there are 2 main companies doing tours out to there. price is under $100 for a 4 hour which is great value. pick a sunny day. the bay of islands seems to be quite calm MOST of the time!

Always something going off, must take a trip to the Hole in the Rock, not to be missed when your captain takes you through the Hole.

Lovely holiday destination. Calm waters of the Bay of Islands let,even my chronically water sensitive husband, have a interesting boat trip throught the bay to the Hole in The Rock. We saw large numbers of dolphins and huge shoals of fish. Literarly 1000s of sea trout, king fish and many others rippling the waters aound the boat. A short ferry... More

I found the harbor nice but not too terribly interesting standing on the shore in Paihia. Same when I stood on the shore in Russell. You see most of the surrounding natural beauty when you are on a boat between Paihia and Russell. There is a fair amount of activity around the harbor which mostly consists of dolphin watching boats... More

When in Paihia, if you haven't arrived on a boat, make sure you get yourself on one, to get out onto the harbour, even the ferry across to Russell is an excellent journey and a chance to look back at Paihia from the sea, a view many an adventurous seafarer has viewed over the Centuries.

A great base for enjoying some food and drink, watching or cathing the ferries, or if you are lucky seeing a 140kg Marlin landed.

We visited at a quiet time of the year but still boats going about their business. All ferries etc leave from here. Booking kiosks all at the harbour or across the road. Plenty of public seating to relax and watch the activity.

Beautiful and busy location with lots of boats, from yachts to big power boat excursions, plenty to watch. Good value ferry to and from Russell, makes a great excursion for lunch at "The Duke". Always something to watch people, birds and of course the boats.

This has been my favourite since a young girl and from the pleasure of taking my son here, we were spoilt for choice! Friendly very relaxing kiwi atmosphere why not stay at Paihia for endless options of leisure or enjoy a less-populated place for an amazing view and dinner within ten minutes ferry to Russel island just opposite, the trendy... More