Eat and Do in Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri
DO
Rated by National Geographic as one of the best 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025, the Bay of Islands and all of Northland is a playground for sun lovers and thrillseekers
These are some of the many options as a starting place for your activities – don’t miss these opportunities!
Bay of Islands Tours
Tour the Bay with the professionals
Urupukapuka Island Stopover
40 min shuttle ferry from Paihia to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
Big Fish Charters
Private charter fishing trips from Paihia or Russell Wharf
Waitangi Golf
18 hole links course
Waipoua Forest
Tane Mahuta the tallest ‘Lord of the Forest’ kauri tree north of Dargaville, West Coast
Cape Reinga Tour
Day tour via 90 mile beach
Cape Reinga Fly Drive Tours
Half and full day tours
Salt Air Helicopters
Scenic helicopter flights – from beside the Paihia Wharf
Bay of Islands Loop Walkway
Walk part of or all of the Paihia to Russell inner Bay loop from 1 up to 8 hours
Mountain Biking
World class mountain bike park – Paihia
Flying Kiwi Parasail
From the Paihia wharf at over 1,000 ft is New Zealand’s highest
Kerikeri Mission
Heritage site. NZ’s oldest house
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Cultural tours and museum in Waitangi
Kawiti Glow Worms
Guided walks through glow worm caves near Kawakawa
Vintage Railway
Vintage railway – Kawakawa
Te Hononga - Kawakawa
Visit the work of Hundertwasser
Ngwha Springs
Bathe in the healing waters at Ngawha Springs
Rainbow Falls
Just out of Kerikeri an easy walk
Go to the Movies
Boutique cinema in Kerikeri – latest films
The Gallery and Café
Totally unique and well worth the visit to Helena Bay Hill
A Perfect Day
Poor Knights Islands visit with snorkelling – Tutukaka
Opononi Sand Dunes
Sand dune down to the water – Hokianga Harbour on the West Coast
Carino Wildlife Cruises
Stunning views aboard a 50 foot day sailing catamaran
EAT
There are many fine restaurants in the main Bay of Islands townships of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri and here are just a few recommended choices you can try during your stay.
The Blue Door
Casual dining in Paihia
Plough & Feather
English Style Gastro Pub overlooking the Kerikeri Inlet
Charlotte's Kitchen
Classy dining on Paihia wharf
Darryl's Dinner Cruise
Floating gastro BBQ cruise on the Bay – Paihia
Tipsy Oyster & Tapas Bar
Awesome atmosphere in Paihia, also the Nauti Penguin in Russell.
Greens Paihia
Authentic Indian and Thai food, also in Russell
Zane Greys Paihia
Relax with dinner and drinks beside the Paihia waterfront
Sage Restauarnt
Fine dining with magnificent views
Paroa Bay
JFC Just Fish and Chips
Fully licensed, indoor/outdoor dining on Paihia’s waterfront.
Duke of Marlborough
The oldest licensed hotel in New Zealand with a glorious bay view – Russell
Gables Restaurant
Absolute waterfront Russell
Sovrano Estate
Vineyard / restaurant in Kerikeri
Terra Restaurant
Central Paihia eatery with amazing views over the Bay of Islands.
Marsden Estate
Vineyard and fine dining in Kerikeri
Cafe Cinema Kerikeri
Casual lunch and dinners. Check out the Movie Meal Deals
Mangonui Fish Shop
‘World famous’ fish and chips over the water, Mangonui
Omata Vineyard
Vineyard / light meals Russell