Paihia is an excellent base from which to explore the Bay of Islands. It has an extensive choice of activities. From a trip to the outer islands, hook into a fishing expedition or catch the ferry to Russell. You truly are spoiled for choice!
Highlights beside the Waitangi MTB Park – Boat cruises around the Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Water Activities, Wine Tours, scenic helicopter flight or for the more adventurous option, skydiving.
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Crystal clear waters, the birthplace of NZ and endless sunshine – the Bay of Islands is the perfect place to come away with the family. Getting outdoors, connecting with nature and making the most of learning about NZ’s history is the perfect recipe to make some unforgettable new memories and go on some epic experiences as a family. Here are some of our favourite activities in the Bay of Islands to recommend to families, that cover all ages and interests.
The Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is home to around 50km of professionally-built Mountain Bike Tracks. The tracks are perfect for all riding abilities, ranging from complete beginner; cruisy, scenic tracks that take you for tikki-tour through the forest, right through to tracks better suited to Advanced riders; think rollers, berms, jumps and off-camber technical riding.
The tracks are open year-round, and the Park is great fun in both the sun and the rain. So do not let those rare days of rain in the Winterless North, not mean you get out to do an activity! During the School Holidays and Weekends, there is a Café onsite that is ready to keep you fuelled and out riding all day.
Also running during the School Holidays and Weekends is the Public Uplift Shuttle within the park. This takes riders and their bikes from the bottom of the tracks and drops you off at the top. This is a great solution for the family members that are keen to get some downhill riding in, but legs are not quite strong enough to get them up the uphill climbs yet.
Own Bikes:
The Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is a community-funded asset, so all Riders with their own bikes are asked to either do a $10 Day Donation on arrival or else Register to Ride for a Year with an Annual Donation. This is $40 per adult and $25 per child. The Annual Donation is done on an App called "HivePass"
Need to Hire?
If you are looking to leave you bikes at home when you come up to the Bay of Islands, Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals are based onsite at the Entrance to the Bike Park. We have a range of high-quality Mountain Bikes and E-bikes for both Adults and Kids. Please check out our Bike Hire Page to see what bikes we currently have in our fleet. Bike Hire is available every day over Summer and Tuesday-Sunday during the Winter months.
Make sure you spare a day during your time in the Bay of Islands to take the kids to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is a place we believe every New Zealander must visit during their lifetime, as it is New Zealand’s most historic site and there is no better place for your children to learn how NZ has been shaped than here! The Family Entry Pass includes not only entry to two very well put together and interactive museums, but also guided tours, cultural performances and carving demonstrations. Find Out More...
This activity is a win-win for both adults and kids. Situated in the heart of Paihia township this coffee shop are masters at their trade. Their coffees and hot chocolates are top-notch and there is always incredible food in their cabinet. If you are a sucker for Cinnamon Scrolls, your chances are high for these to be served. Find Out More...
During the Summer months, the beach is a popular place to hang out. Take the family to Paihia Beach and situate yourselves near the Pontoon Motu Iti. The pontoon is bought out every Summer and is a classic spot for kids to spend their whole day jumping, bombing and diving into the warm water.
The Twin Coast Cycle trail spans about 74km, from Kawakawa to Horeke. The trail is generally flat and takes you through Coastal Views, wetlands, native forests and rolling farmland. As a family adventure, we recommend either splitting the experience over two days and using a Transport Company to take you and your bikes to/from your accommodation to your starting/finishing point.
Please note that the popular 14km section of Opua to Kawakawa is currently closed.
A short ferry ride from Russell or Paihia, with the crew from Explore, will take you to the Island Paradise of Urupukapuka Island. This island is a recreational reserve, so it is teeming with birdlife, native bush and some wicked walking tracks. Along those tracks, you will come across some stunning white sand beaches….think of all the promotional shots you see of the Bay of Islands beaches – you will be seeing them in real life!
If walking is not your thing, you can instead choose to spend your time relaxing at Otehei, Bay, where the ferry arrives and departs from. At Otehei Bay, there is kayak and paddleboard hire, along with a Café serving up some tasty snacks, in case you left the picnic basket at home. Find Out More...
Have you already seen the Bay of Islands by water, why not check out the views a different way, more exciting way… such as up high behind 1300ft of line. If this sounds like a bit of you and your kids idea of a great time, definitely check out Flying Kiwi Parasail.
Apart from seeing the full length of the 144 Islands making up the Bay of Islands, on a clear day you might see the “Hole in the Rock’. There are also regularly Dolphins, Orca’s and other marine mammals visiting the Bay so they also may be sighted.
Family Packages are available so make sure you check out their website, for all the information!
The 18 hole Mini Golf Course in Kerikeri is an affordable fun outdoor activity for all the family. It is the perfect way to get kids outdoors and away from their devices! The course is fun for all ages, and even the most talented golfers will feel their putting skills are being put to the challenge.
If you find yourself visiting the Bay of Islands in the Winter, when the temperatures are dropping, we think Ngawha Springs is a must-do evening activity. Recently renovated, Ngawha Springs is made up from 16 Public and 8 Private Geothermal Springs. Throughout the centuries, many visitors travelled, from near and far, to soak in the healing properties of these thermal waters. Each of the pools has their own unique characteristics and healing properties with differing temperatures, colours and minerals.
Not only do you have a relaxing soak in the pools, but if you go in the Public Pools, you will have a great chance to talk to locals and other travellers. We think this is one of the coolest parts of Ngawha Springs, because you can walk between the different pools, and every pool has a conversation happening, whether the people know each other or not. Find Out More...
A free and always fun activity in any new location or holiday destination is Geocaching, and there are some great ones to be found in Paihia. If you have not heard of Geocaching, we apologise in advance as you are about to find a new hobby to obsess over! Geocaching is basically a real-life treasure hunt. Using an app, you can find hidden “treasures” also known as Caches, once found you write your name and date inside, and log it on the App. The great thing about Geocaching, which we found when we have been on holiday, is it takes you off the beaten tourist trail and can sometimes lead you to some pretty amazing viewpoints or activities that you otherwise would not have knowing about! Check out their website to get started.
To be clear, this is a very small selection of the epic activities you can check out whilst you are in the Bay of Islands with your family, but they are ones that we ourselves have experienced and would recommend to any of our family and friends with younger families when they come and visit us in Northland.
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