Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way)
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) worth booking?
Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) is a 12-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $189 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $189 per person
Embark on a one way tour of Northland, a journey that can't be missed. Visit the breathtaking Bay of Islands, sites of cultural and environmental importance, and the majestic Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest. This sma
What you get
- Booster seat
- Waitangi guided tour and cultural performance
- Entry in Kauri Museum
- Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour One Way
About this experience
Embark on a one way tour of Northland, a journey that can't be missed. Visit the breathtaking Bay of Islands, sites of cultural and environmental importance, and the majestic Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest. This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both coasts of subtropical Northland. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
What's included
Included
- Booster seat
- Waitangi guided tour and cultural performance
- Entry in Kauri Museum
- Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
- Fully Guided Small Group Tour One Way
Not included
- Accommodation
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Auckland
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city over the iconic Harbour Bridge, your guide will set the scene for your adventure today.
Pass by without stopping
The Kauri Museum
Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree. Celebrating everything to do with kauri and the people of the north, we discover how kauri have supported lives and livelihoods for centuries. Despite their immense size and strength however, these giants are also fragile, so you may even take the opportunity to help in the survival of this mighty taonga (treasure).
90 minutes here · Admission included
Waipoua Forest
Continuing north the beautiful scenery does not stop and our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua forest. As the drive swoops and turns, embraced by New Zealand's famous ancient forest, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.
30 minutes here
Opononi
Enjoy a lunch break in the beachside settlement of Opononi with view over the Hokianga Harbour.
60 minutes here
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour we journey further north towards the 'birthplace of our nation', Waitangi, where we will be treated to a fully guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site
120 minutes here · Admission included
Paihia
Arrive in Paihia and enjoy your stay!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
If you are not being collected from one of our other hotel pickup locations, please wait outside of the SkyCity Hotel lobby, by the glass door, at the bottom of the Sky tower.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This is a one way tour ending in Paihia
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests can bring 1 large & 1 small piece of luggage each
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect balance of being relaxed but also informative
An excellent tour. A good balance of interesting stops along the way. Vicki was very helpful and provided just the right amount of commentary en route to the various stops. She also gave us plenty of tips and hints about cafes and restaurants etc. a great guide!
Response from the operator: Kia ora! It’s awesome to hear you felt the tour hit the perfect balance of relaxed and informative. Vicki will be thrilled with your kind words - she knows how to share the right amount of info while keeping the day easygoing. Glad you picked up some useful local tips along the way too. We’d love to welcome you back for more North Island adventures in the future. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with a small group
I had a great time exploring the West Coast and Kaori trees with our guide Kim! I was very impressed by the oldest Kaori tree and also loved learning about the country’s history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Kim has an abundance of knowledge and is happy to share it and answer any questions. I would book it again!
Response from the operator: Kia ora! So glad to hear you enjoyed exploring the West Coast and learning about New Zealand’s history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Kim really does have a way of bringing the stories and sights to life, and it’s great she could share her knowledge while keeping things engaging. The kauri trees are always a highlight, especially the really old ones! Thanks for sharing your experience and for choosing Cheeky Kiwi. We’d love to have you join us again for another adventure. Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
A fine, fun journey through New Zealand's early history
I had a wonderful time in this magical part of the world. My first time in New Zealand and I am travelling solo. I ended up with three delightful other travellers on this tour and our Cheeky Kiwi guide was Vicki. She created such a warm ambiance that we felt like we were all travelling friends and that is not easy to do. Vicki had a special warmth and we all responded. The sights we saw and the history we learned were unforgettable. Vicki shared her country's culture, stories and drove us all over. Quite the journey!
Response from the operator: Kia ora! What a special way to start your time in New Zealand. Travelling solo and ending up feeling like you’re with friends is something we really care about, and it sounds like Vicki created exactly that kind of atmosphere. That stretch of coast is rich in early history and stories, and it’s lovely to hear how meaningful the places and culture felt on your first visit here. We’d love to welcome you back for more journeys around Aotearoa in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
One my best days in New Zealand
This was truly one of my most enjoyable days in New Zealand. I had been looking for a good way to get to the Bay of Islands, and this tour turned out to be the perfect solution. We had a lovely small group of only three people and explored the West Coast, stopping at the Kauri Museum, walking through the Kauri tree forest, and visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The schedule was well-paced, never rushed, and the itinerary didn’t feel cramped at all. Because of all the interesting stops, the whole day felt relaxed, informative, and very memorable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone travelling to Paihia. Our guide, Ben, was absolutely the best—it truly felt like spending the day with friends. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Response from the operator: Kia ora! What an awesome read - sounds like you really clicked with the magic of the West Coast and the journey up to the Bay of Islands. That mix of the Kauri Museum, the forest walk and Waitangi makes the day pretty special, and it’s great to hear the pacing felt relaxed rather than rushed. A small group can make all the difference too and it’s lovely to know it felt more like a day out with friends. Ben will be chuffed that the experience meant so much to you. Thanks for choosing to travel with us and for sharing such kind words. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and thanks again for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Auckland to Paihai small group tour
Thankyou Cheeky Kiwi for another amazing New Zealand experience. Ben was our wonderful driver and guide. After an early start and a quick stop for coffee, our little group was on the road. Ben was a wealth of knowledge about all things Māori. but also enjoyed hearing our experiences. We marvelled at the Kauri museum and the opportunity to see a living Kauri tree in the forest was absolutely overwhelming . Ben’s recommendation for fish and chips was well received! The Māori cultural experience and history of the treaty rounded off the day. It was a fantastic day . Our small diverse group , from the UK, Hawaii and Australia were really invested in the success of the day and we celebrated with drinks at the Tipsy Oyster in Paihai after Ben had dropped us off at our accommodation. A brilliant day, giving us another slice of New Zealand , thanks for the memories Ben, we all agreed you helped make our day something to remember.
Response from the operator: Kia ora, What a brilliant review to read. It sounds like your group really clicked and made the most of the whole journey up the West Coast. Seeing the Kauri Museum and then standing beneath a living giant in the forest hits differently when you understand the history, so it’s awesome to hear that moment landed for you. Ben will be very happy to know his storytelling, recommendations and relaxed vibe helped shape such a memorable day. He loves sharing Māori history and culture, and it sounds like your group gave just as much energy back which always makes the day special. Finishing things off with fish and chips and celebratory drinks in Paihia is exactly how that tour should end. Thank you again for travelling with us and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. We’d love to see you again for more adventures around Aotearoa. Until then, safe travels and thanks for choosing Cheeky Kiwi! Ngā mihi, Cheeky Kiwi Travel 🚌🥝
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $189 to $349
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) cost?
+
Prices start at $189 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) take?
+
Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way)?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way)?
+
Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way) start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
+
On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Auckland to Paihia Bay of Islands Small Group Tour (One Way).
Pick your date
