Cruises
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Day Tours
What do you see and do, and where does the tour go?
Your driver-guide takes the group north from Auckland, across the Harbour Bridge and through Northland to Paihia. There you board a purpose-built cruise vessel for the Bay of Islands. The route passes islands and the Cape Brett Peninsula before reaching Motukōkako, the island known for the Hole in the Rock. If the sea is suitable, the skipper may take the vessel through its rock arch; passage is never guaranteed.
The crew provides commentary on the coast and watches for dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife. These are wild animals, so sightings depend on what is present that day. You can watch from the outdoor decks or take shelter in the cabin. The cruise also calls at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island before returning to Paihia for the drive back to Auckland.
Of the 13-hour day, 4½ hours are assigned to the cruise. That cruise time includes the 1½-hour island stop, leaving approximately three hours on the water. Road travel, pickup, boarding and breaks account for the rest of the day. If the boat journey is your priority and you are already staying in Northland, browse Bay of Islands cruises from Paihia.
Bay of Islands Explorer information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Auckland departure | Around 9:00am; the listed Mövenpick Hotel pickup is 8:50am |
| Departure days | Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, September–May |
| Total duration | Approximately 13 hours, returning to Auckland around 10:00pm |
| Time on the cruise | 4½ hours, including approximately 1½ hours ashore at Otehei Bay |
| Included | Auckland CBD return transport, driver-guide, cruise admission, onboard commentary, minibus refreshments and water |
| Meals and extras | Meals are at your own cost; island equipment hire is optional |
The return time is an estimate based on the published 9:00am start and 13-hour duration. Your confirmed pickup and cruise times take priority.
Where does the cruise stop, and how long do you spend ashore?
The scheduled island stop is Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, for approximately 1½ hours. This is free time rather than another guided tour. Decide what matters most before you disembark: a meal at the café can take up much of the stop if you also hope to walk or swim. The beachfront café and bar sells food and drinks, while kayak, snorkel and paddleboard hire may be available in peak season at additional cost.
During the stop, you can:
- Swim or relax near the beach.
- Follow a walking track for views across the bay.
- Buy food and drinks at the café.
- Ask about seasonal equipment hire, if time and conditions allow.
Return to the vessel at the time the crew gives you. The morning cruise sold directly in Paihia may allow passengers to extend their island stay, but that arrangement should not be assumed on this Auckland day tour: its minibus returns south after the scheduled cruise. For more time in Northland, compare a multi-day Bay of Islands tour.
Where do you depart from, and what are the departure and return times?
The central Auckland meeting point is in front of Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, 8 Customs Street East. It is in the city centre, about a five-minute walk from Britomart/Waitematā Station. Paid parking is available at the nearby Commerce Street Car Park; parking is not part of the tour. Selected Auckland CBD hotel pickups may also be available, so use the exact location and time on your confirmation.
The published pickup schedule places Mövenpick at 8:50am and other selected city hotels between 8:30am and 9:00am. Be at your assigned point 10 minutes early—by 8:40am for the Mövenpick pickup. The Bay of Islands cruise normally leaves Paihia at 2:00pm during its September–May afternoon schedule and lasts 4½ hours. Allow for an Auckland return around 10:00pm, with road traffic and the day’s sailing affecting the actual time.
Are meals included, can families join, and what happens in poor weather?
Meals are not included. The minibus provides refreshments and water, while the cruise sells snacks and drinks. You can buy a meal at Otehei Bay’s café during the island stop, at your own expense. Consider eating before the afternoon cruise or carrying a suitable snack: the island visit comes within the 4½-hour sailing, and its exact place in the route can vary.
Families can join. The Auckland package lists adult fares from age 12, child fares for ages 3–11, and an infant category for children two and under. Children under eight need a suitable child safety seat in the minibus; ask about the listed rental option when booking if you cannot bring one. The long road journey and evening return are worth considering for younger children. Those prone to motion sickness should also plan for both several hours in a vehicle and time on open water.
Bring layers, sun protection, shoes with grip and a light rain jacket; add swimwear and a towel if you intend to swim. Weather and sea conditions can change the cruise route, prevent passage through the Hole in the Rock or disrupt an island landing. Marine wildlife sightings are never assured. Travellers with limited mobility should check the complete minibus, vessel and island boarding arrangements before booking; the island has uneven surfaces even where access is possible.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.