A big yacht, a quiet island break, and snorkeling. On Captain Mike’s 65-foot Gungha II, I love how it feels like real ocean-going sailing, not a cramped sightseeing shuffle. I also like the built-in island swim and snorkel time, then a fresh sandwich lunch on board, with fruit and veg snacks along the way. One watch-out: this tour is not a good fit if you have limited mobility.

The vibe is casual and friendly. You’ll get a safety briefing at the Paihia wharf, then you can either help with sailing (if you want) or kick back and enjoy the wind in your face.

For me, the best practical touch is how complete the day feels: snorkel gear is provided, there are clean toilets, and you can rinse off with a hot outside shower after the island stop.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• 65-foot ocean-going yacht (Gungha II): Built for proper sailing in the Bay of Islands.
• Island stop where you choose your time: Walk, swim, snorkel, or mix it up.
• Wildlife spotting chances: Look out for seabirds, penguins, dolphins, and other marine life.
• Included snorkel masks and snorkels: No last-minute rental hunting.
• Fresh, simple food: Fruit and veg snacks plus fresh sandwich lunch with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options.
• Rinse and reset: Hot outside shower and clean toilets back on board.

Gungha II From Paihia Wharf: Meeting Point, Safety, and Snacks

Your day starts at the Paihia Wharf, right in front of the i-Site on Marsden Road in Paihia, where you board the sailing vessel Gungha II. There’s no mystery here: you show up, climb aboard, and get settled.

Before you head out, you’ll go through a safety briefing. After that, the crew’s main goal is simple: get you comfortable on a sailing yacht and make sure you know what to do if you want to be involved. This is one of those tours where the atmosphere stays informal. You’re not stuck behind a railing for six hours.

Food begins early, too. Expect fresh fruit and vegetable snacks while you’re sailing, plus water and soft drinks served with lunch later on. It’s a small detail, but it matters on a boat: snacks keep energy steady when the sun and salt air start working on you.

One practical note that can catch first-timers: sailors must go barefoot on board. That doesn’t mean you’ll be barefoot for the entire day, but it does mean you’ll want to think about what you wear and what you plan to do if you hop on and off the island.

Sailing the Bay of Islands: Caves, Lava Flows, and Wildlife Chances

Once you’re out, the Bay of Islands does what it does best: it mixes dramatic coastlines with wildlife you can spot without even trying too hard. You’ll sail past beautiful island surrounds, and you’ll get views of land formations and ancient lava flows. The water can also look different from hour to hour, especially when wave-swept caves come into view.

The tour is also built around wildlife spotting opportunities. This isn’t a guarantee that you’ll see every species, but the Bay is known for marine mammals, penguins, and seabirds, and Gungha II sails through areas where those sightings are part of the fun. You’ll be looking out for playful groups of marine life as the yacht moves along.

A bonus from the sailing portion: if the wind picks up later in the day (which it sometimes does), you’ll feel that extra speed and energy as the crew works the yacht. Even if the morning starts slower, the best sailing moments still tend to show up before the day is done.

The Midday Island Stop: Secluded Walks, Snorkel Gear, and a Real Swim Break

The island stop is the heart of this tour. You’ll arrive at the island area and then get options right away. If you want to swim, snorkel, or explore the shoreline, you’ll be invited to head in with the mask and snorkel gear provided.

Those who prefer to stay dry get transferred ashore too, so you’re not stuck feeling left out. Once you’re there, your time on the island is self-directed. You can choose a secluded island walk, comb the beach, and then go for a swim or snorkel when you’re ready.

This is where you’ll feel the difference between a small sailing day and big, rushed boat tours. Instead of rotating quickly through one photo stop after another, you get a genuine break where you can move at your own pace, stop for views, and spend time in the water if conditions are good.

After you’re done, there’s a hot outside shower back on the yacht. It sounds simple, but it’s one of those comfort upgrades that makes the return sail much more pleasant.

What You’ll Eat: Fresh Sandwich Lunch Plus Morning Snacks

Food on board is one of the most praised parts of the experience, and it’s not complicated. You’ll have fruit and vegetable snacks during the morning sailing, then a fresh sandwich lunch when you’re finished exploring the island stop and ready to head back.

Lunch comes with dietary flexibility. Vegetarian options are available, along with gluten-free and vegan options, so you shouldn’t feel stuck choosing only what you can tolerate. You also get drinking water and soft drinks served with lunch.

The biggest value here is freshness and timing. You’re not eating some bagged snack somewhere you don’t want to be. You’re eating after you’ve been out in the sun and water, with a crew that’s focused on feeding you well rather than hustling you along.

How the Crew Keeps It Fun: Captain Mike, Small-Group Feel, and Where to Sit

Captain Mike is the name that shows up most often, and you can feel how much he enjoys guiding the day. Along with him, the crew can include friendly helpers such as Deb, Mischa, Marley, and Melissa, depending on the day. You’ll usually also hear more sailing talk and local context from the crew during the sail.

What makes this work well is the “small group” approach. On some days it’s been as intimate as a handful of people, and on other days it’s been around a dozen. That size range matters. It’s easier to hear stories, easier to ask questions, and easier for the crew to respond when you want to help with sailing.

You can also choose your level of participation. If you want to take a turn crewing, the crew invites you in. If you don’t, you can relax and enjoy the boat and the scenery around you.

One practical tip: if you want to hear more about Paihia and Keri Keri, sit toward the stern. It’s an easy adjustment that pays off quickly, especially when the captain is sharing more area info.

What to Pack for a 6-Hour Bay Sail (Including the Barefoot Rule)

You’ll be outside for the better part of six hours, so pack like you’re going to be on a real sea day, not just a casual boat ride. Here’s the practical kit that matches what the tour expects:

• Swimwear (you’ll likely want it for the island swim and snorkel time)
• A towel
• Sunscreen (strong sun happens fast in New Zealand’s summer)
• Camera (the scenery and wildlife moments are real photo targets)
• Rain gear (weather can change, and you’ll still be out there)
• Optional: a jacket for when the wind gets cooler on the water

Also plan around the onboard barefoot rule. That means bringing footwear you’re comfortable using on and off the boat, then being prepared to go barefoot while you’re staying on deck.

If you tend to get cold easily, layers help. Even in warm weather, the wind is part of the experience on the open water.

Price and Value at $104: What You’re Getting for Your Money

At $104 per person for a 6-hour sailing day, the value comes from what’s included and what you’re actually doing.

You’re paying for:

• a 65-foot ocean-going yacht experience (not a small skiff tour)
• “lots of sailing” across the Bay, not just being transported to a single spot
• an included island stopover with time to walk and swim
• snorkel masks and snorkels provided
• a fresh sandwich lunch plus morning snacks
• hot outside shower, clean toilets, and onboard drinking water and soft drinks with lunch

When a tour includes both the transportation and the activities, the day feels complete instead of stitched together. This one keeps it simple: you’re on the water for sailing, then you’re on shore for a real break, then you eat and head home.

And because it’s informal and small-group oriented, you typically get more personal attention than on larger, more commercial boat options.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you want:

• real time on a sailing yacht (with the chance to help)
• an island break where you can swim or snorkel at your own pace
• a relaxed day with food handled for you
• wildlife spotting opportunities without turning it into a lecture

You might want to skip it if:

• you have limited mobility (it is not recommended)
• you use a wheelchair (not suitable)
• you have heart problems (not recommended)

The island walk and the water time are part of the design. Even if you choose only the dry options, you’ll still be getting around in a way that isn’t built for mobility limitations.

Should You Book the Gungha II Day Sail?

If you like sailing days that feel human—small group, friendly crew, time to swim, and lunch that’s actually worth eating—this is an easy yes. Captain Mike’s guiding style and the mix of sailing plus island freedom make the day feel like a genuine Bay of Islands experience, not a checklist.

If you’re planning around mobility limits or prefer ultra-fixed, zero-movement itineraries, then you’ll likely feel more comfortable with a different type of tour.

If you’re in Paihia and you want one standout ocean adventure that balances scenery, water time, and good food, booking Gungha II is a strong move.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this sailing tour?

You board the Gungha II at the Paihia Wharf in front of the i-Site on Marsden Road in Paihia.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

What’s included for food and snorkeling?

It includes tasty morning snacks, a fresh sandwich lunch, drinking water and soft drinks with lunch, and snorkel masks and snorkels.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Is smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drugs allowed on board?

No. All tours are smoking, vaping, and alcohol free, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.