What to do in Opua

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with a beach, turquoise waters, and green hills.
A calm harbor with multiple sailboats anchored near a hillside with houses and dense greenery.
An aerial view of a coastal area with a cruise ship docked at a harbor surrounded by numerous boats.
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A coastal landscape with clear blue waters, green hills, and red flowers.

Opua Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Opua 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

Opua 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 Opua 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.

Opua 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 Opua.

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 Opua attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in Bay of Islands

Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in Bay of Islands

CA $125
per adult
Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in Bay of Islands
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
94% 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 $140
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 $153
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 $137
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 $157
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia
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
Picture 1 for Activity Bay of Islands: Parasail, Paihia and Russell

Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight

CA $124
per adult
Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight
Bay of Islands, Spirit & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch

Bay of Islands, Wine & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch

CA $177
per adult
Bay of Islands, Wine & Craft Beer Tour with Lunch
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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. 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.

4. 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.

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. Russell Christ Church

Russell Christ Church is one of the oldest standing churches in New Zealand. Originally built by European settlers in the Bay of Islands, the historic building has been wonderfully restored and is fully operational. Attend a Sunday service here and admire the attractive interior.
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A cemetery with a white church in the background, a white picket fence, and people visiting.

Recommended things to do in Opua

Number of things to do
27
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 Opua

Stay near popular Opua attractions

Bay of Islands Marina

9.0/10 (107 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Opua with a trip to Bay of Islands Marina. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
See properties

 

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 Opua

A coastal landscape with boats on calm waters, hills in the background, and a hazy sky.

Paihia

A lakeside with boats, a tree, and a rocky shoreline.

Okiato

Frequently asked questions

Is Opua worth visiting?
Whether you plan to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are many things to do in Opua.
How do I spend a day in Opua?
Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Action World are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Opua while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Opua?
Action World is one of the top tourist attractions in Opua and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Opua?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Opua — you'll hit the main spots and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you want to truly soak it all in, visit for at least a week to explore the surrounding areas too.
Is Opua a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Opua, like Action World and Bay of Islands Marina, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from central Opua is Te Haumi and Te Wahapu is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Opua with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Opua with kids.

What to do in Opua for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Opua, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Hundertwasser Public Toilets.
Are there free things to do in Opua?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Opua is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bay of Islands Marina is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.