Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Day Tours
Where does the cruise stop, and what can you do at Otehei Bay?
The scheduled stop is Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, with approximately 1½ hours ashore. You can swim from the beach, take a short coastal walk or relax by the water. Kayak hire may be available in peak season at extra cost. The beachfront café and bar sells food and drinks separately; the time ashore must cover any meal as well as your chosen activities.
This is the chance to explore an island on foot: the Hole in the Rock, Black Rocks and Marsden Cross are sights viewed from the vessel, rather than additional landing points. If your priority is more time at Urupukapuka rather than a seven-hour cruise, compare the island options among Bay of Islands cruises.
Where and when does the cruise depart and return?
Board from Paihia at 10am or Russell at 10.10am. Fullers Bay of Islands has booking offices at the Maritime Building, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia, and 29 The Strand, Russell. Reach your chosen waterfront departure point independently and check in at least 15 minutes early. The seven-hour itinerary includes roughly 2¼ hours cruising before Otehei Bay, 1½ hours ashore and 3¼ hours cruising afterwards; wildlife encounters and sea conditions can alter that split.
| 2026–27 operating dates | Departure days | Paihia departure | Russell departure | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 October–24 December | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | 10am | 10.10am | 7 hours |
| 26 December 2026–31 March | Daily | 10am | 10.10am | 7 hours |
| 1–26 April | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | 10am | 10.10am | 7 hours |
*The tour does not operate on Christmas Day (25 December).
Are meals included on the Cream Trip Super Cruise?
Lunch is not included. Bring food or buy a meal and drinks at the Otehei Bay café. The island stop lasts about 1½ hours, so allow time for lunch if you also want to swim or walk. Kayak hire costs extra. For a shorter cruise with an included meal, see the Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Lunch.
Is the Cream Trip Super Cruise suitable for families?
Yes. Children under five travel free but must be included in the booking; child fares apply to ages 5–15. Families can enjoy the wildlife search, cruise and island stop without joining the optional boom-netting. Children under five cannot boom-net, and those aged 5–12 must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The skipper may change the route or cancel the cruise if sea or weather conditions are unsuitable. Sailing through the Hole in the Rock and offering boom-netting both depend on conditions on the day. Check your departure status if the forecast is unsettled, particularly if you have onward travel planned.
- 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.
- 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.
