Day Cruises in North Island

Explore the volcanic terrain of Rangitoto Island aboard a 4WD tractor-pulled tram on this half-day guided tour. Depart Auckland for Rangitoto on a ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf, and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the water and city skyline after a short walk to the island's summit. During your 2-hour off-road adventure, hear commentary about the island's history, geology and rich plant life, including the largest preserved pohutukawa forest in the world.

Take in the sights of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Ship Cove on a morning boat tour from Picton. The 3.5-hour journey follows a network of waterways as your captain narrates the highlights of the Marlborough Sounds. During free time while anchored at Ship Cove, see Maori wood carvings and a Captain Cook memorial, and explore the sheltered beach. Be on the lookout for marine life and other natural features of this breathtaking region while you sip complimentary tea and coffee on board.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your 1.5-hour Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel - it's up to you.

Set sail around Waitemata Harbor on-aboard a professional America's Cup racing yacht and experience the thrill of sailing a world-class boat. Accompanied by a professional sailing crew, go head to head with another sailing team in a mock competition, and get hands-on as you pick up speed and try to out-manoeuvre the opposition.

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).

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this 1.5-hour boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.

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.

Take a 75-minute journey across the Hauraki Gulf aboard the Rotoroa Island ferry. Your round-trip ticket allows you to explore the island's arts, history and conservation park, including sandy shoreline, hiking trails and an award-winning museum. Opened to the public in 2011, Rotoroa Island was the longtime home to an addiction treatment center run by the Salvation Army. Visit the heritage buildings and a Rotoroa wildlife sanctuary for endangered New Zealand species. Spend about 6 hours at your leisure before returning to Auckland.

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.

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.

Discover the natural beauty and fresh seafood of the Marlborough Sounds during a 3.5-hour cruise from Picton. Travel by luxury catamaran through the sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound, located at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Taste fresh seafood served on board and paired with a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You'll also learn about aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds, check out a salmon and mussel farm, and get great photo ops of the region.

Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound to Motuara Island and Ship Cove on a 4.5-hour boat tour from Picton. Search for birdlife and marine mammals, such as Hector's dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, as your captain details the region's natural and cultural history. Spend time exploring Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary, home to endangered native birds including the South Island saddleback, king shag, little blue penguin and kiwi. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board, with free time ashore in Ship Cove.

Glide past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport Naval Base on a cruise from Waitemata Harbour. Your tour includes morning or afternoon tea.

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).

Secure a limited ticket to Tiritiri Matangi island, a protected sanctuary for rare and endangered bird species of New Zealand. A 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf brings you to the island preserve, where you have the day to stroll the trails and enjoy the coastline after a ranger orientation. Gain a deeper understanding of Tiritiri Matangi's role in preserving birdlife with an optional 1.5-hour guided hike.

Visit the remote communities of Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a working mail boat. This scenic 4-hour boat cruise departs Picton in the afternoon and makes New Zealand Post rural delivery service along different routes each day of the week. Experience the lifestyle of the Marlborough Sounds firsthand as the boat captain shares regional history and stories of these isolated hamlets. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board and disembark for a 15-minute stop at Ship Cove (1st Oct to 30th April).