If you are looking for a place to truly unwind and reset, Ngāwhā Springs is a must-visit. We recently visited and it was definitely an experience to remember. The highlight for us was the variety of pools with different temperatures. Some of the hotter springs are so relaxing they practically put us to sleep! It is the ultimate spot for deep relaxation. We had been doing a lot of walking lately, and the mineral waters worked wonders—our tired muscles felt completely healed by the time we left. There is something very special about the natural, therapeutic energy of this place. Highlights: • Healing Waters: Perfect for soothing aches and pains. • Deep Relaxation: The heat levels are ideal for de-stressing. • Authentic Atmosphere: A unique, grounded experience that feels very different from a standard commercial spa. We left feeling refreshed and recharged. If you're in the Northland area, make sure you stop by—just be prepared to want a long nap afterward!

If you only do one tour in Northland, make it the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. This was at the top of our bucket list, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A Huge Shout-out to Pai Our tour guide, Pai, was an absolute godsend. Her incredible knowledge of the area combined with her sense of humor made the tour "extra extra." She really made the experience for us! Perfect Even if You’re Wary I’ll be honest—if you’re like me and have a bit of a fear of heights or the dark, the idea of a cave tour can be nerve-wracking. However, this tour was so well-managed that those fears completely disappeared. It was comfortable, safe, and just stunning. Pure Magic The glow worms were absolutely jaw-dropping. Seeing thousands of them shimmering together felt like stepping into another world. It is such a serene and beautiful atmosphere that it would be a perfect place for a romantic engagement. Verdict: 10/10. Between the healing vibes of the caves and the amazing staff, this is a must-do!

Great experience. Caves were mesmerizing. Amazing to learn the history and be so deep under ground. Staff were top notch. Learnt and saw a lot. Ka pai Kawiti whānau.

BOI is truly a paradise, the track is amazing with stunning views and historic sites all the way. The bearded guy (forgot to take his name) at bike rental reception is super helpful & is full of knowledge - he has the community spirit going on and is very passionate about this business. You can ride the bike from Opua to Kawaka & take the vintage train back to Taumarere railway station. will definitely be back for next leg.

We booked the winter eco experience aboard the Albatross V. Having the dolphins swim alongside our boat for 20 minutes was an amazing experience. Our skipper had a great personality, very knowledgeable and shared lots of stories and information with us. We had a wonderful day out and enjoyed the muffins. Great fun. We would highly recommend this experience.

We have rent 2 single kayaks for 4 hours and went to the waterfall. On our way back it was high tide, so we explored mangroves. Fantastic! Because we still have plenty of time, we wanted to go and explore some islands, but rain came and we got cold. Next time! :-) Thank you Coastal Kayakers!

We had a great experience with these guys. Super friendly and gave us lots of info and other places to go and visit too.

Very cool to get up and close to the Haruru Falls. Enjoyed the kayaking and Dan was informative and welcoming. Thanks for a great trip.

Amazing. Will be doing it again.

Taylor and Kate are awesome host and we learnt a lot about local birds and Kayaking and stand up paddling techniques.

Our family of 4 had the best day out on the water sailing around the Bay of Islands. We were constantly fed which was an added bonus. The time on the island snorkelling was awesome. The captain is extremely knowledgeable of the local area and its inhabitants. Highly recommend this experience for all travelers heading up North.

I treated my parents to this trip as a Christmas present and couldn’t help booking a ticket on bookme to see what it’s all about! I’m so glad I did because it’s up there with one of the best day trips I’ve done in New Zealand. Mike and Melissa are absolutely lovely and all other aspects of the trip are equally great - from the quality and cleanliness of the boat to the delicious fresh food! It’s such good value for money! thank you Mike!

We had a beautiful day! The crew was very friendly and totally caring. We were very lucky and the dolphins followed us a while. Thanks for this experience.

The whole day was amazing and great value for money. The skipper was competent, relaxed and friendly, a lovely lunch and snacks. And the sailing broken up with a stop in a small bay to allow swimming, snorkelling, a short walk. Would absolutely recommend. AA+

Perfect way to spend a day on the Bay of Islands and I wouldn’t have wanted to be on any other boat. Everything was perfect, vessel, food, scenery, stopover, walks etc. Mike, the captain, was full of information and has so much experience that you feel instantly safe and in good hands. Best of all you get to learn a lot about the area and a myriad of other things. Worth every penny plus more. Would go out every day if I could, absolutely fantasmagorical :-)

My husband and I loved our sailing trip. We had fabulous weather and was even able to snorkel when we stopped at Ray Bay to explore the island before lunch. We saw stringrays and fish while snorkeling and dried off by relaxing on the beach. Mike was a great skipper; very knowledgeable, friendly and fun. The lunch and snacks provided where so good and fresh. Thank you for letting us get involved and help hoist the sails :)

Very relaxed. We saw wildlife like blue penguins, bottle nosed dolphins around and under our boat and even a kiwi on a beautiful island where we stopped for a while! That is really rare. The crew is very friendly and experienced. The captain takes time to talk to everyone. You can lay on the deck and just enjoy the sun or look if you can spot wildlife. Lovely! Lunch and snacks are included. I would definitely recommend this when you are in the bay of islands! A must do!

Absolutely spectacular, captain is great makes the experience even more enjoyable. Had healthy fresh lunch and snacks through out the day. Went snorkeling and stopped over on an island for an hour or so to explore. Saw native birds including blue penguins. Boat had ample room, bathroom, changing rooms etc. Was a more personal experience with approx 20 guests ,more bang for your buck! Would 100% recommend and do again.

Highly recommend everyone to go on Gungha II Bay of islands cruise. A beautiful sailing boat own & operate by Michael & his wife. Michael & his crew gave us a magnificent tour on his boat. We felt like we had a private boat tour to ourselves with a private skipper . Michael is such a fun friendly and accommodating Skipper. 5Star + for our experience. Thank you Mike & Rob!

My parents (finally) came to New Zealand for a holiday after not seeing them for 5 years & this was one of the highlights of their trip :) the hosts were the most loving, warning & attentive humans - we were given snacks all through the day which was a lovely bonus & the host really got everyone involved (my step dad loved helping with the sail!) highly recommend thanks for such a fab day!

A unique and super day. Mike and Melissa were superb hosts. Seeing a pod of 30 Dolphins frolicking around the boat for about 1/2 hr was amazing. The boat was very comfortable - no hardship post at all. The lovely walk to the top of Roberton Island for the 360 view was great and well worth the steps. All in all a superb day. I would highly recommend this day to one and all.

If I could give 10 stars to this experience I would have given it! Everything was perfect! The captain, the vessel, the small number of people made this experience even greater! Thank you!

The Gungha II sailing adventure was one we really needed and enjoyed after our long drive Auckland; so peaceful and unclouded with other people. Mike, the owner had magificent sailing stories to tell about his trips to South Pacific and down the coast in North America down to South America. Our snorkeling off a deserted island was the highlight of the trip —which I highly recommend over the touristy farm boats.

It was a totally perfect day. Small group, really friendly stuff, good food! I just enjoyed every second on the boat. We went to a beautiful island where we could snorkel and walk around. I would recommend this tour to everybody who is looking for something relaxed, Special and not touristic.

Absolutely loved my day on Gungha II - Dolphins, snorkelling, lagoons, picture perfect scenery & being allowed to be fully involved in helping crew the boat was fab. Mike’s passion and knowledge of sailing is wonderful and he’s a jovial & friendly gent to spend time with. We had delicious snacks and lunch too. Would highly recommend as it felt like being on my own private trip with a small group of lovely people. And now I really want to learn to sail!! I’d give 10 stars if possible.

We had a fun day sailing with one stop over at an island for a swim and truck up a hill fir a view of Cape Brett. The owner who sailed the boat...Mike, was nice.

This trip was so wonderful, we recommend it to everyone. You don't have the feeling of a tourist Programm, Mike and Melissa are auch a nice crew and very informative. The food was nice! We saw a lot of dolphins and a few penguins. All in all a wonderful trip, we loved to spend the time on the boat!

Both relaxing and adventurous. This was an incredible way to spend a beautiful sunny day in Paihia. Mike and his team were first class. Mike has lots of stories to tell, so anyone sailing with him should ask lots of questions.

The day was overcast and windy which made for great sailing. We headed out to roberton Island and my daughter and I went snorkeling in the lagoon. We had dolphins swim up to the boat on the way home. It was a beautiful day. Mike and his crew were fantastic.

We were extremely well catered and cared for Everything including our safety, comfort and enjoyment was considered The owner was very knowledgeable and his deckhand Samantha was more than capable also acting as a superior hostess for our snacks and lunches A wonderful day I will long remember

It was a wonderful experience and the travel description by Mike was superb, definitely an awesome experience for us

Our day trip sailing on the Gungha2 was the best experience. Big shout out to Captain Mike and Vanessa for everything. Perfect day sailing the Bay of Islands. Stopped for a swim and beautiful hike up to see the most fantastic views. Also saw a pod of dolphins on our way back. Very memorable experience and exceptional value. Highly recommend.