Paihia Tours
Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife
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Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

By Island Getaway Tours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Embark on a 4.5-hour Cruise and Island tour in the stunning Bay of Islands, where nature's wonders and cultural exploration await. Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock," a breathtaking natural formation showcasing the Bay's unique geology and the Cape Brett Lighthouse Stopover on Roberton Island, a pristine paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Take a short walk to the islands lookout point over the twin lagoons and panoramic views of the Bay of Islands Cruising further through the islands, keep an eye out for Wildlife, Marine Mammals and Native Sea Bird while our knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history, ecology, and Maori culture of the Bay of Islands Our second stopover provides the opportunity to explore the secluded bays. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy, and take a swim or try snorkelling the sheltered water of the bay The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, making it a must-do experience in the Bay of Islands
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 49 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Visit the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
  • Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
  • Smaller groups and personalised
  • Two remote island stopovers
  • Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Stopover on Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch


Start:Multiple meeting point options.
  • Option 1
    Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
    Departure Point: Paihia Wharf Check-in: Pier 10 Check-in 25 minutes before your departure time Address: Paihia Wharf, 69 Marsden Road
  • Option 2
    Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
    Please ensure you are waiting at the end of the Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking and Information Centre
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P8

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
    • Suitable for all ages
    • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
    • Visiting the Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable, and alternative route will be taken throughout the islands
    • Paihia Check-in Location: Pier 10 at least 20 minutes prior to departure
    • Russell Check-in Location: End of the Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking & Info Centre (10 minutes prior to departure)
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P8

    From
    ₱5,440.14
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Pass by
      Bay of Islands
    • 1
      Pass by
      Hole in the Rock
      Motukokako Island / Piercy Island
    • 2
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Island Getaway Tours
      693
      Paihia, New Zealand
      Joined in December 2016
    • annegR2821RT
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome
      Thank you for a lovely time, Nic was was a pleasure to have as our tour guide and boat driver. I would thoroughly recommend this cruise to all my friends.
      Written February 8, 2025
    • laurescu75
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      4.5 hours well spent
      During my cruise, the ship made a stop in the Bay of Islands and I'm glad I chose this tour which included 2 stops on two islands and a boat ride around Hole in the Rock.
      Written February 8, 2025
    • Mobile61868087295
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome
      Was awesome! Loved the paddle boarding in particular. Thanks, especially to Zack, our host. We saw and learned a lot, highly recommended
      Written February 8, 2025
    • Starlifter-Pilots
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very fun; well with the money
      The trip was lots of fun. The captain Adam and crew Cass were excellent taking care of us and providing lots of information about the areas we were visiting. When we encountered a pod of dolphins, Adam stopped the boat for 20 minutes allowing the dolphins to play around our boat. I highly recommend this excursion. Thank you, Adam and Cass!
      Written February 7, 2025
    • Y9628RMsuep
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Had an awesome day !! Staff were amazing, very friendly and professional!! Would definitely recommend this trip and be happy to do it again!😊
      Written February 7, 2025
    • davidhF1991ZJ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Superb, and a small local business that needs support.
      3 months in NZ and I think this trip was about the best. The greetings were tremendous, the organisation was perfect, the boat was comfortable. We had a spectacular afternoon. We cruised to Russel to collect more passengers then on to a spectacular island for a walk then on to the main event ie the hole in the island. On the way we had a wonderful commentary from the captain. Back via another island stop . The crew were brilliant.
      Written February 6, 2025
    • B3218EEnicks
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Engaged crew amplify scenic island seascapes
      Both crew and captain were wonderful tour guides- fun and informative. The ship was swift and seating made for easy viewing of islands, schools of fish, and basking seals. Our snorkeling at the final stop was pure icing on the cake- warm water and fun fish to view on the reef. A memorable tour to be sure.
      Written February 4, 2025
    • loulA6337RP
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hole in the Rock!!!!!!!
      Hey Nick! We know Grant won’t read this! Adam and Cass were funny, friendly and fabulous! They deserve 2 beers a piece! We will hunt you down if you don’t deliver! Just kidding😆 We loved the tour! Thank you~Kevin, Kelly, Susan and Lou
      Written February 4, 2025
    • Barbara S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome afternoon 😁
      We had a great time seeing everything, the crew was great, loved all the information to understand what we were seeing and history and the conditioners were fabulous. Really enjoyed the cooperation of the wildlife 😄.
      Written February 4, 2025
    • howard0554
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great day in the Bay
      Extremely well organized and delivered marine based tour that highlighted how diverse the Bay of Island is. The running schedule was obviously well thought out with just the right amount of time taken at each location. The crew were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The actual tour to me was full of highlights but to pick one I would say was the time taken at the Hole in the Rock and especially going through the Hole in the boat. Definitely the best marine based tour I have been on. It is a definite "must do".
      Written February 4, 2025
    • Rdl1985
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Hole in the Rock Must Do
      What a wonderful and breathtaking trip to the Hole in the Rock Bay of Islands with the crew and team from Island Getaway tours. We arrived by cruise ship and our itinerary got changed upside down and reversed so once we found out we contacted the office and they were happy to change the date even though it was less than 24 hours notice. The company even started the tour a little later to accommodate our ship arrival. Well what can we say Nick the skipper was very informative and knowledgeable. On the way out we had to stop for some rather large bluenosed dolphins who just wanted to play around the boat. What a magical moments. Had a stop off at one of the Islands for a lookout view or you could just cross into a small blue lagoon. Next stop the Hole in the rock WOW travelled through the hole and into the cave great job done by the Captain Nick and his crew. Plenty of fish to be seen. On way back saw the blue beaked penguins soo tiny and fast and native to this area. A stop for lunch and a quick swim then back to the dock Absolutely fantastic Day
      Written February 3, 2025
    • Roam48367846904
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Simply the best! 10/10 recommend.
      We were upgraded to the 4,5 hour cruise and it was fantastic. What an experience we had, I will definitely do this cruise again. The weather was superb, got to see little blue peguins, a pod of bottlenose dolphins (who followed us to shore) and got to go through the hole in the rock. I would 100% recommend this cruise, especially with the Island Getaway Tours team, they are so friendly and give you a more personal feel to the whole experience.
      Written February 2, 2025
    • Faith H
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun beautiful relaxing
      This was a great way to see the Bay of Islands and its beauty. The Island Getaway tours staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this cruise to anyone visiting this area. Thankyou so much!
      Written February 1, 2025
    • Camulodofan
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent trip to the hole in the rock. A real highlight.
      Our guide, Nick was friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure we had a great trip. We went through the hole in the rock and into Cathedral Cave where the colours were spectacular. Great walks to amazing views at the island stops as well as the option to do snorkelling or paddle boarding. We saw lots of birds and a fur seal. Would highly recommend this trip.
      Written January 31, 2025
    • Curiosity45942539494
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great crew and experience
      Great experience, Nick ( the Skipper) and the Deckhand young lady ( from Portugal) couldn't have been more welcoming and professional. Great tour, lovely beaches, snorkeling was relaxing ( not many varieties of fish ). Great information on the wild life and scenery. A must do Tour.
      Written January 31, 2025
    See all 693 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles60 reviews
    Excellent
    57
    Very good
    2
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Wayne Huang
    Auckland Central, New Zealand13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We set off before 7am in the morning, in order to get there early so that we can spend more time outside. The boat travelled northeast, stopping and starting. The captain introduced the islands, big and small, as if to make us remember each unique island. But we were looking forward to seeing dolphins. After about two hours of sailing, we only saw a little sea lion resting on White Island (self-named, but actually Guano Island).

    Just when everyone was a little anxious, the captain announced that we had arrived at Cave Island, which looked like an elephant standing in the sea from a distance, allowing the passing ships to shuttle back and forth under the elephant's trunk, sometimes screaming.

    After the captain circled the island, he asked everyone to take the last chance to take pictures. As the boat went farther and farther, everyone left a ripple in their hearts, where did my dolphin go...
    Google
    Written April 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Isabelle
    Munich, Germany5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2023 • Couples
    Truly a great experience. The crew was extremely welcoming and gave interesting infos on the islands and the region. The stops, especially roberton island, were beautiful and with a good timeframe. The boat is not a big as other companies so we had a less crowded experience.
    For the boat transfer I recommend wind resistent jackets but the crew provided blankets. All in all a very nice trip
    Written December 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the great review of your recent cruise with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time out on the water with our crew. We do pride ourselves on being able to offer more personalised cruise options with smaller groups so your kind comment are very much appreciated. Thanks for booking with Island Getaway Tours.
    Written January 30, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    klaus705
    Vienna Region, Austria5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2023 • Couples
    The tour was cool, the landscapes beautiful.
    The team consisted of the captain and three very friendly and helpful ladies.
    The wind was quite cold, but blankets and hot drinks were handed out.
    It was impressive that you walked in the historical footsteps of Captain Cook and got an idea of the first encounter between the conquerors and the indigenous people.
    After a short climb to a lookout point you were rewarded with a truly magnificent view.
    You shouldn't miss a short hike at the second island stop, Otheii Bay. Within a few minutes you reach points with wonderful views of the surrounding bays. There is also a good restaurant there for lunch.
    We also drove through the Hole in the Rock and saw some wild animals, seals and little penguins.
    All in all a leisurely tour with a pleasant group size and we were the only boat everywhere. So no crowds.
    Google
    Written October 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi Klaus, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We are happy that you enjoyed yourself and got to see some of the local wildlife.
    Written December 6, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ethan
    Remuera, New Zealand7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing way to spend the day in the Bay of Islands! Great weather with great crew/hosts in one of the gems of New Zealand.
    Our trip included 2 Island stop overs which offered walks up to 360° views of the bay, clear warm water for swimming or simply relaxing on the shoreline. We also ventured out to the Cape Brett Peninsula and out to the world famous hole in the rock and were fortunate to encounter Penguins, Furr seals and Dolphins! The vessel we were on (Arataki) is a new and purpose built vessel for the tour which delivered Amazing results for everyone, it was very spacious, had a bathroom onboard, cold drinks available, blankets for keeping warm and no matter where you were sitting you had a Amazing view. We had great commentary and hosting from Hamish and Tish. Can't reccomend this trip enough. Suitable for people of all ages. Thanks you so much Hamish, Tish and Adam.
    Written September 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for your feedback. Our cruise is the perfect way to spend the day in the Bay of Islands! Sounds like you loved every aspect of our Cruise we offer, the 360° views of the Bay still take my breath away even being a local.
    Written October 8, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sasja B
    Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    We took this tour in June while in the Bay of Islands and loved it!
    Our captain and the crew member (Abby?) were amazing and even pointed out penguins while we were cruising.
    The Hole on the Rock is big enough they can take the boat through and the island stopover was perfect - it was only us boat group, but they said it can be busy in the summer.
    Would definitely recommend this tour for people that want to see all the Bay of Islands and not be on the big touristy boats
    Written August 18, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lynn C
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    This trip was a highlight of our NZ travels! Tisha and skipper Hamish were welcoming and knowledgeable. We stopped on two islands and were able to walk up to high points of both. The views were stunning! We were also given brief histories of the bay and the islands we visited, and info of ongoing environmental work to rid the islands of pests dangerous to the beloved kiwi and other birds. And of course the Hole in the Rock was not to be missed. We were able to motor through it!
    This cruise can take up to 50 people, much fewer than other cruises. There were less than 20 the day we went (in the winter) so we got lots of individual attention. Highly recommend!
    Written July 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    SIB D
    Auckland Central, New Zealand12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020
    We hadn't planned to take a boat trip this time but,quite by chance,dropped into the Island Getaway office on Sunday morning. We hit the jackpot!Adam took a small group of us out for the 3 hour trip which knocked the spots off the big,highly commercialized catameran cruises we have done in the past. I can honestly say that Adam is one of the finest host/guides I have ever met;relaxed,informative,passionate about the wildlfe and everything maritime.Children would warm to his easy manner and their curiosity would respond to his way of explaining things.We couldn't fault a single thing-his timing was spot-on yet we never once felt rushed.I would take any of the tours he runs in preference to the larger cruises as the service is so personal.We saw penguins,dolphins,Roberton Island,Urapukapuka Island, fed fish from the wharf,picnicked and,above all,relaxed and absorbed the beauty of the surroundings.
    Written July 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Shaonum Q
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    I went on this great tour with my family. What an amazing experience, the staff were just the best. Excellent commentary that was very imformative and had me cackling like a hyena. We got to stop over and rest enjoy beautiful spots and go through the hole in the rock 2x. Tish, Hamish, and Conor, I believe their names were (sorry if i have the names wrong). Thank you for being such a solid team and helping me drag my girls pram along 🤣 really appreciate it.
    Written December 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Aw this is great! Thanks so much for sharing, will pass on to the crew :))
    Written December 2, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Rob v
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Family
    The boat tour was awesome, lots to see with great commentary provides. The boat crew were awesome, and we even got to see some Orcas near the hole the rock, which was a great bonus. I highly recommend this as the best way to experience the bay of Islands.
    Written October 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review! We are pleased you enjoyed your day and got to see some of the local wildlife!
    Written December 6, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    agnosticus
    Sunnyvale, CA27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2020
    Three hours with lots of things to see and do: we stopped at Motuarohia and saw a historic site, a fascinating island layout, and a superb vista point (well maintained). We then made our way to Urupukapuka and took in the views of this neat, pastoral island with pristine waters and clean beaches. We spent just the right amount of time on the water so the kids enjoy it, but not too much that they would get bored. We hiked, looked at tide pools, and talked to sheep.

    Lin was a very good guide: knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. We appreciated that he was not over-the-top like some guides are =) We highly recommend him.

    We had a great time and we would use Sea Shuttle again.
    Written September 28, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Showing results 1-10 of 60
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife provided by Island Getaway Tours

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