Top Bay of Islands Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

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.

There’s no better way to discover the 144 sub-tropical islands that stud the Bay of Islands than on a cruise. With a top limit of just 20 passengers, this intimate boat trip delivers two island stopovers, one at Roberton Island or Twin Lagoons, plus the chance to hike, swim, snorkel, or even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Look out for dolphins along the way.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Bay of Islands is a place to indulge and have fun. Visit the area's leading wineries, taste quality wines, excellent craft beers and enjoy a platter lunch.

The Rock overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands is the only overnight cruise in the area to offer such a wide range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, island walks, and more. Enjoy adventure activities as well as time to relax in peaceful nature. As this is an all-inclusive tour you don’t need to worry about any logistics. Just show up ready for fun.

Fly over the Northland coastline on a scenic flight between Paihia and Cape Reinga. Soar above Ninety Mile Beach before landing for a minibus tour at the top end of New Zealand's North Island. Visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, then stroll along the beach at Tapotupotu Bay and surf the sand dunes of Te Paki. Look down on remote Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay on your return flight. Includes morning tea and round-trip hotel transfers.

This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

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.

Awesome tour filled with gorgeous views, great photo opportunities and adrenaline packed thrills. A definite bucket list experience! Summer - bring a light sweater, sunglasses and camera Winter - bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and camera All passengers including Cruise ship passengers to be outside I-Site (information centre) in Paihia 5 mins prior to departure time.

Spend your Waitangi port day exploring the Bay of Islands best attractions on this jam-packed shore excursion. From natural wonders like Haruru Falls and the Kawiti Glowworm Caves to cultural gems including the historic Te Waimate Mission House and famous Hundertwasser Toilets, make the most of your time on New Zealand's North Island while traveling with a guide and small group.

Take a Bay of Islands shore excursion to the Puketi Rainforest for a half-day guided hike from Waitangi Wharf. You’ll follow a moderately strenuous footpath though a subtropical rainforest of lofty kauri trees and pass by cascading waterfalls as your guide shares local knowledge of rare bird and plant species. Enjoy morning tea on this small-group tour, limited to eight people for a personalized experience. Port pickup and drop-off included.

Race around native bush and back-country on the Northland coast at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, located a short drive north of Waitangi and Paihia. Hire a top-of-the-line mountain bike and ride like the wind around some of the Park’s trails. Choose from over 20 trails – some suitable for beginners, others ready for more experienced riders.

Tour is for two passengers - Wind your way from Paihia, thru native bush and valleys to the seaside marina village of Opua. Definitely more for the "Thrill Seeker" Awesome tour filled with gorgeous views, great photo opportunities and adrenaline packed thrills. Summer - bring a light sweater, sunglasses and camera Winter - bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie, sunglasses and camera All passengers including Cruise ship passengers to be outside I-Site (information centre) in Paihia 5 mins prior to departure time.

Sundowner Evening Cruise, a summertime special! Departing Paihia beachfront at 5pm. The boat pulls right up to the beach where you can step aboard from the shore line. Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth sailing catamaran in a peaceful setting, while the sun is going down. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of an evening cruise taking in the sights of the idyllic Bay of Islands, the Sundowner Cruise is a perfect start to a good night out with friends and family, a romantic getaway, or just the perfect escape from the daily grind! • Experience sailing at it's best, make the most of the beautiful sea breeze. Watch the wind fill the sails, kick back and enjoy the tranquility. • Enjoy the beauty of a sheltered anchorage for a swim stop, sip on a complimentary drink and take in the scenery. • See the landmarks of historical importance in the Bay of Islands from a different perspective, while under sail.

Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins! Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on Carino NZ our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. 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. Watch for wild dolphins in their ocean habitat. We are only yacht licensed to view wild dolphins in the Bay. Viewing wild dolphins in their natural habitat is an amazing and wonderful experience. A portion of every fare contributes directly to marine mammal conservation – Protect the future While we are sailing, watch for our local little blue penguins and our crazy diving gannets. An island stop is included, where you get to explore a historic scenic island walks, snorkeling at the beach. Bbq lunch aboard Carino NZ, a cash bar available.

Winterless North // Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Stopover Departing twice daily, escape the crowds and discover the Bay of Islands Locally owned and operated, with a passion for sharing our beautiful area. Suitable for all ages, families, solo travellers and couples...experience it all! • Two remote island stopovers (Roberton Island & Otehei Bay) • Native bush walks and 360 degree views from the island lookout points • Interactive commentary and information • Lookout for unique wildlife throughout the day • Scenic cruising among 144 subtropical islands. There's no better way to experience the Bay of Islands

Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands on a full-day cruise from Paihia. Participate in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, gathering fresh sea food, exploring WWII remains, and trekking across islands to visit ancient Maori fortifications. Refuel with a buffet lunch midday and spend some time relaxing on a secluded beach.

Electric boat hire is enormously popular in the rest of the world but ours are the very first electric boats for hire in New Zealand. Our boats are very easy to drive, no experience or license is required. The "Akaroa" boat is the easiest to drive so we recommend that one for complete beginners. We are in the most perfect, sheltered location, the winding Kerikeri river offers a new vista around every bend and is teeming with wildlife. The silent motor allows you to get up close to wildlife without disturbing them. We have a choice of five different boats to suit singles, couple and groups of up to 7 people. We have enough boats for a maximum of 21 people at a time. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.