Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Small Group Tours
Day Tours
Island Adventures and Scenic Encounters
After your cruise, stop at the beautiful Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for a relaxing break. Enjoy a meal or drink at the licensed café, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or wander along the pristine beaches. For those seeking a view, a short walk up the hill rewards you with panoramic sights across the entire Bay of Islands.
As the day winds down, journey back towards Auckland, soaking in the sunset views from the Harbour Bridge. Your knowledgeable guide adds a touch of humour and insight, making the return trip just as enjoyable as the cruise itself. The Bay of Islands Explorer Experience truly captures the essence of New Zealand’s coastal charm and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
- 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/dinner 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).
- Marvel at the breath-taking scenery en route.
Journey Inclusions
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
- Complimentary refreshments and water onboard.
- Complimentary high-speed internet onboard the minibus.
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
- Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation in a minibus.
- Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
- Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.
Tour Inclusions
- Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
- Engaging and informative commentary in English.
- Lunch/Dinner stop at Otehei Bay.
- Opportunity to purchase lunch or dinner at your own expense.
General Information
- A minimum number of travellers is required. If the tour is cancelled due to low numbers, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
- A full commentary is provided by your skipper. 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.
- The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
- Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions; warm layered clothes work best.
- A comfortable shoes with a good grip.
- Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat.
- Swimming costume and Towel.
- Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold.
- Bring your camera to click the best shots.
- A light rain jacket (just in case).
- Essential personal items.
AGE INFORMATION
- Adult: 12 years +
- Children: 3-11 years
- Infant: 2 years and under
- Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented from us for $50 per child (with 24 hours’ notice). Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
- Within 24 hours before departure: No refund
A minimum number of travellers is required. If the tour is cancelled due to low numbers, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*