The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Paihia springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline. The people of the Region have a passion for water sport - surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of the region's fascinating Maori and European history. Dolphin Motel is happy to assist you in enjoying the magic of our region.
One of the attractive visits at Bay of Islands is to visit Russell, a township across by ferry from Paihia. Russell provides a cultural perception over the town and as well pristine beaches close by the township. Another sweet spot of Russell is by hiking over the hill and take one of many tracks for a short journey and experience elevated views over islands at Bay of Islands. The ferry trip from Paihia is about 20 minutes, and the ferry departure approximately every 15 minutes from Paihia wharf.
Over the years have Otehei Bay become an iconic destination to visit when visiting Bay of Islands. There are many reasons to visit Otehei Bay, and one of it is to be amazed of its natural geological beauty. By hicking alongs the tracks on the Islands you can find amazing views 360 degree around the Islands. And just the Bay itself is already a good start. Otehei Bay is locate at Urupukapuka Island, one of the bigger island at Bay of Islands. And there are plenty of logistic options to get to Otehei Bay. But the common one is by taking NZ Explore Ferry from Paihia Wharf. And the ferry time table can be found on NZ Explore webiste.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds featuring historical ground where New Zealand’s founding document – the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti O Waitangi) was signed. Find out more about how this document has forged the unique land we now call Aotearoa New Zealand. Waitangi Treaty Ground provide an exceptional cultural heritage through museum exhibitions, Hangi Concert, carved crafting arts and many more.
For more information, can be found by visiting Waitangi Treaty Ground website:
Visit the iconic Motukōkako on our most popular Bay of Islands cruise
Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and majestic Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, and hope for a lucky drip from above as you pass underneath it (conditions permitting).
Get onboard this full day cruise to see all the highlights of the Bay
Join us on the most extensive full day cruise around the islands of Ipipiri – the Bay of Islands. See all the highlights of this spectacular region including the historical cruise route of the original Cream Trip and enjoy an extended island stopover.
Feel the magic as you stand at Te Rerenga Wairua, the top of Aotearoa
Journey to the very tip of the North Island in our purpose-built coach, travel along the sand-swept shore of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe, Ninety Mile Beach and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour.
Combine our iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise with the must-do Cape Reinga Day Tour and save!
Set off on a half day cruise to the Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako including dolphin watching and an island stopover at Otehei Bay and combine with a full-day tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach to experience the thrill of beach driving and the magical views as you stand at the very tip of Aotearoa.
Combine our extensive Cream Trip Super Cruise with the must-do Cape Reinga Day Tour and save!
Discover it all with a full day cruise including the historical route of the original Cream Trip, a stopover at Otehei Bay and wildlife viewing as you travel out to the Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako, and combine with a full day Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach tour to experience the thrill of beach driving and magical views from the tip of Aotearoa.
Combine our iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise with a Russell Mini Tour and save!
Set off on a half day cruise to the Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako including dolphin watching and an island stopover at Otehei Bay. Then explore historic Russell, one of the first meeting points between Māori and European sailors where you will see some of New Zealand’s most significant historic buildings and visit Flagstaff Hill for panoramic vistas of the Bay of Islands.
Known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka, Russell was the first town and sea port in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage and by the 1830s Russell had become a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia.
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