Top North Island Water Tours

We offer personalised tours with local guides who understand and appreciate the history and ecology of this beautiful natural harbour. We share stories of the land and sea and offer you the opportunity to participate in pest species control to help protect New Zealand's natural flora and fauna. Photographs are taken by our guides and supplied to you by email, free of charge.

With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery and a riverside lunch, the 13 km section of the Rangitikei River downstream from River Valley Lodge is perfect for all ages.   On the way down the river, immense cliffs cradle the river canyon. It is in one of these sections that we stop and have a picnic lunch. From there it is a relaxing float out to the take out, followed by a scenic drive back to River Valley Lodge. For those wanting more of an adventure, we can run this trip with inflatable kayaks. Or, for those who are less active we can take oared rafts. This is a full day trip, departing from River Valley Lodge at 9.30am.  You will be spending approximately 4 hours on the river, plus a stop for your picnic lunch along the way.

Enjoy an exhilarating white water rafting trip in New Zealand with this half-day excursion on the Tongariro River. Your expert guide takes you on a roller coaster-like series of class three rapids that offer views of pristine wilderness that can only be accessed from the river. Your tour includes lunch, rafting instruction, and use of all necessary gear, making it suitable for all levels of experience.

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Waiheke Wings opened its doors in Spring 2018 as the only commercial flight operator based on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Wings works in co-operation with Auckland Seaplanes. As an organisation, we have successfully been operating for 6 years, receiving high praise within the New Zealand tourism industry, and various awards for the outstanding customer service that we are known to deliver. Waiheke Wings has one Cessna 172 aircraft, the most popular aircraft ever built. With seating for up to 3 passengers and the pilot, or a loading capacity of up to 340 Kg (excluding the pilot on shorter flights), it truly is a versatile aircraft. Our flights offer a variety of experiences that can be personalised to meet your requirements, or, choose from one of our excellent package deals that prioritise highlights of the beautiful Waiheke Island and upper North Island. We operate 7 days a week, during daylight hours only.

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.

Steer a stand-up paddleboard through a spectacular display of glow worms on a twilight tour of Lake Rotorua glow worm caves and rock formations. Paddling Lake Rotorua at dusk means the perfect light to see the glow worms at their sparkling, shining best, and you’ll watch the first stars appear over the lake as you return to shore.

Secure a limited ticket to Tiritiri Matangi island, a protected sanctuary for rare and endangered bird species of New Zealand. A 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf brings you to the island preserve, where you have the day to stroll the trails and enjoy the coastline after a ranger orientation. Gain a deeper understanding of Tiritiri Matangi’s role in preserving birdlife with an optional 1.5-hour guided hike.

Take a 75-minute journey across the Hauraki Gulf aboard the Rotoroa Island ferry. Your round-trip ticket allows you to explore the island’s arts, history and conservation park, including sandy shoreline, hiking trails and an award-winning museum. Opened to the public in 2011, Rotoroa Island was the longtime home to an addiction treatment center run by the Salvation Army. Visit the heritage buildings and a Rotoroa wildlife sanctuary for endangered New Zealand species. Spend about 6 hours at your leisure before returning to Auckland.

Explore Waiheke Island at your own pace, with all-day tickets for a hop-on, hop-off island explorer bus. Plan the perfect day with help from the onboard host, then see the things that interest you most, choosing from 8 stops near vineyards, galleries, beaches, and trailheads. This full-day Waiheke Island experience offers a personalized combination of nature, culture, and food, and departs from Matiatia every 30 minutes throughout the day.

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.

Experience the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this evening glow-worm kayak tour in Tauranga. Begin your tour with refreshments including wine from the award-winning Mills Reef Winery and delicious New Zealand cheeses on the banks of Lake McLaren. As day turns to night, hop into your kayak and paddle with your guide to the glow-worm canyon at the head of Lake McLaren. Marvel at the millions of bright green glow-worms clinging to the towering cliff sides, and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both a nature and highlights tour together to form the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. Highlights: • Bay of Islands Cruise • Hole in the Rock • Wildlife spotting • Sites of cultural and historical significance Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

This convenient day trip visits two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day, which would be difficult if traveling independently. The small-group, fully guided mini-bus tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and glow-worm caves. Your guide will tell you all about the natural and cultural history, to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

Ride a jet boat to Mokoia Island on an hour-long excursion to the forested wildlife sanctuary, speeding across Lake Rotorua at 53 mph (85 kph). You'll step off the boat for a 30-minute hiking tour of the island, which is home to kiwi birds, pukeko, papango, and many more, including endangered species that thrive in the predator-free environment. Wind to the island's summit for gorgeous views across Lake Rotorua, pausing by a simmering hot pool before the high-speed trip back to shore.

Join naturalist Olive Andrews for a special day discovering the oceanography of the Hauraki Gulf, its natural history and the biology of marine life including seabirds, marine mammals and fish. Olive is a marine mammal researcher, ocean policy expert and polar guide, who lives on Waiheke Island. Our conservation cruises include a visit to the gannet colony on Horuhoru Rock, home to 2500 nesting pairs and one of only five such sites in New Zealand. The Hauraki Gulf is known as the seabird capital of New Zealand and is also home to resident and migratory megafauna including dolphins, orca, Bryde's whale, fin whales, sei whales and pygmy blue whales. Experience the underwater soundscape via a hydrophone and perhaps meet dolphins and orcas. The cruise is perfect for children (8+) and adults alike. It includes a delicious lunch, plus we'll anchor in a secluded bay accessible only by boat, for some swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. We’ll stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

IMPORTANT: TO BOOK THIS CHARTER, PLEASE SET THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS = 1. YOU CAN BRING UP TO 11 FRIENDS WITH YOU! Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. Your charter is for exclusive use of the yacht with two crew (captain and host). We can stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails. This is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island. If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will show you the ropes. Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Slip through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' in New Zealand’s Northland during this half-day Bay of Islands cruise by high-speed catamaran. Pass rocky outcrops, sandy beaches and an array of islands as you make your way out to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Motu Kokako Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine and birdlife.

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we 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’ Listen as your experienced crew share local history and ecology via an informative commentary, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, and other marine and birdlife as you cruise through and past many of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands Don't want the journey to end? Hop off in Russell or Paihia after your cruise for more exploring before using your complimentary Russell/Paihia ferry ticket to get back.

Join an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No experience necessary.

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.

Enjoy Lake Taupo in an active yet relaxing way with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. You can set off across the water at your own pace, paddling along the shore or checking out sights such as the Maori Rock Carvings.

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.