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Family Holidays

We're a family

The simplicity of holidaying in the Bay of Islands makes it an easy choice for families. There are activities to suit all tastes and ages and plenty of affordable accommodation options. With the subtropical climate, many outdoor activities are open year-round. And there's always the beach!

Why not mix one major piece of fun with a variety of free activities? We can help you make the most of your budget so you can enjoy this special time with your family. Don't forget to explore our Events section too as there are plenty of free and afoordable local events happening all year round. Add them into your cart to remind you what's on while you are in the Bay of Islands.

For the full Bay of Islands experience, we recommend a day sail - perhaps the R Tucker Thompson if you like the idea of tall ship sailing or have a budding pirate in the family, or She's a Lady for a more intimate day out, or step onto Carino - the ultimate dolphin swimming and sailing adventure. For the longer 'on the water' adventure, consider an overnight cruise on the Rock, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and hiking on one of the islands all from one trip. Perfect for the family with a variety of needs.

For a cooling evening activity, enjoy a Twilight Safari Cruise up to Haruru Falls - kayaking under the waterfall. For the bigger kids, a Tango Jet Ski tour or Parasail above the Bay will absolutely blow their minds!

If you fancy trying your hand at snapper fishing, we recommend one of our excellent boat charters such as Spot X. And of course, there is magical power of DOLPHINS in the Bay of Islands.

For land-based activities you can cycle a section of the Twin Coast Cycle Way - Top Trail has half bikes suitable for younger children and tag alongs for the really small ones. Other affordable activities include a visit to Action World for an adventure on the high wire, trapezes and the tarzan swings - great fun for children and adults alike. There’s a picnic area, a food canteen and a water slide, which keeps the younger one occupied for hours!

Or take a classic trip up to Cape Reinga with either Fullers Great Sights or on the Dune Rider and get sandboarding down those giant dunes.

Pop in to 35 Degrees South on the waterfront and check out the 60,000L aquarium full of local sea creatures. Ideal for entertaining the kids while Mum & Dad enjoy a coffee or wine while soaking up the views.

There are some wonderful walks locally suited to a variety of different fitness levels. The Paihia to Opua coastal track is a scenic ramble that gives you a great taste of the Bay. And at any time of the year, quite frankly, the beach is the perfect place to laze away the day while your family plays in the surf...

Alongside Restaurant

Alongside is an exciting social space situated over the water in the stunning bay of islands. There is no place quite like it in Northland and we...

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ABC Shuttles and Tours

Taxi, Tours and Private Hire service in Kerikeri, Paihia, Bay of Islands and surrounding areas in New Zealand's stunning Northland

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Adventure Puketi

Enjoy a range of forest walks including day, overnight and weekend tours as well as a lavish Bed & Breakfast to accommodate your relaxing Bay of Islands getaway.

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Aarangi Tui Motel

Location, Close to Town, Flat, Next to RSA

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Ahipara Adventure

Fun and Adventure for the whole family! If you're headed north to Cape Reinga, Ahipara Adventure is a must do!

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Ala Moana Motel

We are a small New Zealand Motel and strive to ensure our Guests have a rewarding visit to the fabulous Bay of Islands.

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Bay of Islands Holiday Homes

Bay of Islands Holiday Homes was established in 2005 and has been operating in the immediate Russell area, we are specialists in Holiday Homes...

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Bay of Islands Beachhouse

NESTLED AMONGST native trees on the golden sands of Sullivans Beach (central Paihia), is a secluded and luxurious Beach House with a secured gated...

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Bay of Islands Night Kayaking Ltd

Our Bay of Islands adventure tourism business is a boat cruise that does kayaking. Our specialist boat that we built, allows us to deliver a more...

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Bay of Islands Parasail

PAIHIA PARASAILING COME PARASAILING IN PAIHIA'S ISLAND PARADISE Parasailing in Paihia is the ultimate way to see the spectacular island...

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Bay Beach Hire

At Bay Beach Hire, we specialise in Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sailing, Bikes and more. With our professional and friendly team, you're sure to have...

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Barefoot Sailing Adventures

Looking for a unique, kiwi experience? Take a boat trip with Barefoot Sailing Adventures

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Carino Sailing And Dolphin Charters

Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins! Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on...

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Cook's Lookout Motel

JUST 4 MINUTES DRIVE to Paihia Town Centre & Wharf. ONLY 3 MINUTES DRIVE to the Beach & Supermarket. Our elevated, Ridge-Top position gives us...

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Chalet Romantica

Chalet Romantica, luxury Paihia accommodation, is located in central town above Paihia Beach, with spectacular unsurpassed views over the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands.

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Coastal Kayakers Limited

Since 1988 Coastal Kayakers has been offering Half Day, Full Day, or Multi Day Guided Tours of the Historic Waitangi River, Haruru Falls water...

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Dive North Bay of Islands

Dive North - the Bay of Islands premiere award winning dive specialists. Award winning dive trips, Onsite B & B, great lunches (including...

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Explore Group Limited

Specialists in Hole in the Rock cruises, day trips to Cape Reinga and dolphin cruises in the Bay of Islands. Explore incredible places, take...

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Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals

Welcome to Paihia Mountain Bikes! Official Rental, Shuttle and Guiding Company for both the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park and the Twin Coast Cycle Rail Trail.

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YHA, Bay of Islands, Paihia

YHA Paihia Hostel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Paihia town center and ferry terminal. It is a 5-minute drive to Waitangi Treaty...

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Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys Limited

Waka Tours - Maori Culture. The Best Maori cultural experience in northland

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Get Reel Charters

Get Reel charter fishing from Russell and Paihia costs start from $110.00 Target snapper, kingfish and marlin. Being based out of Russell and...

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Bay of Islands Sea Shuttle

Join us for an Island Getaway! Scenic cruising, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkelling, island walks and wildlife, experienced on a small personalised tour in the Bay of Islands

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Russell Nature Walks

Guided ecology walks and guided night walks in Russell, Bay of Islands. Learn about conservation and the native birds, bugs, plants, and more!

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The Parrot Place Limited

The Parrot Place is a Bird Display and Breeding Centre set in the heart of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. We have approx 300 birds from all over...

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Russell Tours

See the Sights and Hear the History!

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The Rock Adventure Cruise - Activity

Come aboard The Rock Adventure Cruise for an action-packed, scenic tour of the Bay of Islands. The Rock is a tour of the Bay of Islands with...

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Flying Kiwi Parasail

Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Bay of Islands from the perfect safety of our custom-designed parasail boat. Suitable for the entire family, no...

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The Rock Adventure Cruise

Come aboard The Rock Overnight Cruise for an action-packed, scenic tour of the Bay of Islands. The Rock is a tour of the Bay of Islands with...

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Paihia Dive

Dive trips to the Wrecks and Reefs of the Bay of Islands, Also Diver Training. The HMNZS Canterbury F421 now rests in Deep Water Cove near Cape...

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Ecocruz Bay of Islands

Welcome to Ecocruz, the original Bay of Islands multi day sailing cruise - enjoy the Bay the way the locals do! Join our friendly crew...

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35 South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar

Come join us right on Paihia's waterfront at 35° South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar for a taste of Bay of Island's life. Enjoy dining above the...

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Motel Russell 2010 Limited

Motel Russell is only a flat walk to the beach, wharf, shops and restaurants of Russell. We offer you a choice of 15 accommodation units: ...

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Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands offers the most extensive range of Bay of Islands cruises. See all the top Bay of Islands attractions, like the...

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Edelweiss Motel

We have something for everyone. 1 & 2 bedroom units, spa bath suites, access unit, large and small studios. Year round heated saltwater swimming...

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Dune Rider

This full day tour in our unique Dune Rider vehicle is the best way to explore the Far North. Let our drivers immerse you in the culture and...

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Bay of Islands Kayaking

We take Small Tours..... Usually 8 or Less! A True Adventure. See Nature up Close. Stop on Multiple Islands to Walk and Snorkel in a Day.

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Martys Golf Range and Cafe

Come up to Marty's Golf & Archery Range, Drive some balls and shoot some targets - then be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at their famous Cafe!

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Tapeka Del Mar Beachfront Holiday Home

Tapeka del Mar is the perfect base to relax, explore the Bay of Islands or use as a base to visit Northland. Set up for international family...

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Dive Tutukaka

Poor Knights islands, a complete Marine Reserve, offer an incredible biodiversity, and amazingly passionate crew with ultimate customer service....

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Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground

Our Motel is situated overlooking the beautiful Haruru Falls, Waitangi Lagoon and Reserve.The Waterfront Campground is situated on the water's...

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35 Degrees South & Alongside - Deals & Events

Come join us right on Paihia's waterfront at 35° South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar for a taste of Bay of Island's life. Enjoy dining above the...

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It Festival - Bay of Islands Food & Wine

Featuring Kiwi Icons - The Black Seeds! This Boutique Food and Wine Festival is in its 6th year in the Bay of Islands! This is “it!!” - the event not to be missed - Love it! Cook it! Drink it! Bite it

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The Old Packhouse Market

The Old Packhouse Market is a great place for locals and visitors to source fresh, local produce; meet for coffee, breakfast or brunch, and enjoy...

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R.Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust

DAILY SAILINGS Catch the breeze and set sail for the day from Russell on board the unique tall ship, R. Tucker Thompson, built in the tradition...

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Swiss Chalet Motel Ltd

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of our unique European styled motel right in the heart of Paihia. We are just 5 minutes walk from all the...

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Bay of Island Walking Weekend

All walks start and finish at the Headquarters. Walks registration is 15 mins before departure. Also gather here for after-match functions, photo...

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Sanctuary in the Cove

Choice of only two waterfront cottages. Maximum occupancy 4 couples in total on the property. Secluded waterfall gardens, electronic gates,...

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Check Out More I'm Looking For

Romance

Escape to the Bay of Islands for some romance with your special someone

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Adventure

Jet Skis, Skydiving, Scuba Diving, Kayaking and more are all available in the Bay of Islands

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Relaxation

Chill out on a white sand beach or watch the world roll by with a glass of wine

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Budget Activities

Great value activities are on offer all over the Bay of Islands

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Rainy Day Activities

No matter the weather the Bay of Islands has something to keep you entertained

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Weekend Packages

Escape for a weekend to the islands with these great offers

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Luxury

Indulge yourself with some 5 star treatment from accommodation and spas to private yachts or helicopter rides

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Cruise Ship options

Make the most of your day in the Bay of Islands with our tailored options for cruise ship visitors

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