Kawakawa

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal area with a pier extending into turquoise waters, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear sky.
A coastal landscape with a lighthouse on a cliff during sunset.
A coastal landscape with a beach, parking area, and surrounding hills.
A brick wall with colorful mosaic tiles and a sign for a railway station cafe.
A group of people standing near bicycles and a yellow train on a bridge.

Where to stay in Kawakawa

Find the best Kawakawa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kawakawa
Learn more about Kawakawa
A coastal landscape with rugged cliffs, a bay, and rolling hills.

Waiomio

Though Waiomio might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Hundertwasser Public Toilets.

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road Paihia
$107 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
$123 total
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great room with fantastic view of the bay. Very close to cafes, bars and restaurants. Easy walking distance to everything in town"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

4.5 out of 5
35 The Strand Russell
$79 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$91 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Russell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Sea Spray Suites

Sea Spray Suites

4 out of 5
138 Marsden Road Paihia
Fully refundable
$102 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$118 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Te Ti Beach and Te Ti Bay are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (760 reviews)
"We loved having a separate living room with kitchen facilities."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

Sea Spray Suites
See all 504 properties in Kawakawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Spray Suites

Sea Spray Suites

4 out of 5
138 Marsden Road Paihia
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Te Ti Beach and Te Ti Bay are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (760 reviews)
"We loved having a separate living room with kitchen facilities."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

Sea Spray Suites
Edgewater Palms Apartments

Edgewater Palms Apartments

4 out of 5
8 - 10 Marsden Road Paihia
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and Paihia Mountain Bike ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (279 reviews)
"This place offered a great place in a great location for most happenings in the Bay of Islands."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Edgewater Palms Apartments
Kerikeri Park Lodge

Kerikeri Park Lodge

3.5 out of 5
494b Kerikeri Road Kerikeri
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kerikeri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
Kerikeri Park Lodge
See all properties in Kawakawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kawakawa attractions

A vintage train with a yellow front and red rear, parked at a station with red benches and greenery.
Photo by BOIVR ALeitch
Open Photo by BOIVR ALeitch

Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway

10.0/10 (1 review)
All aboard! This classic train ride in Kawakawa takes you back in time and provides a memorable experience for the whole family.
See properties

Things to do

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock & Bay of Islands Cruise

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

$82
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

$110
per adult
Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop
Family time at the Hole in the Rock

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

$122
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

$88
per adult
Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

$102
per adult
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
Picture 1 for Activity Bay of Islands: Parasail, Paihia and Russell

Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight

$96
per adult
Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight
See all activities in Kawakawa

Frequently asked questions

Is Kawakawa worth visiting?
Kawakawa is worth visiting for its unique attractions, offering experiences like a ride on the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and a visit to the Hundertwasser Public Toilets. Travelers can also find local grocers for self-catering.
What is Kawakawa known for?
Kawakawa is known for the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway, offering travelers scenic rides. It also features the architecturally unique Hundertwasser Public Toilets and the natural formations of the Kawiti Caves. This New Zealand city provides a blend of historical charm and natural wonders.
What is a good itinerary length for Kawakawa?
A good itinerary length for Kawakawa is one to two days to explore highlights like the Hundertwasser Public Toilets, the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway, and take a Glow Worm Caves Express Tour. For an extended stay of three to four days, travelers can enjoy a Nature Adventure in the Bay of Islands, visit Kawiti Caves, and savor local Asian and seafood cuisine. See Kawakawa Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Kawakawa?
Kawakawa offers unique landmarks, nature experiences, and regional adventures for travelers:

  • Ride the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway.
  • Explore the distinctive Hundertwasser Public Toilets.
  • Take a Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
  • Experience a Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in Bay of Islands.
  • Embark on a Bay of Islands Nature Adventure.

How do I plan a trip to Kawakawa?
To plan your trip to Kawakawa, search for places to stay on Expedia. Book flights, rental cars, and popular activities like a Bay of Islands Nature Adventure or a Glow Worm Caves Express Tour in advance. Explore attractions such as the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway, Hundertwasser Public Toilets, and Kawiti Caves.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kawakawa?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kawakawa by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kawakawa with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kawakawa trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kawakawa?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kawakawa can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kawakawa trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kawakawa trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kawakawa trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kawakawa trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kawakawa?
If it's your first trip to Kawakawa, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kawakawa hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kawakawa hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Kawakawa

A coastal landscape with a beach, turquoise waters, and green hills.

Opua

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