Paihia Coastal Walk Bay of Islands New Zealand
A breathtaking coastal path in the Bay of Islands, offering diverse scenery from native bush to mangrove boardwalks and stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier passage, fewer scrambles
Paihia Coastal Walk Bay of Islands New Zealand
Best Time
Easier passage, fewer scrambles
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal path in the Bay of Islands, offering diverse scenery from native bush to mangrove boardwalks and stunning sea views.
"This one of my favorite coastal walk from all NZ. It is a long walkway that we did in 2 parts."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The track is undulating in parts and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for navigating certain sections, especially near Opua.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 30 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mangrove Boardwalks
Various sections
Stroll through unique mangrove ecosystems on elevated boardwalks, offering a different perspective of the coastal environment.
Bay of Islands Vistas
Along the entire track
Enjoy breathtaking, ever-changing sea views of the Bay of Islands, a true feast for the soul.
Opua to Paihia Section
Opua to Paihia
This popular stretch offers a mix of bush, beach, and boardwalks with stunning coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tides and Track Status
Pacing Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The track is undulating in parts and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for navigating certain sections, especially near Opua.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning, especially the ferries. Don't forget your camera!
🐶 Dog-Friendly (on lead)
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on this beautiful coastal path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The track is undulating in parts and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for navigating certain sections, especially near Opua.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is stunning, especially the ferries. Don't forget your camera!
🐶 Dog-Friendly (on lead)
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on this beautiful coastal path.
⛴️ Ferry Hop
Combine your walk with ferry trips to Russell or Okiato for a varied day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Paihia Coastal Walk, calling it one of their favorites in New Zealand for its stunning, ever-present sea views and varied terrain including bush and mangrove boardwalks. While some sections may have closures or require scrambling at low tide, the overall experience is highly recommended for its soothing nature and beautiful scenery.
"Beautiful walk- steep in places but nothing unmanageable. I did it in the rain and there were a couple of places I had to detour because of flooding but the maps showed the route options."
drjk39
"This one of my favorite coastal walk from all NZ. It is a long walkway that we did in 2 parts as the boardwalk is closed half way (but possible to do at once through walking along the road). It is dog-friendly on lead and you basically enjoy the sea views 95% of the time. Check the tides anyway. Highly recommended for anyone willing to enjoy a soothing nature walk and beautiful views of the bay of islands!"
Gilliane JM
"The section at the start in Opua, between Cresswell Street and Beechey Street, is closed due to rockfalls. However, at low tide it's possible to scramble over the rocks and seaweed to get around the foot of the cliff. The views are good. This is a photo of the ferries passing each other."
John Lawson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walk can be started from Paihia or Opua. You can reach Paihia by car or bus from Auckland. Opua is a short drive or taxi ride from Paihia.
Yes, there is parking available in Paihia and Opua. Consider parking in Opua if you plan to walk towards Paihia.
Parts of the walk are suitable for cycling, especially the sections near roads. However, some boardwalks and bush tracks may be challenging for bikes.
Opua is easily accessible by car. If you're coming from Paihia, it's a short drive or a taxi ride.
Buses run to Paihia from major cities. From Paihia, you can walk or take a short taxi to the Opua starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Paihia Coastal Walk is free to access. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty without any admission cost.
The walk is accessible at all times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required for the walk itself. However, if you plan to use the ferries to Russell or Okiato, you will need to purchase tickets for those.
Dogs are welcome on the walk but must be kept on a lead at all times. No special permits are required.
Sometimes sections are closed due to rockfalls. Many visitors choose to scramble around these areas at low tide, but exercise caution.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full walk can take around 2.5 hours one way, but this can vary depending on your pace and if you stop for photos.
The track is generally easy to moderate, with some undulating sections. It's a soothing nature walk for most. +1
You'll experience a great variety: stunning coastal views, cool native forest, and unique mangrove boardwalks.
Facilities are limited along the walk itself. It's advisable to use restrooms in Paihia or Opua before you start.
Yes, the walk is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a lead.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferries passing each other, the expansive bay views, and the unique mangrove boardwalks offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour hues.
Keep an eye out for elevated spots along the track that offer panoramic views of the Bay of Islands.
For capturing ferries and expansive views, a wider aperture (lower f-number) can create a nice depth of field, and a faster shutter speed can freeze motion.
Drone regulations in New Zealand can be strict. Always check local bylaws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit