some of the most scenic spots to catch the big one. There are cruises out to the famous hole in the rock and the more sedate Cream trip which follows the route of the original traders in the area. You can swim with the dolphins or watch them at play from Dolphin watching cruises. Sailing charters and cruises from Paihia explore secluded beaches, great swimming spots and excellent sailing conditions.
There is always somewhere safe to anchor due to the number of islands available for protection from the prevailing winds. You can charter your own yacht or jump aboard an 80 foot skippered maxi yacht. The R Tucker Thompson 100 year old schooner is a familiar sight in the Bay of Islands and you can experience a peaceful day on the water doing as much or as little as you like. Tours not to miss on land include a guided tour around the Waitangi Treaty grounds or a personalised cultural tour of the area. Scenic helicopter flights provide some amazing views from the air of this stunning landscape.
Most Paihia attractions and activities have tour opportunities to take advantage of and many of the tour operators will pick up and drop off from you local accommodation as well. Travel up to Cape Reinga on an adventure filled day tour from Paihia to drive up 90 mile beach, sand board down massive sand dunes and visit an ancient Kauri forest. If you are on limited time take one of the specialised half day tours to Kerikeri or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight. AAT Kings offer all inclusive tours of the Bay of Islands either on their own or combined with an extended tour of the North or South Island.
