Top Bay of Islands Adventure Tours

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and beachside tea with biscuits.

When your ship docks at Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of Northland. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, roaring Haruru Falls, and Manginangina Kauri Walk, where you can stroll among ancient trees. You can also sample local sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

Explore the Bay of Islands from the seat of a 350 Chev Trike for a fun-filled and memorable experience. You can choose from three different routes that include some of the area’s must-see sights, or combine them all for a longer trip. Your driver keeps you safe and gives you local insights into the Paihia area. This tour is wheelchair accessible, so anyone can join.

Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay’s 144 islands and sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Along the way, spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Discover the Bay of Islands by helicopter, with an optional landing at the Hole in the Rock. See Cape Brett from above during an aerial tour from Paihia, narrated by a professional pilot. Fly over Russell and Waitangi en route to the Hole in the Rock. Upgrade to land atop the iconic natural landmark, with an optional walk led by a Maori guide.

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.

Spend a day relaxing during this catamaran sailing trip, complete with an island stop and lunch. Sail aboard a spacious 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the scenery as you glide through the waters. Anchor at a secluded bay at an island accessible only by boat. Choose to stroll the island, swim, try stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkel. Relish a delicious catered lunch on beanbags upfront before cruising back to Paihia.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

If you like to explore at full throttle, this private adrenaline experience is perfect for you, with the 350cc power of a serious bike but the stability and road-holding of a classic trike. Roar through hills and valleys from Paihia to Opua, admire the Haruru Falls and Waitangi Lookout, see the Kawakawa Public Toilets (designed by the artist and architect Hundertwasser), then return to Paihia.

Soak up all the North Island highlights on this 5-day journey from Auckland by coach. Your itinerary includes a drive along Ninety Mile Beach at Cape Reinga; enjoy an overnight stay near the bubbling hot springs of Rotorua; a visit to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride through Glowworm Grotto; and a Hobbiton Movie Set tour to see filming locations for ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Listen to informative commentary on board.

Race around native bush and back-country on the Northland coast at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, located a short drive north of Waitangi and Paihia. Hire a top-of-the-line mountain bike and ride like the wind around some of the Park’s trails. Choose from over 20 trails – some suitable for beginners, others ready for more experienced riders.

The Rock overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands is the only overnight cruise in the area to offer such a wide range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, island walks, and more. Enjoy adventure activities as well as time to relax in peaceful nature. As this is an all-inclusive tour you don’t need to worry about any logistics. Just show up ready for fun.

Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands on a full-day cruise from Paihia. Participate in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, gathering fresh sea food, exploring WWII remains, and trekking across islands to visit ancient Maori fortifications. Refuel with a buffet lunch midday and spend some time relaxing on a secluded beach.

Take this extensive full day cruise around the islands of Ipipiri – the Bay of Islands. See all the highlights of this spectacular region including the historical cruise route of the original Cream Trip. The morning will include a unique inner island cruise taking you past the Black Rocks and historic Marsden Cross while you learn about the history of the area through our informative and entertaining commentary. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you can relax on the beach, explore one of the coastal walking tracks, have a swim or hire a kayak (peak season only). Enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the Otehei Bay Bar & Cafe Following your island stop set off in search of dolphins and other marine life on our Hole in Rock Cruise. Enjoy the spectacular views as we cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako Island. With our Marine mammal viewing guarantee you can come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise.*

Enjoy the exclusive use of the luxury sailing catamaran Serenity. Sit back and take in the sights, or if you want to get involved take a turn at the wheel under the guidance of your professional skipper or assist in hoisting the sails. The skipper will select a suitable place to drop anchor and allow you to explore the coast via paddleboard, the beach by foot, hike the scenic island trails, snorkel a lagoon, try your luck catching a fish for lunch, or simply lounge and relax on the spacious decks. The choice is yours to customize the day as you wish. Serenity can comfortably cater to up to 20 guests. Her spacious interior and enclosed cockpit allow ample space for all even if a rain shower passes over. Pickup and drop-offs at your coastal luxury lodge or accommodation provider can be arranged.