Top Bay of Islands Shore Excursions

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.

There are few more unique ways to see the Bay of Islands than catching the wind and parasailing high above the water. See the Bay’s towns, forests and islands – all the way out to Cape Brett’s famous Hole in the Rock – from the sky on this aerial adventure. Take to the skies with your friends or family on tandem or triple flights. Your children can even go parasailing – this adventure is suitable for all.

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.

When your cruise ship arrives in the Bay of Islands, escape the crowds with a small-group half-day tour to two gorgeous islands. Go snorkeling at pristine island reefs, try stand-up paddle boarding, take a short hike to viewpoints, and look for New Zealand wildlife. You’ll ride on a small motorboat that can access places that large ships cannot go, and hear live commentary from your guide about the region.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

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.

Enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands region led by a knowledgeable guide. Personalize the itinerary with options including historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri, and Russell — where Europeans first settled in New Zealand. See St Paul's Anglican Church in Paihia, learn about Maori culture at Rewa‘s Village, and admire natural attractions including marine wildlife, Haruru Falls and Rainbow Falls. Or check out wineries and gourmet shops with handmade treats, fine wine and fresh seafood.

Spend an evening immersed in Maori culture with a traditional ‘hangi’ dinner and live performance, held at the historically important signing site of the Waitangi Treaty. Enact a warrior challenge on a bush walk and watch energetic Maori music and dance. For dinner, feast on a multilayered meal cooked using the ancient hangi pit oven method.

The Bay of Islands encompasses 140 small, mostly undeveloped islands surrounding North Island. Explore a few highlights on this half-day tour with a local guide. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the first treaty between British settlers and the indigenous Maori people. You’ll also visit Haruru Falls, Kemp House, Rainbow Falls, Rewa‘s Village, the Stone Store, St. James’ Anglican Church, and more.

During this tour you will experience an encounter with mighty prehistoric giants that only a couple of centuries ago dominated the vast forests of the North Island of New Zealand. You will see amazing Kauri – our bewitching giants... ... and tiny and defenseless glow warms which bring to the darkness of the underground caves a mysterious bluish glow of an endless starry sky…

This historic Kerikeri tour has been designed especially for cruise ship passengers in the Bay of Islands. Your local guide will take you to many beautiful and interesting sites on a convenient half-day tour, so even visitors with a short stay in the area will see a lot. All sites are easily accessible for travelers with limited mobility, and the tour minivan is air conditioned for your comfort.

See and do exactly what you want in the Bay of Islands with this private yacht charter. Ideal for celebrating a special occasion or just experiencing the natural beauty of the island-filled bay. The Vigilant is available for between two and six hours. Charter includes a fresh picnic lunch, a bottle of wine, and the use of kayaks and snorkeling gear if you like.

Learn over a few hours the skills to create your own silver jewellery. Set in a studio in park like surrounds with local and international artworks to add inspiration. A hands on class where you will work directly on a piece of sterling silver at an individual workbench. At the end of the class you will have a hand made piece of jewellery to take home.

Step aboard our Luxury Catamaran, we set sail and make our way out into the scenic 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. If you are lucky, we may see dolphins, whales, penguins or even seals on our voyage. Your skipper will select an idyllic bay for some exploration of the island, and fun in the water. Do as much or as little as you want. If you are feeling adventurous, you may want to hike to the nearest viewpoint, or we have snorkelling gear, beach games 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. At the end of the day, we set sail and return back to Paihia. A complimentary beverage is offered during this afternoon sail. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the fully licenced bar throughout the cruise.

See some of the natural highlights of the Bay of Islands region on this easy half-day tour—from the very large to the very small. Walk through native forest in search of the mighty kauri tree, and visit glowworm caves to see a natural wonder on the other end of the size scale. This is a handy trip from travelers who are short on time but still want to experience New Zealand’s famous nature.

Learn over a few hours the skills to create your own copper jewellery. Set in a studio in park like surrounds with local and international art to add inspiration. A hands on class where you will work directly on a piece of metal at an individual workbench. At the end of the class you will have a hand made piece of jewellery to wear home.

Hop aboard Vigilant and enjoy a beautiful private afternoon sailing in the Bay of Islands. We only take up to 10 passengers, the small group allows you to lounge on the yacht comfortably and enjoy the islands privately. Our skipper lives here in Russell and knows plenty about it's history which they will be happy to share with you. Vigilant is a beautiful traditional 42 ft Cutter rig yacht with a wineglass transom, teak decks, and a swamp kauri wooden interior. Enjoy an adventure away from the crowds of sightseers. Here, you can steer your own experience by helping the skipper at the helm, hoisting the sails or, if you prefer, just relaxing on deck while you journey to an island. If you wish, you can swim on one of the beaches, during our short stop over. Comb the shores and walk around to see some great lookouts with panoramic views of the islands.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most visited attractions of New Zealand’s North Island, and this private 6-hour tour from Paihia combines all its highlights with wine tasting in the Kerikeri wine region. Along the way, discover New Zealand’s colonial history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, marvel at natural wonders such as Haruru Falls and Wharepuke Falls, and immerse yourself in Maori culture at Rewa‘s Village.

This full-day Bay of Islands tour with wine tasting is designed for cruise ship passengers who want to make the most of a short stay in the area. You’ll travel with a private guide, so you have the freedom to adjust the itinerary, go at your own pace, and ask questions. Visit several must-see sights around the Bay and some of New Zealand’s best vineyards at Kerikeri, all on an easy day trip.

Spend the day cruising the clear blue waters of the Bay of Islands, hopping from beach to beach – or spend it snorkelling around local reefs and shipwrecks – or spend it hiking through the pristine native bush on a handful of the Bay’s 140-plus islands. On this private charter in the Bay of Islands, do what you to do. Instead of sticking to a tour operator’s preset schedule, tailor your half- or full-day itinerary in the Bay to your own tastes.

Book the whole boat to yourself and up to 19 guests! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather permitting). Swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Snorkeling and SUP boards provided. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Time: 9:30am-Approx. 3:30pm Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Charcuterie boards etc.)

Book the whole boat to yourself and up to 10 guests! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather permitting). Swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Snorkeling and SUP boards provided. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Time: 9:30am-Approx. 3:30pm Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Upgraded lunch menu, charcuterie boards etc.)

Book the whole boat to yourself and up to 15 guests! Have more choice in where you want to go and what you want to do (weather permitting). Swim in the clear waters or take a walk on the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Snorkeling and SUP boards provided. Plenty to choose from before sailing home at the end of the day. Time: 9:30am-Approx. 3:30pm Price includes an individual packed lunch; please contact us for more catering options (Upgraded lunch menu, charcuterie boards etc.)