Paihia is the gateway to the stunning Bay of Islands, and it’s a perfect spot for shore excursions that combine history, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re after a quick taste of New Zealand’s colonial past or a full-day exploration with wine and wildlife, Paihia offers options for every traveler. We’re particularly fond of the Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch for its balanced mix of history, scenery, and local food — especially if you want a taste of Kiwi hospitality without giving up too much time. For those craving a more exclusive experience, the Private Shore Excursion – The Giant Kauris and Glowworms’ Cave stands out for its personalized approach and awe-inspiring sights. And if a boat cruise through the iconic Hole in the Rock sounds more your style, the Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover delivers a memorable day on the water.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best shore excursions in Paihia, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule.
- 1. Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch
- 2. Private Shore Excursion – The Giant Kauris and Glowworms’ Cave
- 3. Pahia Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Bay of Islands Tour
- 4. Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
- 5. Private Shore Excursion: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting
- How to Choose Your Paihia Shore Excursion
- Final Thoughts
1. Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch
This tour scores a solid 4.5 out of 5 from 21 reviews and is priced at $130.32 per person. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a quick yet complete taste of Northland’s cultural and natural highlights. The half-day tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers, with convenient pickup and drop-off from the Paihia port. Your local guide will lead you to some of the most significant sites like the Stone Store & Kemp House, the oldest surviving buildings in New Zealand, established in 1819. You’ll also visit the Makana Chocolate Boutique, where you can sample some truly delicious handmade chocolates, and enjoy scenic views at Rainbow Falls, accessible by wheelchair and perfect for photos. The tour culminates with a lunch at a kiwi gastro-pub, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it an easy, satisfying meal.
This tour is especially appealing for its balance of culture, scenery, and culinary treats. The small group size and comfortable air-conditioned minivan make for an enjoyable experience, and reviews highlight the value of seeing a lot in a short time while enjoying a good meal. Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to leave with a meaningful impression of Kerikeri.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, efficient tour that covers history, nature, and food, ideal for cruise visitors wanting a snapshot of Northland.
2. Private Shore Excursion – The Giant Kauris and Glowworms’ Cave
At number 2, this very personalized tour earns a perfect 5.0 rating from just 3 reviews, making it a top pick for those seeking a customized experience. Priced at $330.64 per person, it offers a 4- to 5-hour journey into some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring sights, led by a private guide. You’ll start with a quick look at Paihia, then head to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves—home to thousands of luminous glow worms that cast an eerie, starry glow over the underground caves. This is a rare opportunity to see these tiny creatures in their natural environment, with the cave’s rocky formations adding to the magic.
Next, the tour visits the Kawakawa Hundertwasser Toilets, a colorful and artistic public restroom that has become an attraction in its own right. You’ll also walk through the Manginangina Kauri Forest, where towering prehistoric kauri trees dominate the landscape. The experience is highly flexible, with the guide tailoring stops to your interests. Reviewers love how the guide “knew a lot about the region” and how the tour was “comprehensive and personalized.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a private, in-depth look at Northland’s giant trees and glowworms, with the flexibility to customize the day.
3. Pahia Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Bay of Islands Tour
For around $258.44, this private half-day tour offers a personalized way to explore the Bay of Islands. It’s perfect if you prefer a flexible itinerary that covers your specific interests. The tour includes highlights like Haruru Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the historic Stone Store & Kemp House. Plus, you can choose to explore Maori cultural sites like Rewa’s Village or visit local wineries and gourmet shops, including Makana Chocolate Boutique and St James Anglican Church.
Tour guide Slava is known for his ability to adapt the day to what travelers want, and reviews emphasize how well he “tailored the tour” and kept everything aligned with the ship’s schedule. The tour lasts about 4 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time but a desire for a rundown.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, flexible experience with a mix of natural, historic, and cultural sights.
4. Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
This scenic cruise is rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews and costs $104.88 per person. It’s an excellent pick for those who prefer being on the water and want to witness the iconic Hole in the Rock formation. The cruise explores 144 sub-tropical islands and includes a stop at Roberton Island for a walk to the lookout over the Twin Lagoons, with the opportunity to learn about Captain James Cook’s landing site.
The cruise also features wildlife spotting and a chance to snorkel or relax on the beaches of Urupukapuka Island. The live commentary helps you stay informed about the history and ecology of the area, making it both fun and educational. Several reviews note the attentive crew and the unique opportunity to see the Cape Brett Lighthouse and cruise through the Hole in the Rock—a true highlight.
The main consideration is the rating, which suggests this may be more suitable for those seeking a straightforward boat trip rather than a highly curated experience. Still, it offers good value for a relaxing day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sea-lovers and those wanting to see the natural wonders of the Bay from the deck of a boat.
5. Private Shore Excursion: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting
At $402.43 per person, this full-day private tour is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts. It offers an intimate and flexible exploration of the Bay, combined with visits to top vineyards in Kerikeri. You’ll enjoy a customized itinerary with port transfers included, making it easier to relax and savor the day.
The tour hits key sights like Haruru Falls, the historic Stone Store & Kemp House, and the picturesque Rainbow Falls. Besides sightseeing, you’ll indulge in tastings at local wineries, sampling some of New Zealand’s finest wines directly from producers. The guide’s expertise ensures you see what interests you most, and reviews recommend this tour particularly for those eager to combine cultural sightseeing with wine tasting.
This is a longer, more indulgent option suited to travelers who want a thorough, personalized experience with a focus on culinary delights.
Bottom Line: A premium, private experience that blends sightseeing with wine tasting—best for those with a full day and a palate for fine wines.
How to Choose Your Paihia Shore Excursion
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a quick but comprehensive taste of Kerikeri’s history and scenery, the Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch offers excellent value. If privacy and customization appeal to you, the Private Kauri and Glowworms Tour is a top choice. Want to be on the water? The Hole in the Rock Cruise provides a scenic boat day. For those interested in combining wine and cultural sightseeing, the Bay of Islands Wine Tour is perfect.
Be sure to book early, especially for private tours, to secure your spot. Check your cruise schedule and plan your excursions to leave plenty of time for port transfer and onboard return.
Final Thoughts
Paihia offers a diverse handful of shore excursions that suit different tastes, budgets, and schedules. If you want a quick cultural overview with a hearty lunch, the Kerikeri trip is hard to beat. For personalized, in-depth exploration, the private Kauri and glowworms tour delivers an intimate experience. For water lovers, the iconic Hole in the Rock cruise is a memorable adventure. And for those who want to indulge in local wines while soaking up the scenery, the private wine tour combines relaxation with discovery.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise — these excursions tend to fill up quickly during peak times. With options ranging from family-friendly outings to luxury private tours, Paihia’s shore excursions promise memorable experiences as you explore New Zealand’s beautiful Northland region.