New Zealand · BAY OF ISLANDS TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 bay of islands tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Small-boat Bay of Islands cruise with Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett, and two island stops for walks, swimming, and snorkeling gear.
“Loved this boat trip, definitely book with this local company, they were brilliant. We had a great time and learnt so much and they couldn’t have been nicer - thank you!”
Paihia day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach: 90 Mile sand driving, Te Rerenga Wairua, lighthouse views, lunch, sandboarding.
“The day was absolutely brilliant but spoilt by the air conditioning not working on the 4 x 4 Coach. The heat was unbearable and you could not even open the sky lights as they were for emergency exit use only. The Guide, George, was fantastic and could not be faulted in any way. It seems a shame that a tour which was 12 hours long, nearly all of which was spent on the Coach travelling, coupled with the cost of the tour that the air conditioning was not working. The Guide told us this is not the first time it has not been working - Shame!!”
Cruise the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell, spot dolphins, aim for Motukōkako, then swim at Urupukapuka Island.
“Excellent trip. Very informative and stunning scenery. The staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”
Small-group Bay of Islands cruise with snorkel gear, two island hikes, Hole in the Rock, and Cape Brett Lighthouse from Paihia.
“Great tour but it truly was the kindness and helpfulness of the staff that made it such a good to us. Highly recommend”
Overnight Bay of Islands adventure by boat with night kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, island walks, meals, and shared cabins.
“Fun trip all the way - night kayaking, morning snorkel, island walk, fishing and a friendly, fun crew who were enthusiastic and helpful. Food was great and the toilets and showers worked well. Overall it was a great night out on the boat with thRead more”
Sail the Bay of Islands on the working tall ship R. Tucker Thompson with scones, BBQ lunch, and an optional ferry ride to Russell.
“We enjoyed our experience tremendously. It was wonderful to sail in a schooner with no noise other than wind and ocean waves. The side trip to an uninhabited island beach was great. I enjoyed climbing on a rope ladder to the main maRead more”
Small-group 3-hour cruise from Paihia to Roberton Island and Hole in the Rock, with wildlife spotting. From $78.
“we thought the whole experience was first class. The crew Hamish,Bluebell and Roberta were exceptional very freindly and very knowledgeable.”
Paihia glass bottom boat to Hole in the Rock, plus fish feeding through a glass floor. Small group, 2.5 hours, family-friendly.
“We really enjoyed this trip. Jeff our guide was great. He was very knowledgeable and very friendly. It was a lot of fun, especially the Hole in the Rock. We loved feeding the fish and watching them all swimming around through the glass bottom. We would highly recommend this tour.”
Bay of Islands shore excursion with Haruru Falls views, Makana chocolate tasting, Kawiti glow worm caves, and a kauri walk from Waitangi Wharf.
“Even though it rained all day we still had a great time and excellent driver. Dyson was patient, educational and helpful.”
Step onto the Treaty of Waitangi signing site with a guided tour, intro film, museum time, and a cultural performance, valid two days.
“The guide was excellent. The explanation of the history was good and informative. There appeared to be more restrictions than at other venues e.g. not videoing, and reasons not explained. The show was not as good as other similar events.”
Sail the Bay of Islands by catamaran, snorkel and paddle on included gear, then spend 2 hours at a wildlife sanctuary island stop.
“10/10: would recommend. Shawn and Luke crushed it, made us feel relaxed and at home. Had a great time on the boat and island.”
Small-group Bay of Islands 4.5-hour cruise with Hole in the Rock, Twin Lagoons walk, snorkelling stops, and live skipper commentary.
“Nick was great captain. I’ve had boats before but the way he navigated that boat through Hole in the Rock was impressive! Very informative tour”
Cruise the Bay of Islands, stop on Urupukapuka for island lunch, and try to sail through Hole in the Rock when conditions allow.
“lovely tour. great skipper that explained the areas we saw well. got us through the hole in the wall as well. we could have stayed longer at the lunch spot ( we picked the shorter option ) topped off will some dolphins playing with the boat”
Cruise the Bay of Islands from Paihia, pass through Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting), spot dolphins, and enjoy an island BBQ lunch.
“Unfortunately it was a bit rough and windy to sail through the hole but we got a bonus with four frolicking dolphins who approached our boat and put on a show! The tour was just the right length of time with lunch thrown in. Would recommend to others.”
Tandem skydive from 12,000ft over Bay of Islands. 40 seconds free fall, Paihia and Kerikeri pickup, photos optional, from $93.
“This is the most efficient, well run place I have ever seen. It’s a tight ship and they know what they’re doing. Of course I had a great time; I was skydiving.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
