The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Paihia springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline. The people of the Region have a passion for water sport - surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of the region's fascinating Maori and European history. Dolphin Motel is happy to assist you in enjoying the magic of our region.
Do not miss out - make your sightseeing reservations at time of making your accommodation reservation.
Hole in the Rock Cruise - Dolphin/Whale Watching
Designed for nature lovers, this adventure begins when you step onboard a luxury "Dolphin Seeker" catamaran. After cast-off you take a short cruise across the bay to pick up passengers from historic Russell, before heading out in to the clear waters of to he beautiful Bay of Islands.
The departing place for Maori spirits is Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and mighty Pacific Ocean crash together beneath the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Walk out to the lighthouse and post a card home at New Zealand's most northern mailbox. Other highlights include the Te Paki Quicksand Stream (which you navigate by coach very carefully!), thrilling sand tobogganing on boogie boards down the giant Te Paki Sand Dunes and travelling by coach down the vast Ninety Mile Beach.
Viewing marine mammals and swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is a privilege and a truly remarkable experience aboard a purpose built 14.6 metre catamaran. Also you can encounter both bottlenose and common dolphin. We also sometimes see a variety of whale species including: Orca (killer whales), Brydes, Pilot, Minke, Sei, Humpback, and very rarely the Blue Whale. We also encounter blue penguins, gannets, various sea birds and the New Zealand fur seal.
Excitor is purpose designed and bulit to exhilarate anyone of any age in comfort, safety and style. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, game fish, penguins and much more as you approach the 'Hole in the Rock'. Experience this world famous landmark by passing through the 210 foot 'Hole in the Rock' and enter the spectacular 'Cathedral Cave' (conditions permitting).
Based in Paihia and picks up its passengers from either the Paihia or Russell Piers. 5 hour fishing expeditions departing Paihia 9.15am. All bait and tackle plus tea and coffee is provided. The Arline is ideal for group bookings and can take a maximum 15 persons.
Join the morning or afternoon trips aboard the fast jet-propelled fishing vessel 'Spot-X' and pursue the hard-fighting Bay of Islands SNAPPER or KINGFISH that abound these islands. Travel to the fishing grounds at speeds up to 30 knots! Why waste time traveling when you could be fishing?!
‘On the Edge' is New Zealand's fastest commercial sailing catamaran and provides a once in a lifetime sailing experience. The only sailing excursion to visit Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock'
Salt Air is a New Zealand Air Service Operator offering spectacular aeroplane or helicopter scenic flights around New Zealand's maritime playground the Bay of Islands as well as offering scheduled air services between Kerikeri, Whangarei and Auckland.
Designed for nature lovers, this adventure begins when you step onboard a luxury "Dolphin Seeker" catamaran. After cast-off you take a short cruise across the bay to pick up passengers from historic Russell, before heading out in to the clear waters of to he beautiful Bay of Islands.
The departing place for Maori spirits is Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and mighty Pacific Ocean crash together beneath the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Walk out to the lighthouse and post a card home at New Zealand's most northern mailbox. Other highlights include the Te Paki Quicksand Stream (which you navigate by coach very carefully!), thrilling sand tobogganing on boogie boards down the giant Te Paki Sand Dunes and travelling by coach down the vast Ninety Mile Beach.
Viewing marine mammals and swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is a privilege and a truly remarkable experience aboard a purpose built 14.6 metre catamaran. Also you can encounter both bottlenose and common dolphin. We also sometimes see a variety of whale species including: Orca (killer whales), Brydes, Pilot, Minke, Sei, Humpback, and very rarely the Blue Whale. We also encounter blue penguins, gannets, various sea birds and the New Zealand fur seal.
Excitor is purpose designed and bulit to exhilarate anyone of any age in comfort, safety and style. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, game fish, penguins and much more as you approach the 'Hole in the Rock'. Experience this world famous landmark by passing through the 210 foot 'Hole in the Rock' and enter the spectacular 'Cathedral Cave' (conditions permitting).
Based in Paihia and picks up its passengers from either the Paihia or Russell Piers. 5 hour fishing expeditions departing Paihia 9.15am. All bait and tackle plus tea and coffee is provided. The Arline is ideal for group bookings and can take a maximum 15 persons.
Join the morning or afternoon trips aboard the fast jet-propelled fishing vessel 'Spot-X' and pursue the hard-fighting Bay of Islands SNAPPER or KINGFISH that abound these islands. Travel to the fishing grounds at speeds up to 30 knots! Why waste time traveling when you could be fishing?!
‘On the Edge' is New Zealand's fastest commercial sailing catamaran and provides a once in a lifetime sailing experience. The only sailing excursion to visit Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock'
Salt Air is a New Zealand Air Service Operator offering spectacular aeroplane or helicopter scenic flights around New Zealand's maritime playground the Bay of Islands as well as offering scheduled air services between Kerikeri, Whangarei and Auckland.