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Haruru Falls
Paihia Beach
Bay of Islands Scenic Tour
View from the top of Flagstaff Hill. Russell.
Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

By Bay of Islands Scenic Tours
9.6 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$109 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
Overview

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 humour. 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 personalised
experience

Activity location

  • Waitangi Golf Club
    • Tau Henare Dr
    • 0200, Paihia, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Maritime Building
    • 69 Marsden Road
    • 0200, Paihia, Northland, New Zealand

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Bay of Islands Scenic Tour
  • Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes3h 30m
    3h 30m
  • English

Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 10:00 am
Price details
NZ$109.00 x 1 AdultNZ$109.00
Total
Price is NZ$109.00
Until Sun, 20 Apr

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedPassenger ferry from Russell to Paihia
  • What's includedWhat's includedCar Ferry from Opua to Okiato
  • What's includedWhat's includedAir-conditioned vehicle
  • What's includedWhat's includedIn-person guide is included which is the driver
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedGratutities

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • If you are unwell, please do not travel. I will refund you

Activity itinerary

Waitangi Golf Club
  • 10m
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 (Pass 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
  • 15m
Next, it's a short drive the fabulous Haruru Falls where we stop for photos.
Paihia Harbour (Pass 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
  • 15m
From Paihia we enjoy a short scenic drive around the waterfront to Opua Marina, where we can stop for ice-creams, or coffees.
Okiato Vehicle Ferry Terminal
  • 20m
  • Admission ticket 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.
Okiato (Pass by)
Disembarking from the Vehicle Ferry we enjoy a short scenic past Orongo Bay to historic Russell township
Flagstaff Hill
  • 30m
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.
Long Beach Road
  • 15m
Next stop is beautiful Long Beach in Russell. Enjoy the views. Take your shoes off and get your feet wet in the sea.
Russell
  • 10m
We loop through the historic village of Russell, where historical sites, shops & eateries are described in detail.
Russell
  • 1h
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 (Pass by)
If you prefer not to use the Russell/Paihia passenger ferry you have the option of returning to Paihia on the bus.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESWaitangi Golf Club
    • Tau Henare Dr
    • 0200, Paihia, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEMaritime Building
    • 69 Marsden Road
    • 0200, Paihia, Northland, New Zealand
  • PEOPLEPEOPLEWaitangi Wharf
    • Te Karuwha Parade
    • 0293, Paihia, Northland, New Zealand

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Sort reviews by

10.0 out of 10

simone_P

Reviewed on Viator
13 Apr 2025
Local NZ guide,very informative and humerous. Highly recommend. Small group and comfortable vehicle.
10.0 out of 10

Connie_S

Reviewed on Viator
6 Apr 2025
Nice drive. Good friendly driver. Met us close to where the cruise ship tender dropped us off. Gave us good directions how to get back to the ship at the end of the tour.
10.0 out of 10

Glenys_D

Reviewed on Viator
30 Mar 2025
Very informative and the tour guide really knew the area. The views were spectacular and loved visiting RusselI. I would highly recommend this tour
10.0 out of 10

Randall_L

Reviewed on Viator
18 Mar 2025
Michael took us on a great tour. Saw all the sights. Great commentary. We would definitely recommend this tour.
6.0 out of 10

John_T

Reviewed on Viator
4 Mar 2025
Did not answer some questions. A don't know would have sufficed. Also talked a lot about himself. Did not take us back to where the tour started.
8.0 out of 10

Amy_B

Reviewed on Viator
4 Mar 2025
History about locations given along the way. Driver was responsive to guests needs. This is such a beautiful place, you can’t go wrong. Pace of trip was good.
10.0 out of 10

Debra_G

Reviewed on Viator
3 Mar 2025
Excellent guide, full of knowledge and interesting facts about the area. My favourite location was Long Beach, I could’ve stayed there for ever!
10.0 out of 10

Claire_A

Reviewed on Viator
1 Mar 2025
A lovely little tour seeing the beautiful bay of islands with Michael today. Stunning views and great commentary. Thanks Michael from Simon and Claire from the UK.
10.0 out of 10

Joanne_S

Reviewed on Viator
28 Feb 2025
Everything was as described. A good introduction to the Bay of Islands. Lovely driver/guide, small group of people.
10.0 out of 10

DEBORAH_A

Reviewed on Viator
23 Feb 2025
Great opportunity for a look around the beautiful Bay of Islands with a mix of experiences & a great view of our cruise ship from Flagstaff lookout. Russell is a must to visit. Thank you Michael for your friendly & informative commentary we enjoyed our tour

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