*Popular Tour* – Bay of Islands: Nature Adventure – 4hrs

The most memorable part of this Bay of Islands outing comes underground, where a local guide leads you through Kawiti Glow Worm Caves beneath a ceiling of tiny lights. It is a gentle 45-minute cave walk, followed by ancient kauri, a roaring waterfall, wide bay views, and one of New Zealand’s most unusual public buildings.

I like the small-group setting, capped at 11 people, and the way the route mixes nature with a little local art. I also like that guides such as Nikki and Willie provide lively commentary rather than simply driving you from stop to stop. The main consideration is time: four hours moves quickly, and each stop is fairly brief.

Key points

• Kawiti Glow Worm Caves: Spend about 45 minutes on an easy guided cave walk with only a few steps.
• Ancient kauri forest: Walk among trees said to be up to 800 years old at Opua Kauri Walk.
• Small-group transport: Ride in an air-conditioned van with a maximum of 11 people.
• Cruise-friendly timing: Start at Waitangi Wharf in Paihia and finish near the Paihia i-SITE.
• Nature with an artistic twist: The final stop is Kawakawa’s Hundertwasser Artistic Toilets.
• Practical tip: Bring a warm jacket for the glow worm caves, even if the day outside is mild.

Why this four-hour Bay of Islands route works