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Bay of IslandsSailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Bay of Islands Sailing trips & boat tours

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

1. 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

2. 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. 

Luxury Yacht Cruise in the Bay of Islands

3. Luxury Yacht Cruise in the Bay of Islands

Board our beautiful sailing catamaran “Serenity” from Paihia Wharf at 10am; once we have cleared the harbour we hoist the sails and make our way out into the stunning Bay of Islands. Relax and take in the sights with a complimentary tea or coffee as we cruise past some of the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. We select a bay that is sheltered from the prevailing weather conditions and drop anchor. From here we will prepare your kiwi barbeque lunch onboard before you step ashore to explore. If you are feeling adventurous, you may want to hike to the nearest viewpoint, or we have snorkelling gear and paddleboards available for your use. If you simply want to relax we have plenty of lounging areas onboard for you to take full advantage of, or you may want to pick a quiet spot on the beach. We weigh anchor and set sail in time for us to arrive back at Paihia Wharf at approx 4pm. Enjoy the sail back to Paihia with a complimentary beverage.

Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Catamaran Charter

4. Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Catamaran Charter

Relax as we set sails and take in the amazing scenery as you make your way out into the Bay of Islands. Hop onboard a 40ft sailing catamaran; Hibiscus Star, with plenty of space to soak up the sun on the top deck. Keep an eye out for local wildlife. We'll anchor at a beach that is only accessible by boat and you can choose how to spend your two hour island excursion. Take a dinghy ride to the beach, go for walk on the island, or explore the water with the included snorkeling and paddle boarding gear. Enjoy a delicious packed lunch before our return sail to Paihia. With the option to purchase snacks and non alcoholic drinks onboard, or bring your own alcoholic drinks to sip while you glide over the water. Please note: This cruise requires a minimum of 4 passengers before your booking will be confirmed.

Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

5. Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

Board Northland’s iconic tall ship the R. Tucker Thompson for a 2-hour sail on the inner bay. Get involved and help hoist the sails or sit back and relax as you pass around a shared antipasto platter. Enjoy a drink from the cash bar and experience the beauty of a traditionally rigged vessel under sail. Ferry tickets to Russell are included in the tour price, so why not head over early and spend an afternoon exploring the historic village or dine in one of the many excellent restaurants after your sail. The ship is operated as a not-for-profit charitable trust with proceeds from sailing activities used to support youth sail training programs over the New Zealand winter. Find out more about us online: www.tucker.co.nz or call us on 0800 TUCKER

Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

6. Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

On boarding this ocean going yacht in Paihia guests are greeted with a safety briefing and invited to join in sailing as participants or simply relax and enjoy. On the journey, guests are treated to fresh fruit and vegetable snacks. See the various and beautiful land formations, ancient lava flows and numerous wave swept caves.  Spot penguins and other marine life in playful groups as the yacht sails along. Upon arrival at the island stopover, guests are invited to swim ashore with snorkel gear, if wished. Those wishing to stay dry are transferred ashore. While on the island travelers may choose to go on a walk, comb the beach, snorkel or a combination of all.  After exploring, enjoy a fresh sandwich lunch provided on board (vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options available) before heading back to land.

Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

7. Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

Embark on a unique evening sailing cruise in the Bay of Islands. Experience the Kiwi barefoot culture for yourself as you step straight from Paihia's beachfront at 5:00 PM onto a modern catamaran. Get out on the water and watch the sun going down - the perfect start to a relaxed night out with friends and family or a romantic getaway. Enjoy a relaxed sail aboard a smooth catamaran as you take in the idyllic Bay of Islands in the early evening. Sail the inner bays of the Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi. Experience the landscape from a different perspective on the water. Soak in the views as you cruise alongside the water's edge and meander through peaceful anchorages, catching a glimpse of prime real estate perched on the hilltops. An optional swim in a peaceful anchorage is on the agenda and a complimentary drink is included. Cruise returns to Paihia around 7:00 PM, just in time for dinner.

Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 15 people

8. Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 15 people

Book out our 40ft sailing catamaran-Hibiscus Star all to yourself! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather and time permitting). Do you want to spend the charter sailing? Or would you rather get to shore and explore? The option is yours with this private day charter. Or follow our itinerary with a 2 hour sail out into the Bay of Islands, a 2 hour shore excursion where you can swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. After snorkeling and paddleboard you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Departure/Return Point: Paihia Wharf (Russell Wharf pick up/drop off available on request) Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Upgraded lunch menu, charcuterie boards etc.)

Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 10 people

9. Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 10 people

Book out our 40ft sailing catamaran-Hibiscus Star all to yourself! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather permitting). Do you want to spend the charter sailing? Or would you rather get to shore and explore? The option is yours with this private day charter. Or follow our itinerary with a 2 hour sail out into the Bay of Islands, a 2 hour shore excursion where you can swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. After snorkeling and paddleboard you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Departure/Return Point: Paihia Wharf (Russell Wharf pick ups available on request) Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Upgraded lunch menu, charcuterie boards etc.)

Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 19 people

10. Private Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands | Up to 19 people

Book out our 40ft sailing catamaran-Hibiscus Star all to yourself! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather and time permitting). Do you want to spend the charter sailing? Or would you rather get to shore and explore? The option is yours with this private day charter. Or follow our itinerary with a 2 hour sail out into the Bay of Islands, a 2 hour shore excursion where you can swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. After snorkeling and paddleboard you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Departure/Return Point: Paihia Wharf (Russell Wharf pick up/drop off available on request) Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Upgraded lunch menu, charcuterie boards etc.)

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What people are saying about Bay of Islands

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 197 reviews

What a fantastic day outing. We booked this as our day trip on December 31st and it was fantastic. The vessel is great, the crew super friendly, the facilities and gear top notch. Our party had a blast and we would gladly recommend this to anyone looking for a chill day sailing the bay of islands.

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed ship cruise staff so warm funny welcoming. Excellent highly recommend.

Guides were very friendly and professional. Lunch was good. The island we went to was beautiful.

The boat is very new, clean and fast. Had a very good experience.

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