Must Do Activities
Sailing – Day Sails, Sunset Sails & Heritage Tall Ships
Location: Departures from Russell or Paihia; private pick-ups by arrangement
Travel time from Oke: ~30 min by boat / ~40 min by car
Sailing is the Bay of Islands at its purest: quiet reaches, turquoise anchorages, and time measured by the wind, not the watch. Choose a chilled day sail with island stops, a golden-hour sunset cruise, or go classic on a heritage tall ship for the romance of canvas and timber.
Diving – Reefs, Wrecks & Marine Sanctuaries
Location: Trips with Dive NZ from Paihia
Travel time from Oke: ~30 min by boat / ~40 min by car
Diving in the Bay of Islands is world-class — dramatic volcanic reefs, schooling fish, and the famous HMNZS Canterbury wreck drawing in curious marine life from every angle. With Dive NZ, beginners and seasoned divers alike can explore sheltered coves or drift the deeper walls where blue water meets wild adventure. It’s the ocean at its most alive.
Fishing – Snapper, Kingfish & Big Game Charters
Location: Departures from Paihia (Target Charters)
Travel time from Oke: ~30 min by boat / ~40 min by car
Fishing off the Bay of Islands is pure salty soul-food: vibrant reefs, offshore drop-offs and the high-stakes lure of marlin for the daring. With Target Charters, you can choose a relaxed half-day chasing snapper, a power-fight with kingfish, or go all-in for an epic marlin excursion. All gear, bait and expert local crew included — just bring your sunblock, camera and appetite for action.
Fishing – Prime Charter with Big Fish Bay of Islands
Location: Departures from Paihia, Russell or Waitangi
Travel time from Oke: ~30 min by boat / ~40 min by car
Fishing in the Bay of Islands reaches its peak with Big Fish: intimate, private and tailored for up to four anglers on a high-spec Surtees 650 Gamefisher. Choose from bottom-bashing snapper trips, high-adrenaline kingfish hunts, or full-day custom charters mixing fishing and island stops. All gear, expert tuition and local-knowledge lead you to memorable catches — and even better stories.
Jet Skiing – Guided Tours & Thrill Rides
Location: Departures from Paihia, Bay of Islands
Travel time from Oke: ~30 min by boat / ~40 min by car
Experience the Bay of Islands at full throttle with Tango Jet Ski Tours: your guided adventure includes roaring the twin-engine skis across open sea, weaving through scenic islands, exploring hidden coves and stopping for a cool swim or cliff-jump. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned rider, the expert guides keep things safe, slick and memorable.