Auckland: Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise

Join a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and soak up New Zealand’s spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Hop on a scenic cruise around the bay to witness some of the incredible 144 islands, get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett, and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to eat, swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!

Explore the island paradise of the Bay of Islands on this epic small group day tour from Auckland and experience some of the most popular destinations that Northland has to offer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, and soak up on New Zealand’s spectacular scenery. Cruise along the historic path to remote beaches and bays, through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on a purpose-built dolphin and whale watching catamaran. This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for a very good reason!

Board on the magical cruise in Paihia and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Admire the rock walls towering above you as the skipper navigates right through the narrow space (conditions permitting) before heading back into the inner islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life, have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action.

With a little luck you will find dolphins or whales or both for you to view and enjoy. Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for lunch or dinner depending on the sailing time, where you can have a swim, stroll along the white sand beach, walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands or simply recharge at the island’s. Meals, beverages & snacks can be purchased at the fully licenced bar and café.

At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night. Your journey home will be equally enjoyable as your tour guide’s combination of local insight, extensive historical knowledge and fantastic sense of humour create an unforgettable adventure.