How to Visit Oke Bay from Paihia (Bay of Islands Guide)

If you’re chasing that classic “hidden paradise” beach in the Bay of Islands, Oke Bay is exactly that. The water here is this unreal green-blue colour, so clear you can see right to the bottom, and the whole place has such a calm, peaceful feel to it.

I have visited many beaches all over New Zealand and it’s hands-down one of my favourites in Northland and definitely one of the most underrated. I visited on my last trip to Paihia and was blown away by the clarity of the water.

Tucked away on the Rawhiti Peninsula near Russell, Oke Bay feels remote but is surprisingly easy to reach, a short ferry ride, a stunning coastal drive, and a quick walk over a hill to one of the clearest, calmest beaches in the Bay of Islands.

Getting there can be a little confusing at first, so I have put together all the information you need to be able to have a fun and easy day at Oke Bay.

The view of the blue water at Oke Bay from the walk over the hill.

Getting to Oke Bay from Paihia

Oke Bay makes an amazing day trip from Paihia, and getting there is all part of the adventure. From Paihia, it takes around an hour in total to reach Oke Bay, including the ferry ride and drive.

Start by heading 10 minutes out of Paihia to the Opua Ferry Terminal. You’ll take the car ferry across to Okiato, which costs $18.50 per car (including passengers). Ferries run regularly from 6am to 10pm, and the crossing only takes about 10 minutes.

Once you’re off the ferry, it’s about a 35-minute drive from Okiato to Oke Bay. The road winds through the countryside and along the coast, with beautiful views the whole way.

Expect rolling green hills, glimpses of turquoise water, and that classic relaxed Northland atmosphere.

Parking and the Walk to Oke Bay

You’ll find Oke Bay just before Hauai Bay, not quite at the end of Rawhiti Road. There’s a small parking bay on the left-hand side of the road, which fills up quickly during summer, so it’s best to arrive early if you’re visiting in peak season.

You can also pay a small fee to park in the overnight Cape Brett Parking at 253 Rawhiti Road, Kaingahoa.

The walking track starts on the right-hand side of the road, directly opposite the car park. It’s an easy walk that takes about 5–10 minutes, winding over a small hill and through native bush before opening up to that first breathtaking view of the bay below.

The walk back up can be a little steep, but it’s short and totally worth it once you see that water.

Woman standing in the water and looking out to the ocean.

The Beach

Once you reach the bottom of the track, you’ll step onto the main stretch of Oke Bay, soft golden sand, calm green-blue water, and those lush headlands framing the bay.

At high tide, the main beach area is quite small, but at low tide you can walk around the rocks to a second smaller bay, which is just as stunning and usually even quieter.

On the left-hand side of the beach, there are a few rocky spots that are great for snorkelling. The visibility here is incredible, and you can often see fish and other marine life swimming around the rocks.

The water is calm, shallow, and perfect for swimming or floating all afternoon.

The colour of the water is unreal, that perfect mix of clear, green, and blue that shifts depending on the light. It’s one of those beaches that feels completely untouched and peaceful, like a secret spot only locals know about.

The hills covered in native bush surrounded by the blue water in Oke Bay.

Cape Brett Walkway

Oke Bay is also the starting point of the Cape Brett Walkway, one of the best hikes in Northland.

The track begins right near the beach and follows the coastline all the way out to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and Deep Water Cove.

The full walk takes around 8 hours one way, so it’s a big adventure, but even walking the first section gives you some incredible views of the Bay of Islands. If hiking is your thing, then you should definitely consider doing this walk while you are in Northland.

When to Visit Oke Bay

I personally love going to Oke Bay in February, once the school holidays are over. The weather’s still warm, but it’s a lot quieter and feels way more peaceful. It’s also a great time for swimming and snorkelling, with calm, clear conditions most days.

Any time during the summer is great for swimming it may just be a little bussier.

Where to Stay Near Oke Bay

If you’d rather stay close by instead of just visiting for the day, there are a few great places to stay near Oke Bay:

Russell – About a 35-minute drive away, Russell is a great base with a mix of cosy motels, seaside cottages, and boutique hotels like The Duke of Marlborough.
Paihia – If you’re staying in Paihia, Oke Bay makes a perfect day trip. You’ll find heaps of accommodation here, from budget-friendly hostels and campgrounds to beachfront apartments and resorts. I usually camp at the Waitangi Holiday Park when I stay here. Its only a short walk to town and right on the water with a stunning sunset view.

There are plenty of this to do in the area too, such as visiting Urupukapuka Island, doing a boat tour to the hole in the rock or checking out the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Why You Should Visit?

Oke Bay has that perfect balance of being easy to reach but still feeling completely off the beaten path. It’s peaceful, scenic, and one of those rare beaches that still feels untouched.

Whether you’re up for a swim, some snorkelling, or just a lazy day in the sun, this spot ticks every box.

We drove from Paihia out to Oke Bay and absolutely loved it. The ferry ride, the views, and that ridiculously clear water made it one of our favourite beach days in the Bay of Islands.

Golden sand leading into the crystal clear water.

Quick Tips for Visiting Oke Bay

Total travel time: Around 1 hour from Paihia (including ferry + drive).
Ferry cost: $18.50 per car (includes passengers). No booking required, pay on arrival
Ferry times: 6am–10pm daily.
Ferry duration: 10 minutes.
Driving time: 35 minutes from Okiato to Oke Bay.
Facilities: None at the beach — bring your own food, water, and shade.
Best time to visit: February – warm, calm, and quieter.
Snorkelling: Best around the rocks on the left side of the main beach.
Hiking: The Cape Brett Walkway starts right here.

Two women swimming in the clear water at Oke Bay.

Visiting Oke Bay from Paihia

Oke Bay is easily one of the most beautiful and underrated beaches in the Bay of Islands.

It’s got everything you could want, crystal-clear water, peaceful vibes, and stunning scenery and without the crowds you’ll find at other popular beaches.

I’ve been a few times now, and every visit just reminds me how special it is. If you’re exploring Northland, make the trip out here. Jump on the ferry, pack your snorkel, and spend the day soaking up one of the Bay of Islands’ best-kept secrets.