The 15 Best Bay of Islands Cruises

1.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,002 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90Our pick

Spend 4.5 hours aboard a small boat with a local crew among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Visit Motuarohia and Urupukapuka, walk to the Twin Lagoons lookout, snorkel with supplied gear, watch for dolphins, and travel through the Hole in the Rock if sea conditions allow. Guides such as Blair, Hamish, and Zac add lively local stories.

“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!”

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2.Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 877 reviews · 11 hours · from $104

Travel from Paihia to Cape Reinga in a purpose-built 46-seat coach with an English-speaking guide such as George, Barry, Tania, or Willy. Expect Māori stories, a lighthouse visit, Tasman Sea and Pacific views, lunch by the water, and sandboarding when conditions allow. It is a long day, but regular stops break up the drive.

“Very convenient way to be able to travel around Cape Reinga. Plenty of rest stops and sights to see. Drive over beach was great!”

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3.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 821 reviews · 4h 30m · from $95

Cruise from Paihia or Russell through the Bay of Islands with an English-speaking crew, marine mammal viewing, and a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. You will pass Cape Brett, visit Motukōkako, and may travel through the Hole in the Rock if conditions allow. Food and drinks are available onboard and at the island café.

“Captain and staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. No question asked was not answered. Only disappointing part was no dolphins or whales were spotted, but that can't be helped. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise”

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4.Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 701 reviews · from $104Top rated

Join Island Getaway Tours in Paihia for a 4.5-hour cruise through New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Captain Hamish, Nick, Blair, or another local skipper may guide the day, with wildlife stories, two island stops, swimming and snorkelling, Cape Brett Lighthouse, and a chance to pass through the Hole in the Rock.

“I finally ticked the Hole in the Rock off my bucket list and got to see the Captain Cook Lookout as well. The crew was friendly and helpful, and they shared the history of the area with us. I would definitely recommend this experience to others.”

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5.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the working tall ship R. Tucker Thompson with Captain Magnus and crew. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or relax. Morning tea, fresh scones, chicken BBQ lunch, and a Russell to Paihia ferry ticket are included when selected.

“My partner and I recently went on the R. Tucker Thompson Bay of Islands Tall Ship tour, and it was amazing! The crew were friendly, and great immersing their guests in an interactive sailing experience. Every step of the way the crew made Read more”

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6.Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 332 reviews · 3 hours · from $78

Set out from Paihia with Island Getaway for a three-hour cruise through the Bay of Islands. You’ll walk to Roberton Island’s 360-degree lookout, hear live commentary, and cruise toward Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow. Guides such as Zac, Dan, Nick, and Hamish are known for friendly, informative service.

“we thought the whole experience was first class. The crew Hamish,Bluebell and Roberta were exceptional very freindly and very knowledgeable.”

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7.Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $74

Join a small group of up to 14 from Paihia’s Main Wharf for a 2.5-hour boat ride to the Hole in the Rock. Guides including Jeff, Geoff, and Pete share local stories, steer through the natural tunnel when conditions permit, then reveal the glass bottom at Otehei Bay for fish feeding.

“Great trip great guide and length of tour just spot on 👍”

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8.Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 317 reviews · from $139

Travel from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel with a local guide to Haruru Falls, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and the Manginangina Kauri Walk. Guides such as Dyson, Rob, Greg, Mike, and Gareth are praised for clear commentary. The tour suits cruise passengers, but uses most of a short port visit.

“Even though it rained all day we still had a great time and excellent driver. Dyson was patient, educational and helpful.”

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9.Waitangi Treaty Grounds Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 314 reviews · from $45

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your pass includes the introductory film, a 50-minute guided tour, museums, heritage buildings, the world’s largest ceremonial waka, and a 30-minute Māori performance with poi, games, songs, and haka. Use the ticket across two consecutive days.

“History of the area and the country given from a native prospective. the craftmanship of the Mauri plus the history of how the island was settled . performance of Mauri singers and dancers.”

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10.Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 283 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90

Spend 4.5 hours with Island Getaway exploring the Bay of Islands by small boat. Your English-speaking skipper and crew, including guides such as Hamish, Nick, Blue, Adam, and Tish, lead you to Roberton Island, a second island stop, the Hole in the Rock, and quiet snorkeling coves. Bring swimwear, a towel, and lunch.

“If you like scuba diving and paddleboarding this is the trip for you”

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11.Bay of Islands: Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 265 reviews · 4h 30m · from $107

Spend 4.5 hours aboard Explore Group’s power catamaran cruising among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Your local skipper provides live commentary, takes you to the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow, and stops at Otehei Bay for lunch and island time. Summer adds kayak, paddleboard, and later-ferry options.

“Above and beyond our expectations, seriously a not to be missed trip.”

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12.Discover the Bay – Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 265 reviews · from $117

Cruise from Paihia through the Bay of Islands, with live commentary, a possible passage through the Hole in the Rock, marine mammal spotting, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay for a buffet lunch, swimming, walking, and birdlife. The boat carries up to 75 people, and crew members such as Marty and Wayne have led memorable departures.

“I didn't see the whole in the rock due to weather. They did give the option to delay, but I opted to stay. The boat was heaving as were most people around me! So factor this in if they give the option to bale. Overall it was pleasant seeing the bays and the lunch was a very nice buffet.”

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13.Bay of Islands: 12,000ft Skydive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 253 reviews · from $93

You’ll tandem skydive from 12,000 feet above New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, with about 40 seconds of freefall before a gentler parachute descent. Skydive Bay of Islands provides training, safety equipment, and a professional instructor. Pickup is available in central Paihia and Kerikeri, with photos and video sold separately.

“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.”

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14.Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 225 reviews · from $105

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell, with commentary from your skipper, chances to spot dolphins, and a 90-minute stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Swim, walk to hilltop viewpoints, visit the café, and see the Hole in the Rock, with a chance to pass through it when conditions allow.

“Fantastic experience. We didn’t see any sea life however, but the crew were professional which made the cruise a lot of fun. I defiantly recommend this .”

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15.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114

Set sail from Russell at 10am aboard Vigilant, a comfortable yacht limited to 10 people. Captain Nat, Dallas, Anita, or Nick may invite you to help with the sails or take the helm. Expect a wind-led route, island time for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and walking, plus lunch, hot drinks, and return transport to Russell.

“We enjoyed a lovely day aboard Vigilant. The captain and her first mate were knowledgeable sailors and made the day quite enjoyable. They made us feel welcome and shared their knowledge and history of the area. We spent 1.5 hours on an island that allowed us to hike, swim, and kayak followed by a freshly made lunch and a leisurely sail. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time getting to know the captain, first mate and our fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.”

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