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Bay of IslandsBoats & yachts

Our most recommended Bay of Islands Boats & yachts

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

1. Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Maeune Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe. Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako). Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

2. Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands on a personalised, small-group, interactive boat cruise. Combine the best activities of the Bay of Islands with interactive and informative commentary for an amazing day excursion. Stop at Roberton Island and disembark for a 10-minute walk along a native bush trail. At the end of the trail discover a breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint over the bay. Enjoy a complimentary beachside morning tea provided by the crew and have the opportunity to explore the tidal lagoons. Climb back on board and continue cruising among the 144 islands of the Bay keeping a lookout for marine wildlife and unique shorebirds. Your second island stop takes you to one of the Bay of Islands’ most secluded and unfrequented bays. Snorkel and explore the underwater reefs and take a walk along the island trails. Relax on the beach or jump in the water for a swim, do as much or as little as you want.

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

3. From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stop

Travel among the 144 remote islands of New Zealand's renowned Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided boat tour departing from Paihia and discover some of the most unique sights of this natural destination. Admire the stunning Hole in the Rock and stop to explore one of the islands. Set sail and surround yourself with the imposing rocky scenery of the Bay of Islands. Keep an eye out for a variety of marine wildlife as you cruise along the coastline. Listen to interesting commentary from your tour guide as they relay the history of the area. Visit the original landing site of Captain James Cook on Roberton Island. Experience Cathedral Cave on Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. If weather permits, you'll even sail through it. Up next, take in the awe-striking Cape Brett Peninsula and its lighthouse. Stop at one of the islands along the way. Take a short walk toward a lookout point and help feed the schools of fish in the Voluntary Marine Reserve.

Paihia: Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock

4. Paihia: Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock

Explore one of the most popular tourist destinations on New Zealand's North Island the way it's meant to be enjoyed – from the water. See golden beaches, secluded coves, and colorful fish on this boat tour. The tour leaves from the Main Wharf in Paihia and takes you to the Hole in the Rock. If weather conditions allow, your captain will take you right through this natural tunnel. Admire the views in Deep Water Cove and sail through the Okahu Passage. The last stop is at Otehei Bay where the boat's floor is lifted to reveal the blue water below. Feed the fish and admire them through the boat's glass floor.

Bay of Islands: Island Hopper Day Sailing Cruise from Paihia

5. Bay of Islands: Island Hopper Day Sailing Cruise from Paihia

Embark on a magical day sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands. Experience the Kiwi barefoot culture for yourself as you step straight from Paihia's beachfront onto a modern catamaran.  Set sail through the bay's 144 islands to a remote island stopover aboard Kopiko, a 33-foot performance catamaran built for speed, comfort, and style. Lend the friendly crew a hand with sailing the boat, or spread out with plenty of deck space where you can grab a bean bag and chalk up some leisure time. Discover a wealth of wildlife from seabirds, stingrays, seals, penguins, to dolphins.  Arrive in a stunning bay, where you'll anchor close to the beach. Step off onto the island and enjoy a delicious packed lunch at a stunning picnic spot of your choice. Enjoy short walking trails, picturesque views, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, or digging your toes into the sand. After your island adventures, set sail and watch the wind fill the sails as you relax on the return trip. 

From Paihia: 3.5-Hour Day Cruise and Island Tour

6. From Paihia: 3.5-Hour Day Cruise and Island Tour

Discover the remote islands of the Bay of Islands on this guided cruise. Get to know the local flora and fauna, dive underneath the waves, snorkel alongside colorful fish, and try your hand at other fun water activities. Check-in before setting off along the sheltered coastline for a scenic cruise. Stop off at Roberton Island, also known as Twin Lagoons, for a 10-minute walk along the native bush to a breathtaking 360-degree lookout over the bay.  After the walk, explore the tidal lagoons before stepping back on board the boat and continuing your cruise along the Bay of Islands, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Then, stop at one of the bay’s most secluded and unfrequented bays to try some new activities.  Snorkel and explore the underwater reefs, stroll on an island trail, give stand-up paddle-boarding a try, relax on the beach, or jump in the water for a swim. Make the day your own, with the activities that interest you most. Finally, board the boat for the return scenic cruise back to Paihia.

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over

7. Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over

Set off on a scenic 4.5 to 5-hour cruise to discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife in an area soaked in rich culture and history. Board the black and yellow power cat at Paihia Wharf and be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. Your crew will deliver a full safety briefing and overview of the trip. Cruise among the 144 islands and enjoy entertaining live commentary from your local knowledgeable skipper. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it. Spot local wildlife including dolphins, birds, seals and even the occasional whale with a success rate of over 90%. Your trip will also include a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Enjoy free time to explore the island. If you wish, you can hire kayaks, or paddleboards (available during summer only) or just relax on the beach. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island and return on a later ferry (only available during summer).

Hole in the Rock 1.5-Hour Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

8. Hole in the Rock 1.5-Hour Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

Fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands on a 1.5-hour ocean adventure. Experience the thrill of an open-air fast boat ride as you cruise among the bay's 144 islands and explore the bay's iconic sites. Enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and exhilaration with informative commentary and stops to observe the abundant wildlife along the way. Speed through the open waters in a purpose built state of the art catamaran. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock, the gorgeous Cape Brett Peninsula, and enter the spectacular Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Ride the waves past sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and the many varied island landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife including whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Learn about the area's unique characteristics and fascinating history from your friendly, informative skipper. This exhilarating tour is also a very comfortable and safe one. Complete with padded seats and seat belts, the boat is designed to protect its passengers riding in the open ocean. Life jackets and weather-proof jackets are also provided.

Paihia: Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat Trip

9. Paihia: Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat Trip

Head out on a 30-minute water adventure on a jet boat in the Bay of Islands. Feel the adrenaline as you experience 360-degree spins, tricks, and high-speed maneuvers while taking in the beautiful views of the bay. Rest assured that this is a safe experience, with all life jackets, splash jackets, and glasses provided to protect you. You'll also benefit from a guide who will be with you the whole time. Weather permitting, pass some of the Bay of Islands; iconic sights, such as Russell, Tapeka Point, Motoroa Island, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Get your heart going with quick turns, sweeping turns and spins, and speeds of up to 45 knots. Enjoy the experience in the only jet boat in the bay, powered by a 510 HP V8 LSX-454.

The Cream Trip: A Day in the Bay of Islands

10. The Cream Trip: A Day in the Bay of Islands

Glide past some 144 islands out to the remote Cape Brett Peninsula on a Bay of Islands day cruise. Board your purpose-built cruising vessel, and join your skipper as you set out on the original route used to deliver milk, post, and other supplies to the people who live in the remote Bay of Islands, the Cream Trip. See the Black Rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as your crew provides entertaining commentary. Make a stop at a secluded island where you can enjoy a relaxing swim while admiring the natural beauty surrounding you. If you are looking for a unique Bay of Islands cruise, the Cream Trip is sure to deliver.

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Frequently asked questions about Bay of Islands Boats & yachts

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Other Sightseeing Options in Bay of Islands

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What people are saying about Bay of Islands

We were blessed with a perfect morning. There was a cruise ship in so it was a full boat but everyone was friendly and coperative. The captain gave just enough information on the historical context and the natural marine habitation of this beautiful place. He always turned the boat so everyone on board got a prime view of each spectacular place we visited. We spent quality time at Hole in the Rock. At the island stopover we chose to hike to the top of the nearby hills (about 15 minutes walk up) to enjoy the serenity of the spectacular 360 degree vista we were surrounded by. This also gave time for a swim in the clear aquamarine waters. It was a totally awesome day which I highly recommend.

No rain and calmer ocean meant we were able to go out to see The Hole in the Rock! In the last 10 minutes, we saw a pod of 10-12 dolphins! Absolutely fantastic morning!

Enjoyed the day trip to 2 islands. Locations were picturesque, staff were happy and friendly.

Such a smooth ride on a calm day! A great sight - the hole in the rock!

Great trip. Our skipper Geoff was a friendly and skilled skip.