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Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
  • 13 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
    • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
    • Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
    • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
    • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
    • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • WiFi on board
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
    • Engaging and informative commentary in English
    • Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
    • Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
    • Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
    • Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
    • Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
    • Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
    • Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
    • Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
    • Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner

    Meeting and Pickup

    You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Pickup details

    We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you. Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers. Scheduled Pick-Up Timings [08:30 AM - Cordis Auckland, Mercure Auckland, Kiwi International, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Pullman Auckland]; [08:35 AM - Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, VR Auckland City Hobson Street, Crowne Plaza Auckland]; [08:40 AM - SkyCity Hotel, The Grand By SkyCity, Heritage Auckland, Rydges Auckland]; [08:45 AM - JW Marriot, voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, ibis Budget Auckland City Centre]; [08:50 AM - Mövenpick Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel]; [08:55 AM - M Social, Hilton Auckland]; [09:00 AM - Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt, Swiss Bel-Suites Victoria Park];

    or

    Meeting point

    • Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
      8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

      Our central meeting point in Auckland City is in front of Movenpick Hotel (8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010). This meeting point is well connected with Auckland's public transport network. Kindly advise us if you will be meeting us at this location.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Operating hours
    .9:00 am

    Itinerary

    1

    Auckland Central

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    2

    La nonna Italian Bakery

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    3

    Hundertwasser Public Toilets

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    4

    Cruise to the Hole in the Rock

    4 hours Admission Ticket Included

    5

    Auckland Central

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
    • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
    • A full commentary is provided by your skipper onboard the cruise. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
    • A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
    • You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
    • Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
    • Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
    • You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
    • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
    • Easy and good fitness level required.
    • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
    • The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 22 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Nature’s Beauty

    Michele_B, Mar 2026
    Very long day but well worth it! Seas were a little choppy on the boat, so if you are prone to sea sickness or aren’t sure take motion sickness meds before or use a patch. Our driver guide Karthik was amazing and knows so much about the country and history! I highly recommend this tour!!!!!

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Kia Ora Michele, Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review! The Bay of Islands is always an adventure, and we’re so glad it was a day worth every moment for you. Great tip as well for future travellers heading out on the water. Karthik will be delighted to hear your kind words. He loves bringing the journey to life with stories and insights that make the day even more memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would love to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team

    Bay of Islands Review

    Deborah_G, Mar 2026
    The driver who took us was very informative and told us a lot about NZ and the culture, aboriginal traditions and the earthquakes. We had comfort stops and the bakery we stopped at was perfect.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Kia Ora Deborah, Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the journey and the commentary shared along the way. It’s great to know the comfort stops and the bakery stop added nicely to your day as well. We always aim to make the drive both informative and enjoyable, sharing insights into New Zealand’s history, culture, and landscapes while ensuring guests travel comfortably. Thank you again for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another journey in the future. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
    From
    -10%

    $257.43

    per person
    Was $286.04

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 74 days in advance.

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