Dive into Northland’s Underwater World

A 6-Day Diving and Marine Adventure from North Base Accommodation, Paihia

Discover New Zealand’s Best Diving While Staying in Paihia

Northland’s spectacular coastline offers some of the finest diving in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time, snorkelling in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, exploring the world-famous Poor Knights Islands or descending onto the historic Rainbow Warrior wreck, staying at North Base accommodation, Paihia places you within easy reach of experiences that few other destinations can match.

Rather than constantly changing accommodation, base yourself in Paihia and explore Northland at a relaxed pace. Spend your days discovering the region’s underwater treasures before returning each evening to Paihia’s waterfront restaurants, cafés and relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Whether you’re travelling from Auckland by road or flying directly into Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri, North Base provides an ideal base for a memorable Northland diving holiday.

Quick Guide

Why Stay in Paihia?

Paihia sits at the heart of the Bay of Islands, making it one of Northland’s most convenient holiday bases. Local dive sites are only minutes away, while the Tutukaka Coast and Cavalli Islands are both comfortable day trips.

The advantage of staying several nights at North Base is that you can experience Northland’s outstanding diving without rushing from one accommodation to another. Between dive days, there are countless opportunities to explore the region’s history, scenery and coastal towns.

Three Outstanding Diving Experiences

Rather than offering just one famous dive site, Northland provides three distinctly different underwater experiences that together make for an unforgettable holiday.

Bay of Islands – Perfect for Beginners and Snorkellers

The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands provide an ideal introduction to Northland diving.

Local operators offer everything from introductory scuba dives and certification courses through to guided dives for experienced visitors. Snorkellers can also enjoy colourful reefs, kelp forests and abundant marine life in relatively sheltered conditions.

It’s the perfect first day on the water after arriving in Paihia.

The Poor Knights Islands – One of the World’s Great Dive Destinations

Around 90 minutes south of Paihia lies Tutukaka, the departure point for the legendary Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.

Consistently ranked among the world’s premier dive destinations, the Poor Knights are famous for dramatic volcanic arches, tunnels, caves, sheer underwater walls and extraordinary marine biodiversity.

The islands cater for both certified divers and snorkellers, making them an excellent full-day excursion whether you’re an experienced diver or simply want to experience one of New Zealand’s greatest marine environments.

If you’re driving north from Auckland, Tutukaka also makes an excellent stop before continuing on to Paihia.

The Rainbow Warrior – A Dive into History

For experienced divers, the Rainbow Warrior is one of New Zealand’s most iconic wreck dives.

Following the bombing of Greenpeace’s flagship in Auckland Harbour in 1985, the vessel was later scuttled off the Cavalli Islands in 1987, where it has since developed into a thriving artificial reef.

Resting upright in around 26 metres of water, the wreck combines fascinating history with outstanding marine life. Schools of fish, colourful sponges and soft corals now cover much of the vessel, creating a dive that is both visually spectacular and historically significant.

Because of its depth and conditions, the Rainbow Warrior is recommended for suitably qualified and experienced divers. Local operators can advise on certification requirements and daily conditions before departure.

From North Base accommodation, Paihia, the Cavalli Islands are comfortably reached as a full-day charter.

A Relaxed 6-Day Northland Diving Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Paihia

If driving from Auckland, consider breaking the journey with a visit to the Tutukaka Coast before continuing north.

Alternatively, fly directly into Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri and settle into North Base.

Spend the evening exploring Paihia’s waterfront and enjoy dinner overlooking the bay.

Day 2 – Bay of Islands Diving

Ease into your holiday with a local dive or snorkelling trip.

The sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands are ideal for first-time divers, refresher dives or simply enjoying Northland’s remarkable marine life.

Day 3 – Explore Northland Above the Water

One of the advantages of basing yourself in Paihia is that there is plenty to enjoy between diving adventures.

Choose from:

• Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand.
• Take the short ferry across to Russell for lunch, galleries and waterfront walks.
• Relax in the natural geothermal pools at Ngawha Springs.
• Explore the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves on a guided tour through native bush.
• Enjoy one of the many walking tracks through native forest or along the coastline.

A quieter day also gives divers time to recharge before the larger excursions ahead.

Day 4 – Poor Knights Islands

Set off early for Tutukaka and spend the day diving or snorkelling around the spectacular Poor Knights Islands.

Return to Paihia in the evening for a relaxed dinner after one of Northland’s signature experiences.

Day 5 – Rainbow Warrior Wreck

Experienced divers can spend the day exploring the historic Rainbow Warrior wreck and surrounding Cavalli Islands.

For non-diving companions, the day offers opportunities to explore Kerikeri, visit local wineries, browse artisan galleries or simply enjoy the beaches and cafés around the Bay of Islands.

Day 6 – Continue Your Northland Journey

With North Base as your base, you’re perfectly placed to continue north towards Cape Reinga, explore the Karikari Peninsula or head west via the Hokianga before beginning the journey back towards Auckland.

Stay at North Base Accommodation, Paihia

Northland is one of the few places where visitors can combine world-class marine reserves, historic wreck diving, sheltered snorkelling, spectacular coastal scenery and fascinating cultural experiences within a single holiday.

Purpose-built for holiday accommodation, North Base offers spacious, modern accommodation ideally suited to couples, families and groups travelling together. By staying in one comfortable location, you can enjoy everything Northland has to offer without constantly packing, unpacking and moving on.

Having spent holidays in Northland from a young age before eventually making it home, Robert enjoys helping guests discover both the region’s iconic attractions and some of its lesser-known gems. Robert is always happy to recommend local dive operators, suggest scenic day trips and help guests tailor an itinerary to suit interests and the season.

Whether you’re discovering the Bay of Islands beneath the surface, diving one of the world’s great marine reserves or exploring New Zealand’s most famous wreck, North Base accommodation, Paihia provides the perfect base from which to experience Northland’s extraordinary underwater world.