Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

4.8 (65 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

65 reviews

4.8

Haruru Falls — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

View from the top of Flagstaff Hill. Russell. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This a very comprehensive tour of the Bay of Islands area and we pack a lot into the 3+ hours.

Visit the Waitangi area, Paihia, the Haruru Falls, Opua, and travel by vehicle ferry to the other side of the bay where we visit historic Russell, Long Beach, and enjoy fabulous views from the top of Flagstaff Hill.

You will get a real feel for the Bay of Islands area. It's geography, history and our way of life.

Benefit from an expert guide and a small group size.

Extensive, detailed commentary, delivered with a dose of humor. Spectacular scenic views. Free time in Russell to enjoy a glass of wine or lunch. Passenger ferry return to Paihia included. Hotel pick-up from the Paihia area or Cruise ship wharf.

Small group size limited to 11 people ensures a personalized

experience

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 11 people
People per booking: 1–11
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Bay of Islands Scenic Tours

Ages: Children (1–15 years) · Adults (16–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Passenger ferry from Russell to Paihia
Included: Car Ferry from Opua to Okiato
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: In-person guide is included which is the driver

Not included

Not included: Gratutities

Itinerary

Waitangi Golf Club

10 min

Following pick-up, there is a short drive to our first stop of the day, close to the Waitangi Golf Course, where we enjoy a fabulous scenic view of the Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Passing by

We drive past the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where our guide explains in detail the history and the importance to New Zealand.
Haruru Falls

15 min

Next, it's a short drive the fabulous Haruru Falls where we stop for photos.
Paihia Harbour

Passing by

Paihia is the largest village in the Bay of Islands and most of the accommodation and shopping is in this area. We drive a circuit through the village. Our guide will give recommendations explanations and suggestions on the various restaurants, and shops.

We continue along the waterfront with its beautiful beaches and picturesque Island views.
Opua

15 min

From Paihia we enjoy a short scenic drive around the waterfront to Opua Marina, where we can stop for ice-creams, or coffees.
Stop 6

20 min Admission included

From Opua Marina we take our bus on the vehicle ferry for a scenic water crossing to Okiato on the other side of the bay.
Stop 7

Passing by

Disembarking from the Vehicle Ferry we enjoy a short scenic past Orongo Bay to historic Russell township
Flagstaff Hill

30 min

We drive to the top of Flagstaff Hill for expansive and spectacular views over the Bay of Islands. This is one of the highlights of the tour.
Stop 9

15 min

Next stop is beautiful Long Beach in Russell. Enjoy the views. Take your shoes off and get your feet wet in the sea.
Russell

10 min

We loop through the historic village of Russell, where historical sites, shops & eateries are described in detail.
Russell

one hour

Our tour concludes in Russell with as much free time as you want. Russell is a picturesque village with many stores. There's a point of difference here. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the waterfront restaurants or have fish and chips on the beach.

You will be given a passenger ferry ticket to return to Paihia. (free)
Paihia

Passing by

If you prefer not to use the Russell/Paihia passenger ferry you have the option of returning to Paihia on the bus.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Pick up point if you are NOT on a Cruise Ship.
If you are on a Cruise Ship, I'll pick you in the parking area near the yacht club. It's only a few meters from the wharf to the right.

End point

Your tour concludes in Russell, with a free (included) ferry ride back to Paihia. As an option, if you have mobility issues, I'm happy to take you back to Paihia in my bus.

Pickup points

Edgewater Palms Apartments
Breakwater Motel
Quality Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Anchorage Motel
A1 Motel
Bay of Islands Sublime Apartments
The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Collection
Bay Cabins
Sea Spray Suites
Outrigger Motel
Aarangi Tui Motel
Pioneer Waterfront Apartments

and 21 more pickup points

Our main pick-up location for Cruise Ship passengers is from Waitangi Wharf. I'll e-mail you prior to the tour with a more detailed description and a map. We also pick-up from Maritime Building on Marsden Rd, next to the Paihia Wharf, but you would need to let me know.

If you are staying in the Paihia area I also offer hotel pick-up. I'll e-mail you with a pick-up time.