What to do in Kawakawa

Activities, attractions and tours

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A coastal landscape with a beach, parking area, and surrounding hills.
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Kawakawa Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Kawakawa has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Kawakawa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Kawakawa to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Kawakawa Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Kawakawa.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Kawakawa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock & Bay of Islands Cruise

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

CA $116
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

CA $156
per adult
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

CA $152
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

CA $135
per adult
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

CA $156
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia
Picture 1 for Activity Bay of Islands: Parasail, Paihia and Russell

Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight

CA $135
per adult
Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

CA $124
per adult
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands
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Top places to visit

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.
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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, dense green foliage, and rolling hills in the background.

2. Paihia Beach

Enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and many other outdoor activities at Paihia Town Beach. The main beach is lined with several cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Book a sea kayaking adventure or a big game fishing charter and set out into the sea.
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A calm beach with pebbles, a small island, and a boat in the distance.

3. Paihia Wharf

Paihia Wharf is the departure point for some of the best fishing charters and boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise up Waitangi River or go on a dolphin-watching tour. A passenger ferry to Russell, one of the first European settlements in New Zealand, also leaves from the wharf.
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A waterfront pier with buildings and a boat docked.

4. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.
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A pier extending into calm waters at sunset.

5. Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is steeped in Māori history and famous for its striking waterfall. Find great views of the falls and embark on a nature walk that leads through the nearby mangrove forest. Alternatively, approach the falls by kayak.
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A waterfall cascading over rocky terrain with lush greenery around.

6. Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway

The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway trains depart from Kawakawa on New Zealand’s North Island and run right through the middle of the charming main street before taking you across several bridges to a picnic area by the river at Taumarere.
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A vintage train with a yellow front and red rear, parked at a station with red benches and greenery.

Recommended things to do in Kawakawa

Number of things to do
40
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach: CA $29
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kawakawa

Stay near popular Kawakawa attractions

A vintage train with a yellow front and red rear, parked at a station with red benches and greenery.
Photo by BOIVR ALeitch
Open Photo by BOIVR ALeitch

Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway

10.0/10 (1 review)
All aboard! This classic train ride in Kawakawa takes you back in time and provides a memorable experience for the whole family.
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Where to stay in Kawakawa

Find the best Kawakawa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A coastal landscape with rugged cliffs, a bay, and rolling hills.

Waiomio

Though Waiomio might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Hundertwasser Public Toilets.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Kawakawa

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Opua

Frequently asked questions

Is Kawakawa worth visiting?
Kawakawa has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or local culinary flavours, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Kawakawa?
After you've visited major attractions like Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Action World, spend some time exploring Kawakawa's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kawakawa?
You can't leave without exploring Action World, rated the top tourist attraction in Kawakawa.
Is three days enough to stay in Kawakawa?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, like Kawiti Caves, Bay of Islands Marina and Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway. The average stay in Kawakawa is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Paihia isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Kawakawa with kids?
Deciding what to do in Kawakawa with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Kawakawa for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Kawakawa, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Hundertwasser Public Toilets.
Are there free things to do in Kawakawa?
In Kawakawa, Bay of Islands Marina is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Kawakawa.