Water activity

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over

4.5  / 5169 reviews
Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand
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Water activity
Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over
Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand
4.5  / 5169 reviews

Discover the stunning Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock on a scenic 4.5 to 5-hour cruise, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over to swim, walk, and relax.

About this activity

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Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights

  • Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
  • Journey to the iconic Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it
  • Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas

Full description

Set off on a scenic 4.5 to 5-hour cruise to discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife in an area soaked in rich culture and history. Board the black and yellow power cat at Paihia Wharf and be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. Your crew will deliver a full safety briefing and overview of the trip. Cruise among the 144 islands and enjoy entertaining live commentary from your local knowledgeable skipper. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it. Spot local wildlife including dolphins, birds, seals and even the occasional whale with a success rate of over 90%. Your trip will also include a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Enjoy free time to explore the island. If you wish, you can hire kayaks, or paddleboards (available during summer only) or just relax on the beach. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island and return on a later ferry (only available during summer).

Includes

  • 4.5 to 5-hour scenic cruise
  • Live commentary in English
  • 1.5-hour island stop-over at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
  • Food and drinks

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Paihia Wharf - Pier 7, Paihia, New Zealand

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Important information

Know before you go

  • A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation
  • You will be able to purchase lunch from the café at Otehei Bay
  • Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel
  • From December - April: on the day, you can opt to extend your time on the island (subject to availability) and there is also the option to hire paddleboards and kayaks
  • Pick-up can be arranged from Russell Wharf subject to availability; please contact the local operator after booking to coordinate
  • The activity requires minimum numbers to operate, in the unlikely even these are not met, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 169 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    4.7/5

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G
GetYourGuide traveler – SwitzerlandNovember 12, 2023  – Verified booking
Es war eine schöne Tour mit dem Schiff. Wir haben viele verschiedene Inseln gesehen. Das Hole in the Rock Sehenswert, bei schönem Wetter kann man durch den Felsen fahren. Beim Zwischenstopp auf der Insel kann man 10-20 min. Auf denn Hügel laufen. Von dort hat man eine schöne Aussicht.
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GetYourGuide traveler – AustraliaApril 7, 2023  – Verified booking
Andy, the captain, was absolutely hilarious. We loved his sense of humour. The calm weather allowed us to actually go through the Hole in the Rock, which was a highlight. We also loved the short stop at Otehei Bay. The walk up the hill was so worth it! The views were just stunning
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盼 – ChinaMarch 13, 2023  – Verified booking
We got lucky with the weather, and we went on a nice sunny day. The tour was a combination of excitement when we went through the hole in the rock, and also joy of relaxing on the Urupukapuka island. A strong recommendation if the weather permits. We didn’t see any dolphins on our way but was definitely worth it.
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Product ID: 175137

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