Things to Do in the Bay of Islands for Couples
Adventure together, relax together and learn together in the Bay of Islands. The winterless north offers year-round experiences that are ideal for couples on a romantic trip or celebrating a special occasion. From parasailing over the islands to indulging in wine tastings, the variety of activities in Paihia, Kerikeri and Russell create a well-balanced trip. So pick out the experiences that speak to you with this list of romantic activities in the Bay of Islands for couples.
For more advice on planning your getaway, see The Honeymoon Guide to the Bay of Islands and 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in the Bay of Islands.
1. Unwind on a Sailing Cruise at Sunset
Cruise among the 144 islands of the bay at the most romantic time of the day. Barefoot Sailing Adventures offers a two-hour sundowner cruise on their sailing catamaran that pulls right up on Paihia Beach, so take off your shoes and kick back with the included drink and snacks, and enjoy the sunset as you sail around the bay. Find out more about Barefoot Sailing Adventures on Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, join the R. Tucker Thompson, a tall sailing ship that has a late afternoon sailing with drinks and antipasto platters available to purchase onboard. More information on R. Tucker Thompson can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Departures are from Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Tackle the Uncrowded Cape Brett Track Together
Escape the crowds and embark on an adventure together on the Cape Brett Track. Traverse the hilltops of Cape Brett through a mix of native bush and exposed hills revealing commanding coastal views. The two-day hike has a fee of around NZ$40 each for track maintenance and NZ$15 for the hut accommodation, which keeps the trail blissful uncrowded.
Location: Start the track from Oke Bay in Rawhiti, approximately 32km (20 miles) from Russell.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Indulge in a Wine and Craft Beer Tour
Another way to experience the Bay of Islands is through one winery at a time. Leave the designated driving to Rogue Pony who offer private tours, such as their dedicated wine tour and a scenic tour with a winery lunch. Find out more about Rogue Pony’s tours on Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, throw craft beer and chocolate into the mix with Mullarkeys Tours, which showcases some of the best of Kerikeri’s wine and beer scene, as well as a chocolate factory visit. More details on Mullarkeys Tours can be found on Viator and Tripadvisor. For more about tastings, check out the 10 Things to Do in the Bay of Islands for Foodies.
Location: Pick-ups available from Paihia and Kerikeri.
© Mullarkeys Tours4. Double Up in a Kayaking Tour
Teaming up in a double kayak is the ultimate test of any relationship, so see how you fare on one of the Bay of Islands’ kayaking tours. From kayak rentals to guided tours, there are plenty of options for paddling fun, such as with Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak who offer a scenic nature cruise down the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls for kayaking. Find out more about Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak on Viator and Tripadvisor. Coastal Kayakers also offers a tour down the Waitangi River, as well as a coastal tour passing uninhabited islands.
Location: Bay of Islands Cruise & Kayak departs from Paihia Wharf. Coastal Kayakers are located on Te Karuwha Parade, Paihia.
© Adventure HQ - Tourism New Zealand5. Fly the Skies in Tandem Parasailing
Soar some 1,300ft above the Bay of Islands on a tandem parasailing tour with Flying Kiwi Parasail. You’ll be harnessed under a canopy together so you can share every moment, from swooping into the sky to feeling your toes touch the water (water-touching is optional). The views of the calm bay waters and its islands are nothing short of incredible. Find out more about Flying Kiwi Parasail on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, see how this tour compares to others in the 5 Incredible Places to Do Parasailing in New Zealand.
Location: Trips depart from Paihia Wharf.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Buddy Up on a Scuba Dive
Experienced divers will know to buddy up for dives to famous Bay of Islands dive sites like the Rainbow Warrior or Canterbury wreck dives. For newbies, experience something new together on a Discover Scuba dive with Paihia Dive. You’ll be geared up and put with a qualified instructor who will share a few important skills with you before you immerse in the amazing underwater world of the Bay of Islands with its thriving kelp forests.
Location: 7 Williams Road, Paihia.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Treat Yourselves to a Couples Massage
Indulge in ultimate relaxation in a couples massage at La Spa Naturale. Located at the Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, La Spa Naturale uses premium spa products to enhance your state of bliss, which can be experienced together in the resort’s couples massage rooms.
Location: 130 Marsden Road, Paihia.
© Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel8. Make a Special Gift for Each Other in a Jewellery Workshop
Make a unique souvenir to remember this time together in the Silver Jewellery Class with Rogue Pony. The team offers private transfers to a studio in Russell where you will learn how to make your own piece of sterling silver jewellery that you can take home with you (or, of course, gift to your loved one). Find out more about jewellery workshops with Rogue Pony on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Pick-ups available in Paihia and Kerikeri.
© Rogue Pony9. Explore the Coast on Horseback
What’s more romantic than seeing your loved one riding a majestic steed? Gallop over the hills with stunning coastal views on one of the horse trekking experiences with Horse Trek’n Bay of Islands. Choose your adventure, including a forest and hillside trek, a bayview ride or taking your horse for a swim.
Location: 33 Bayly Road, Waitangi.
© Unsplash10. Enjoy an Intimate Scenic Flight Over the Bay
Share an amazing experience together flying over the Bay of Islands in a scenic helicopter flight. The intimate scenic experience is ideal for couples, where you have the option to fly over the Bay of Islands and even land on the Hole in the Rock with Salt Air. There are many more flight experiences available, so take a look at the 8 Luxury Activities in the Bay of Islands to discover more of your options or take a look at the listings on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Tours depart next to Paihia Wharf.
© Shaun Jeffers & Paroa Bay Winery - Tourism New ZealandMore About the Bay of Islands for Couples
