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North Island

Start: Paihia Beach
Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Travel Time: 2 hours
Minimum Age: 5

Details

Unwind as the Bay of Islands Glows at Twilight

There’s nothing quite like the glow of a Bay of Islands sunset reflecting off calm waters. As your cruise sets off from Paihia, the changing light transforms the sky into soft shades of gold and rose. The air fills with the gentle scent of the sea, creating a sense of total relaxation.

As you drift past Russell and Waitangi, you’ll feel the peaceful rhythm of the waves and the hum of evening life onshore. The friendly crew makes sure your glass stays topped up while sharing stories of the region’s history and local legends. It’s a setting that captures the heart of coastal New Zealand at its best.

A Sunset Escape You’ll Never Forget

Midway through the cruise, you’ll anchor at a secluded bay, where calm waters invite you for a swim or a quiet moment on deck. It’s the ideal chance to disconnect from the day and simply take in the beauty of your surroundings. The stillness of the evening, broken only by gentle ripples, feels truly timeless.

As the sails catch the last of the breeze, the Bay glows under the fading light, offering the perfect close to your Northland adventure. Whether with friends, family, or someone special, this experience blends relaxation, scenery, and warmth in a way only the Bay of Islands can deliver.

INCLUSIONS

  • Refreshing Experience: Enjoy a swim stop at a sheltered anchorage and sip on a complimentary cold drink.
  • Professional Crew: Guided by an experienced skipper and crew for a safe and enjoyable journey.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Schedule & Duration:
    • Departs from Paihia Beach at 5:00 PM (boarding begins at 4:45 PM).
    • The cruise lasts 2 hours, returning at 7:00 PM.
  • Location & Group Size:
    • Meet at Paihia Beach, Marsden Rd, Paihia.
    • Limited to 16-20 guests per cruise
  • Seasonal & Seating Notes:
    • Water Temperature: Ranges from 18°C in October to a peak of 23°C in February.
    • Onboard Seating: Options include bean bags and benches, with shade available from the sails during the cruise.

AGE INFORMATION

  • Adult: 18 years +
  • Teens: 13-17 years
  • Children: 0-12 years

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

  • 48 hours or more before departure: 10% cancellation fee**
  • Less than 48 hours before: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes any payment or credit card fees, if applicable, that are non-refundable.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

We’re located on Paihia Beach. Walk along the beach, and you’ll see our boat anchored close to the shore—easy to spot!

  • Water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunblock (no sprays)
  • Warm clothing, a jacket, and footwear for island walks
  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Prepare for strong sun and cool breezes with clothing to cover your skin.
  • Comfort: The boat stays flat while sailing, great for first-timers or families.
  • Motor or sail: We prefer sailing but use a motor for anchoring or when there’s no wind.
  • Seating: Options include bean bags and benches, with occasional shade from the sails.
  • Shoes: We go barefoot—embrace the Kiwi culture!

Dolphins are often spotted, but sightings aren’t guaranteed. As the Bay of Islands is a Marine Mammal Sanctuary, we follow strict guidelines to ensure their safety. Encounters are natural and unforgettable.

Yes! Guests are welcome to assist with setting sails or steering when conditions allow.

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable. Light rain is manageable with provided ponchos or by retreating to the cabin. For severe weather, we may cancel or postpone, with refunds if rescheduling isn’t possible. The skipper makes safety-focused decisions based on forecasts.

Our Island Hopper Cruise may suit your schedule. Allow 1.5–2 hours for transfers between Paihia Beach and your ship. Arrive 15 minutes before departure—we leave on time. We recommend travel insurance for unexpected changes.

Yes, there’s a marine toilet. Note that the islands we visit don’t have restrooms.

Risk Disclosure Statement

We are committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience. We take all care to ensure your safety, however there are inherent risks in the nature of our activity. To ensure your safety, you must follow the
instructions of our time, act in a safe manner, be physically capable of undertaking any activity you partake in, and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The following risks may result in serious injury or death:

  • Boarding and disembarking – slips, trips, falls, crushing.
  • Sailing equipment – impact injury from moving parts, entanglement.
  • Changing weather conditions – sea state, moving vessel, exposure to the elements wind cold rain sun heat, unforeseen events. Natural hazards.
  • Water activities – swimming snorkeling paddle boarding, encounters with marine creatures, cuts & grazes, missing person, person adrift, drowning.
  • Island walks – uneven terrain, slips & trips, cliffs & steep drop offs, getting lost.
  • Chemicals – poisoning, burns.
  • Remote location – medical facilities and immediate access to medical care are limited and may be significantly distant.
  • Vessel Emergencies – Person overboard, vessel grounding, steering, loss of engine power, fire, abandon ship, encounters with marine mammals.
  • Natural Hazards – Tsunami, waterspout, wildfire.
  • Personal Property – risk to personal property being damaged.

By participating, you signify your acknowledgment and acceptance of these inherent risks, and agree to conduct yourself in a safe manner.
Your safety and enjoyment are our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation ensuring a safe experience. You agree to inform all others in your party of the above risks.

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