All Bay of Islands Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026 - page 3

Thriller Tour - Bay of Islands, 30 mins (min 2)

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Get onboard the most comprehensive day cruise in the Bay of Islands, taking in the Hole in the Rock, the historic Cream Trip route and an island stop at Otehei Bay. Start the morning cruising through the inner islands and past the Cape Brett Peninsula, out to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako. Take in the scenery, learn about the area's history through our informative and entertaining commentary, and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can relax on the beach, explore a coastal walking track, have a swim or hire a kayak in peak season, then grab a bite to eat and drink from the fully licensed Otehei Bay Bar & Café. Following your island stop, cruise through the inner islands past the unique Black Rocks and the historic Marsden Cross, then try your hand at boom-netting when available.

The Original Full day Bay of Islands Cruise with Dolphins

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Awesome Bay of Islands Day Sailing Adventure on our 65 foot ocean going yacht GUNGHA II. Our sailing tour is exciting, funny and informal. We provide tasty morning snacks, heaps of sailing, a unique island stopover, masks & snorkels, hot outside showers and our yummy fresh sandwich lunch. Marine life including penguins, seabirds and others are often plentiful and frequently sighted in playful groups. Our friendly crew will help you sail the boat or you can simply relax and enjoy. We depart from Paihia/Russell daily at 10:00/10:15 am. We return around 4:00 pm. GUNGHA II is the largest and most widely travelled ocean sailing yacht in the Bay of Islands! Our crew have sailed and lived aboard throughout the Pacific and beyond. Our winter schedule often includes Tonga, Fiji and New Caledonia. If you are keen to talk about or learn some sailing skills our crew will be happy to share! Let us show you our paradise!

Awesome Bay of Islands Day Sailing Adventure

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Spend the day cruising the clear blue waters of the Bay of Islands, hopping from beach to beach – or spend it snorkelling around local reefs and shipwrecks – or spend it hiking through the pristine native bush on a handful of the Bay’s 140-plus islands. On this private charter in the Bay of Islands, do what you to do. Instead of sticking to a tour operator’s preset schedule, tailor your half- or full-day itinerary in the Bay to your own tastes.

Private Charter: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stopovers

Discover the Puketi Kauri Forest on an enriching guided tour, where ancient kauri trees and vibrant wildlife await. Traverse this subtropical rainforest with DOC-licensed guides who provide insights into the forest's ecology and the Māori culture closely tied to this land. Each tour option—day, or night—offers a unique perspective of the lush surroundings. Engage with the rich biodiversity and historical significance of the forest while contributing to its conservation efforts. - Explore the ancient kauri trees, some over a thousand years old - Choose from day, twilight, or night walking tours - Learn about the forest's ecology and Māori heritage from expert guides - Enjoy opportunities to spot native birds and rare plants along protected boardwalks

Guided Puketi Kauri Forest Tour in Bay of Islands

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the sacred spiritual path from Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga on this exclusive small-group tour hosted by the Ngāti Kurī tribe. This enriching experience invites travelers to connect deeply with Māori culture through storytelling and visits to ancestral sites. Enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in the beautiful landscapes and spiritual significance of Te Rerenga Wairua. This tour is perfect for those seeking genuine interactions with locals and a meaningful cultural experience. - Small-group travel for personalized experiences - Guided insights and cultural storytelling along the spiritual pathway - Visit significant Ngāti Kurī sites and enjoy time at Cape Reinga - Packed lunch included to enhance your journey

Ka Uri Experience Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Tour

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Private Yacht Charter and Island Excursions in the Bay of Islands

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private Charter Bay of Islands

Enjoy a day of personalised touring in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Join us on a journey of discovery, experiencing spectacular scenery and enjoying locally produced wine and cuisine. Highlights include learning about the cultural and historic significance of Waitangi during a visit to the Treaty Grounds, marvelling at the ancient giants of Puketi Forest and exploring Aotearoa’s oldest colonial settlements: Kerikeri and Russell. A relaxing soak in the naturally heated, saltwater hot pools is the perfect way to conclude a memorable day in the Far North. Possible inclusions: Treaty of Waitangi Museum, Kerikeri and Russell villages, Puketi Forest, Te Waiariki Ngawha Hot Springs, coastal trails and beaches, Paroa Bay Winery and Sage Restaurant, local art galleries.

Private Bay of Islands Explorer

If you like to explore at full throttle, this private adrenaline experience is perfect for you, with the 350cc power of a serious bike but the stability and road-holding of a classic trike. Roar through hills and valleys from Paihia to Opua, admire the Haruru Falls and Waitangi Lookout, see the Kawakawa Public Toilets (designed by the artist and architect Hundertwasser), then return to Paihia.

Adrenalin Junkie Tour - 60 mins (min 2)

1 hourFree Cancellation

Enjoy the exclusive use of the luxury sailing catamaran, Serenity. Sit back and take in the sights, or if you want to get involved, take a turn at the wheel under the guidance of your professional captain or assist in hoisting the sails. The captain will select a suitable place to drop anchor and allow you to explore the coast via paddleboard, the beach by foot, hike the scenic island trails, swim or snorkel a lagoon, or simply lounge and relax on the spacious decks. The choice is yours to customize the day as you wish. Serenity comfortably accommodates up to 20 guests. Her spacious interior and enclosed cockpit allow ample space for all, even if a rain shower passes over. Pickup and drop-offs at your coastal luxury lodge or accommodation provider can be arranged.

Private Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in the Bay of Islands

Price varies by group size

A spectacular day of customised private touring in one of the most historic and culturally rich parts of New Zealand. From the tranquil villages of Rawene, Kohukohu and Opononi to the mighty Kauri trees of Waipoua Forest, every stop on your adventure reveals a new page in the story of New Zealand’s Northland region. Retrace the journey of the first explorers during an interactive tour at Manea Footprints of Kupe, explore the historic colonial site of Māngungu Mission House and visit boutique art galleries that showcase the works of talented local artists. Possible inclusions: Manea Footprints of Kupe, Waipoua Forest, Māngungu Mission House, visits to historic villages of Kohukohu, Rawene and Opononi, ferry ride to Kohukohu and Northern Hokianga, local galleries and artists’ studios, Te Waiariki Ngawha Hot Springs.

Private Hokianga Explorer

The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise

22 hoursFree Cancellation

Fly over the Far North coastline on a scenic flight between Paihia and Cape Reinga. Soar above Ninety Mile Beach before landing for a minibus tour. Visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, then stroll along the beach at Tapotupotu Bay and visit the giant sand dunes at Te Paki. Look down on remote Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay on your return flight.

Cape Reinga Half-Day Tour Including Scenic Flight

Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit the home of a local and cook delicious vegetarian cuisine with this private cooking class. Step into the beautiful 140-year old villa of your host Anna and learn to cook a range of vegetarian dishes in her wonderful kitchen. After you have finished cooking, enjoy your meal alongside the family at either the dining table or, in summertime, on the vine-covered deck.

Private Modern Vegetarian Cooking Class with Anna in Northland

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Hop aboard Vigilant and enjoy a beautiful private afternoon sailing in the Bay of Islands. We only take up to 10 passengers, the small group allows you to lounge on the yacht comfortably and enjoy the islands privately. Our skipper lives here in Russell and knows plenty about it's history which they will be happy to share with you. Vigilant is a beautiful traditional 42 ft Cutter rig yacht with a wineglass transom, teak decks, and a swamp kauri wooden interior. Enjoy an adventure away from the crowds of sightseers. Here, you can steer your own experience by helping the skipper at the helm, hoisting the sails or, if you prefer, just relaxing on deck while you journey to an island. If you wish, you can swim on one of the beaches, during our short stop over. Comb the shores and walk around to see some great lookouts with panoramic views of the islands.

Afternoon Sail - Bay of Islands Vigilant Yacht Charters

Afternoon Sail - Bay of Islands Vigilant Yacht Charters

Race around New Zealand Forest and Bush at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park on the very popular Electric Full Suspension Mountain Bikes. The park is only located a short drive away from Paihia. There are plenty of trails for all abilities, and on an E-Bike, it will mean that you can do four times the amount of trails you would do on a conventional bike. However, do not think that because it has a motor you are cheating - these are pedal assist (no throttle) so you still need to keep on pedalling! - Get advice on which trails best suit your riding experience from our staff - Experience a beautiful view of the Bay of the Islands from the top of the tracks - Rental includes the $10 Donation to the Community-Built Mountain Bike Park

Explore the Waitangi MTB Park on Electric Bikes

Twin Coast Cycle Trail Shuttle and Bike Hire

45 minutes to 1 hourFree Cancellation

5% savings

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$98$93

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Must-Dos in Bay of Islands

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What are people saying about Bay of Islands

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers

Jennifer_M, Sep 2026

Hole in the rock trip

Well organised, left on time, the crew were so welcoming. Not only did we see the hole in the rock we traveled threw it, we saw dolphins up close, stopped at two islands, one with a walk up to a lookout point, you had to have a reasonable amount of fitness for the track.

3 Hours // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Bay of Islands Tour

Krys_S, Sep 2026

Highly recommend this experience!

Great experience! Don’t pass on this and if you have time do the 4.5 hour tour. We were contacted in the morning and told that we were the only ones booked for the 3-hour tour. I thought oh no! we won’t see the Hole in the Rock! But then they asked if we were okay with extending the tour to 4.5 hours. YES! We’ll get to see the Hole after all. It was a great tour and the crew was excellent and friendly especially Caroline. The weather was great at the Hole! While we had scattered showers they occurred at times when we were under cover so it didn’t dampen the tour at all. We went on a moderately challenging but short hike at Robinson Island and treated to a great view of the bay. We saw dolphins next to our boat which was such a nice surprise! Do this experience! You won’t be disappointed.

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Stopover (Half Day)

Doreen_H, Sep 2026

Boat trip was excellent....

Boat trip was excellent. Got upgraded from the 3 hr tour to the 4 1/2 hr tour 👍🏽. The tour guides were very helpful and friendly and happy to have a chat with you. Bring food and water. Find parking that suits your time limit - inspectors out and about . Avoid a parking fine.

Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia

Richard_W, Sep 2026

Best way to see the Cape

It is a long day, and the beach section has been shortened and now misses the large sand dunes but overall a relaxing experience and better than driving up to the Cape yourself. We had George as our driver/guide and he was excellent. Great sense of humour and made the day for his "Bus Family"

Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

Adish_T, May 2026

Great experience, go for it

Great service. The cruise was well equipped and the staff was very attentive and helpful. The waters were a little chilly that day and the staff was really on their feet with the service and helping passengers with vomit bags and stuff. The commentary was good as well

Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

Jarrod_M, Apr 2026

A great introduction to the Bay of Islands

Michael was the perfect host who accommodated a later arrival (that never happened) from a cruise ship. Our group of 8 was show keys sights with local commentary. Great ending in Russell where additional time could be spent (or alternative dropped off back at Praihai). Highly recommnded tour.

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

Nicola_M, Mar 2026

Enjoyable in spite of awful weather.

Inspite of really poor weather we really enjoyed the trip. Experienced and knowledgeable skipper meant that even though the sea was rough we were able to reach the hole in the rock even if we could not go through. Sadly no marine life was seen that day but we enjoyed a nice lunch and walk on the island before heading back to Russell

Unique Cultural Experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Day Pass

Nicola_M, Mar 2026

A Must Visit Experience, even on a wet windy day.

This is so much more than a visit to an outdoor space where the treaty was signed. It offers an insight into the history and culture of New Zealand by way of a guided tour and cultural performance which gave us an understanding of what led to the treaty and how it was perceived at the time. Our tour guide was amazing, the enthusiasm and knowledge she shared with us for the history of the Treaty made it so interesting. It was a really wet, windy day so we did not spend too long outside but there were plenty of indoor areas and a museum to explore. This visit went beyond my expectations and in my opinion is a must do activity.

Ocean Adventure: Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock

Jamie_C, Jan 2026

A must do activity if you’re a thrill seeker

This was one of our top 5 favorite activities during our 3 week trip to New Zealand. Definitely for the thrill seekers. Loved the music and we even got lucky with a dolphin pod who followed us! Really fun and with it! When looking at all the other boats around I kept thinking we were on the best boat for a thrilling sightseeing adventure

Haruru Waterfalls and Glow Worm Caves Tour

K_W, Dec 2025

Top notch service

On time pick-up at the cruise docking with a wonderful and hospitable guide driver ?William to drop-off. Gave a great drive with history of Maori culture and even invited us to come stay with him to get a true immersive experience. The team at the cave site were also great. There was a short stint through the bush as an alternative exit from the cave that added a challenge for "moderate level" adventurers. Then off to the waterfall for a picturesque and relaxing taste of nature's beauty. Wish I more time than the short cruise docking to explore more!