Bay of Islands Tours, Tickets & Excursions

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay’s 144 islands, sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and tuck into a BBQ lunch or dinner at the stunning Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Along the way, spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Half day cruise of the Bay of islands including the famous Hole in the Rock, Island stopover and marine mammal viewing. The perfect water activity for your visit to the Bay of Islands.

Soak up all the North Island highlights on this 5-day journey from Auckland by coach, including a Bay of Islands cruise to see the Hole in the Rock. Your itinerary includes a drive along Ninety Mile Beach at Cape Reinga; enjoy an overnight stay near the bubbling hot springs of Rotorua; a visit to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto; and a Hobbiton Movie Set tour to see filming locations for ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Listen to informative commentary on board.

Visit 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga in New Zealand's Far North District. This day trip from Paihia takes you aboard a Dune Rider vehicle, ideal for traversing the gorgeous coastal landscape. Stop at Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Try sandboarding at the Te Paki Stream sand dunes and enjoy a buffet lunch at Waitiki Landing.

When your ship docks in Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of New Zealand’s spectacular North Island. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including Kawakawa and the Kawiti glowworm caves. Explore the Puketi Forest’s rich ecological diversity, sample New Zealand sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory, and gaze out over the Haruru Falls and the Waitangi River.

Usual Summer Schedule: 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Times may vary please check Your Kayaking/Paddleboarding can be dry, but bring a towel, change of clothes or wear swimwear (you may enjoy getting up closer to the waterfall than you plan) Bring a warm jacket, camera, sunscreen, sun protection, drinking water, nibbles etc in a small bag.

Discover the Bay of Islands by helicopter, with an optional landing at the Hole in the Rock. See Cape Brett from above during an aerial tour from Paihia, narrated by a professional pilot. Fly over Russell and Waitangi en route to the Hole in the Rock. Upgrade to land atop the iconic natural landmark, with an optional walk led by a Maori guide.

Stand on the spot where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Find out how this document was forged with admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your day pass is valid for two consecutive days and includes an informative guided tour, an introductory film, a cultural performance, and full access to the historic site.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

Indulge in New Zealands local wine with this wine tour around the Bay of Islands. Start at the Ake Ake Vineyard to explore a family-run operation located just outside Kerikeiri. Tour the vineyard, learn about grape production, and sample drinks including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Travel to the Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant. Enjoy a lunch platter while admiring the lake view.

There are few more unique ways to see the Bay of Islands than catching the wind and parasailing high above the water. See the Bay’s towns, forests and islands – all the way out to Cape Brett’s famous Hole in the Rock – from the sky on this aerial adventure. Take to the skies with your friends or family on tandem or triple flights. Your children can even go parasailing – this adventure is suitable for all.

The Bay of Islands is a place to indulge and have fun. On this tour experience some of New Zealand’s finest quality wines. The cost includes all tastings and a platter lunch.

Have awesome thrills on a V8 350 Chev Trike with a 60 minute tour from Paihia. For those that love adrenaline, experience the sense of freedom with no helmets (full seatbelts) on this beast whilst enjoying the scenic Bay of Islands. Visit Opua - a marina seaside village, Haruru Falls, and Waitangi Lookout for some memorable moments and amazing views!  A definite bucket list experience. Summer - bring a light sweater, sunglasses and camera Winter - bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and camera Cruise ship passengers need to catch the free shuttle bus into Paihia (approx 5 mins) and we are located beside the bus stop and the I- Site (information centre) Price is for two travellers

See the best sites and experience an adrenaline-filled ride around Paihia and surrounds with this unique V8 tricycle tour. Meet your local guide at the I-site (local information center) and then be whisked away to beautiful Haruru Falls and then onto Waitangi for the perfect photo-opportunity. This is an exciting and unique way to get to know the local area, especially if you are short on time.

Explore the Bay of Islands from the seat of a 350 Chev Trike for a fun-filled and memorable experience. You can choose from three different routes that include some of the area’s must-see sights, or combine them all for a longer trip. Your driver keeps you safe and gives you local insights into the Paihia area. This tour is wheelchair accessible, so anyone can join.

Avoid the crowds at in-demand locations like the Hole in the Rock and the Haruru Falls. Instead, spend your shore day at one of Northland’s hidden gems with this private tour to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Walk through an otherworldly limestone cave system full of stalactites and stalagmites, all lit up by New Zealand glow worms, on this tour led by a member of the Māori family who act as guardians for the cave and its glowing residents.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and beachside tea with biscuits.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

Cruising is the best way to see the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. Do this in style aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard private yacht. Your hosts are an enthusiastic sailing family who have traveled the world in their yacht. Sit back and relax on board the Phantom while enjoying views of the islands and bay, with possible dolphin sightings and the chance to snorkel.

Half Day Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Stopover Escape the crowds and discover the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise through 144 subtropical islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsular. Listen to the stories and history of the area, keep an eye out for wildlife, and visit the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Enjoy a stopover on one of the remote islands and take a short walk to the island lookout point for stunning views over the Bay of Islands. The perfect way to explore the Bay of Islands! Suitable for all ages, families, solo travelers and couples...experience it all!

When your cruise ship arrives in the Bay of Islands, escape the crowds with a small-group half-day tour to two gorgeous islands. Go snorkeling at pristine island reefs, try stand-up paddle boarding, take a short hike to viewpoints, and look for New Zealand wildlife. You’ll ride on a small motorboat that can access places that large ships cannot go, and hear live commentary from your guide about the region.

By cruising with us and you are helping to protect our wild dolphins! A portion of every fare contributes directly to marine mammal conservation and to our children's marine education program Protect the future We are a small, local family owned and operated wildlife cruise. Join us on our marine wildlife conservation vessel. On board help to set sails or sit back and relax.Time to take a deep breath and unwind.

Spend an evening immersed in Maori culture with a traditional ‘hangi’ dinner and live performance, held at the historically important signing site of the Waitangi Treaty. Enact a warrior challenge on a bush walk and watch energetic Maori music and dance. For dinner, feast on a multilayered meal cooked using the ancient hangi pit oven method.