Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
What will you see and do, and where does the cruise go?
The crew searches the Bay of Islands for dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds, choosing the route according to wildlife activity and conditions. Watch from the outdoor viewing decks or the air-conditioned cabin while the crew explains the marine environment and responsible wildlife viewing. Marine mammals are wild, so the cruise cannot promise a sighting.
The trip combines time on the water with a visit to Urupukapuka Island. Depending on conditions, it may also offer optional boom-netting, where passengers ride in a net in the water alongside the moving vessel. The cruise does not have a scheduled visit to the Hole in the Rock; its focus is wildlife and the island stop. Browse other Bay of Islands cruises from Paihia if you are comparing routes.
Dolphin Eco Cruise departure dates and time breakdown
| What to plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Late October–24 December; April | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays |
| 26 December–31 March | Daily |
| Depart Paihia | 11.30am |
| Depart Russell | 11.40am |
| Time cruising | Approximately four hours |
| Otehei Bay stop | Approximately 1½ hours |
| Total experience | Approximately 5½ hours |
| Return | Around 5pm when departing Paihia; treat this as an estimate and confirm the return time if making a connection |
| Included | Wildlife search, crew commentary and the Otehei Bay stop |
| Additional costs | Lunch, onboard drinks and snacks, and any island equipment hire |
Check the departure available on your chosen date. The operator’s page contains a conflicting “4.5 hour scenic cruise” line, while its highlights and the Go New Zealand itinerary specify about four hours cruising within a 5½-hour trip.
Where does the cruise stop, and what can you do ashore?
The cruise stops for approximately 1½ hours at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. You can swim, relax on the beach or follow a walking track. Conservation work by Project Island Song and its partners has helped restore island habitats; look out for native birds such as tīeke, toutouwai and pāteke while you explore.
You could use your island time to:
- Walk a marked track and watch for native birds.
- Swim or relax beside the bay.
- Eat a picnic or buy lunch at the café.
- Hire a kayak during peak season, subject to availability.
Swimming at the island is separate from wildlife viewing. Swimming with dolphins is not part of this cruise.
Where do you depart, and when do you return?
The scheduled departure is 11.30am from Paihia or 11.40am from Russell. Check in at least 15 minutes beforehand. Explore Group’s Paihia booking office is in the Maritime Building at 69 Marsden Road, by the Paihia waterfront. If your afternoon plans depend on an exact arrival, confirm the return time when booking; the roughly 5pm Paihia return follows from the published 5½-hour duration rather than a separately published arrival time.
Are meals included, and can families join?
Lunch is not included. You may bring a picnic or buy a meal and drinks at the Otehei Bay Café & Bar. Light snacks and drinks are also sold aboard. Allow enough of the island stop for lunch if you want to walk or swim as well. If you prefer a cruise with an included island lunch, see the Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Lunch.
Families are welcome. Children aged 5–15 qualify for child fares, and children under five travel free when included in the booking. Optional boom-netting has separate limits: children under five cannot participate, and those aged 5–12 must be accompanied by an adult. Families can enjoy the wildlife search and island visit without joining that activity.
What happens if weather or sea conditions change?
The skipper may alter the route to suit the sea, weather and wildlife activity. Boom-netting operates only when conditions allow. Departures are also subject to minimum numbers, and the operator may cancel a sailing for safety or comfort. Dress for changing conditions on deck and bring flat-soled shoes, a jacket and sun protection; pack swimwear and a towel if you hope to swim ashore.
- 4-hour Bay of Islands wildlife cruise
- Departure from Paihia or Russell
- Marine wildlife viewing
- Commentary about the marine environment and conservation
- Approximately 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay
- Access to Urupukapuka Island walking tracks
- Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee, subject to conditions
Marine mammal viewing guarantee – enjoy a free return cruise if no marine mammals are spotted during your trip valid for 12 months and subject to availability.
- Adults: 16 years and older.
- Children: 5 - 15 years.
- Infants (Free): 0-4 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
- Within 24 hours: No refund
**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.
