NEW ZEALAND · REGION
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular bay of islands tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Bay of Islands cruise from Paihia or Russell with 2 island stops, snorkeling, and a weather-dependent run through Hole in the Rock.
“We had a great afternoon touring the islands and seeing the Hole in the Rock. Hamish was a great guide and provided some really interesting history of the area.”
Full-day Paihia trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, with Māori stories, sandboarding, lighthouse views, and beach lunch for $104.
“quite a long Trip, but our Guide gave us a lot of interesting information about the cojntry and Maori Cultur. i loved the ride on the Beach and the Stop for Sandbording.”
Catamaran cruise to the Hole in the Rock with dolphin and whale spotting, plus a 1.5-hour Urupukapuka island stop and cafe time.
“The scenery. The amount of dolphins spotted. Traveling through the Hole in the Rock due to calm season. Otehai Island was great.”
Sail the Bay of Islands on the R. Tucker Thompson with scones, BBQ lunch, and optional Paihia–Russell ferry tickets.
“A fantastic experience. Our son loved the wild weather, the ability to help on the boat and the crew where incredibly. Highly recommend for everyone.”
Small-group Bay of Islands cruise from Paihia to Roberton Island and Hole in the Rock, with wildlife spotting and live guide commentary.
“I really enjoyed the personability of the tour guides, they really made an effort to get to know the people on board the cruise the fact that there’s only 49 people on the cruise makes it really personalised”
Paihia glass-bottom boat to Hole in the Rock. Feed fish from the water, watch dolphins when lucky, and enjoy Bay of Islands coves.
“Our Skipper Jeff was very friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was amazing and we were lucky enough to have excellent weather to be able to motor on through the hole in the rock. High recommend!”
A fast, guided Bay of Islands shore trip with Haruru Falls, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, kauri trees, and chocolate tasting from Waitangi.
“This is a great tour and the caverns are magical. The tour guide was friendly and explain every question. Very knowledgeable”
Small-group 4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise: Roberton Island snorkelling, Hole in the Rock, live commentary, wildlife spotting.
“Amazing crew who provided unique cultural knowledge and a fun cruise. Very friendly, helpful and just genuinely nice people.”
Sail past 144 Bay of Islands islands, chase wildlife, and (weather permitting) pass through Hole in the Rock, plus lunch and a 1.5-hour island break.
“We loved our trip around the Bay of Islands, Our Skipper - Bronwyn - did an excellent job of navigating past a very playful group of dolphins, who just wouldn’t leave us alone! Bronwyn made the passage through the Hole in The Rock seem like child’s play, even though the boat we were on was…”
Tandem 12,000ft skydive over Bay of Islands with 40 seconds freefall, pickup in Paihia/Kerikeri, optional photo/video, $93.
“This is the most efficient, well run place I have ever seen. It’s a tight ship and they know what they’re doing. Of course I had a great time; I was skydiving.”
Deluxe yacht sailing from Russell with snorkeling gear, kayaks, island time, and a catered lunch in the Bay of Islands.
“Beautiful day on the water and a lovely lunch! I just wish we had more time on the land and a bit less at sea.”
Full-day Far North coach tour from Paihia to Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, Kāuri and Mangonui, with lunch and sandboarding if conditions allow.
“We loved the tour. You should know that the office doesn't open until 7 so don't go 15 minutes early! The bus didn't leave until 7:15 and then picked up all the hotel stops so you don't really leave until 7:30. It is a long drive but it was lovely.”
4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise with Roberton Island walk, Hole in the Rock, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing on a small-group boat.
“I booked this tour months ago and was really looking forward to seeing this beautiful area. We got in line 15 minutes early and a worker came and told us they were trying to get the boat working. He returned a few minutes later and told us the Read more”
Sail the Bay of Islands on Phantom with a 10-person cap, snorkeling gear, a shore hike for views, and a home-made lunch from Russell.
“A pure sailing trip, a day at sea, let the wind carry you . Expect to be on deck most of the day with an hour on an island.”
Sail from Paihia to a wildlife sanctuary island for 2 hours of snorkel and SUP plus hiking, lunch, and drinks on a catamaran.
“The lack of wind made the event less of a sailing than a motoring. But that's not the fault of the skipper. The story telling was fun and informative. The food was simple but very very tasty. And the island we sailed to was beautiful. We went on a short hike to another beach and…”
