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North Island

Start: Paihia or Russell
Locations: 3 See all
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 7 hours

A Full Day of Bay of Islands Scenery and Wildlife

A seven-hour cruise through Ipipiri, the Bay of Islands, brings together the region’s best-known coastal sights in one day. The route follows the heritage of the original Cream Trip, travelling through the inner islands and past Cape Brett before reaching Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock.

Marine wildlife viewing, local history and island scenery continue throughout the day, followed by a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Time ashore can be spent swimming, walking, relaxing at the beach or hiring a kayak, snorkel or paddleboard during peak season, before the cruise continues past the Black Rocks and historic Marsden Cross.

Highlights

  • Follow the historic route of the original Cream Trip
  • See Cape Brett and Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock
  • Watch for dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife
  • Spend time ashore on Urupukapuka Island
  • Swim, walk or relax beside Otehei Bay
  • Pass the Black Rocks and historic Marsden Cross
  • Try boom-netting when sea conditions allow
  • Hear informative commentary throughout the cruise

  • 7-hour Bay of Islands cruise
  • Scenic cruise to Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock
  • Marine wildlife viewing
  • Approximately 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay
  • Commentary about local history and landmarks
  • Cruise past the Black Rocks and Marsden Cross
  • Boom-netting when conditions allow

Marine mammal viewing guarantee – if no marine mammals are spotted during your cruise, you'll receive a free return trip, valid for 12 months. Bookings are subject to availability and on a standby basis.

  • The cruise route is subject to weather and sea conditions
  • Passage through the Hole in the Rock is not guaranteed
  • Wildlife sightings depend on natural behaviour
  • Boom-netting operates only when conditions permit
  • Children under five cannot take part in boom-netting
  • Children aged five to twelve must be accompanied by an adult for boom-netting
  • Food, drinks and equipment hire at Otehei Bay are not included
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

The island stop allows time to swim, walk, relax on the beach or purchase food and drinks. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and paddleboards may be available to hire during peak season.

Dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife may be seen, but sightings depend on natural behaviour. A marine mammal viewing guarantee applies when no marine mammals are spotted during the cruise.

Yes. The cruise travels towards Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock. Passage through the rock depends on weather and sea conditions.

The full Bay of Islands cruise lasts approximately seven hours, including a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

The Day in the Bay Cruise departs from Paihia at approximately 10 am and Russell at approximately 10.10 am.

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