Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in Bay of Islands

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed "˜R. Tucker Thompson,' built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you'd like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You'll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Follow the century-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies throughout the Bay of Islands - called a 'cream trip' - on this full-day cruise by catamaran from Paihia or Russell. See the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, spend time on one of many Islands that maker up the Bay of Islands, and search the waters for whales, seals and other marine life. On board the multi-level vessel, an informative crew points out natural landmarks, local homes and secluded bays. Stroll the island, relax on the beach or opt to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat (own expense).

Enjoy a 2-hour sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands on a boat that gets you close to landmarks such as Black Rocks, Urupukapuka Island and Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island). After departing from either Paihia or Russell, your captain takes you through the scenic region and provides informative commentary about its history and wildlife. Keep an eye out for sightings of dolphins and seals, and snorkel independently at Urupukapuka Island if you wish to disembark and  catch a boat back later in the day (8:30am departure only).

Watch wild dolphins frolic near your boat and have the option to hop in the water and swim near them on this half-day Bay of Islands dolphin-watching cruise in New Zealand. Your captain cruises to remote islands, where you look for dolphins and other marine animals such as seals, orcas and penguins. If conditions allow, you can even swim with the dolphins from the boat - an unforgettable experience! Hear informative commentary from the crew on a tour that has a maximum of 35 participants, ensuring a more customized adventure.

Watch for dolphins in the Bay of Islands on a 4-hour wildlife cruise by high-speed catamaran, with the chance to swim alongside a pod of dolphins. This half-day dolphin tour is specially designed to respect the dolphins' habitat, and includes use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this 4-hour cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay's 144 islands, sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and experience Maori culture at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Along the way, tuck into lunch and afternoon tea on-board and spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Slip through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' in New Zealand's Northland during your 3-hour Bay of Islands cruise by high-speed catamaran. Pass rocky outcrops, sandy beaches and an array of islands as you make your way out to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Motu Kokako Island. Keep an eye our for Dolphins and other marine and birdlife.