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Bay of Islands Tour & Cruise
5.0
11 Ratings
Auckland
Discover Bay of Islands with a guided tour and cruise from Auckland. Enjoy wildlife, cultural sites, and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Discover Bay of Islands with a guided tour and cruise from Auckland. Enjoy wildlife, cultural sites, and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Duration:
1 day, 12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Auckland Central - Begin your tour in New Zealand’s largest city. As you depart, your guide will set the stage for your adventure and highlight some of the area’s top attractions.
- The Kauri Museum - Leaving Auckland, travel west through Dargaville, New Zealand’s kumara capital. The first stop is the Kauri Museum, where you will learn about…
- Auckland Central - Begin your tour in New Zealand’s largest city. As you depart, your guide will set the stage for your adventure and highlight some of the area’s top attractions.
- The Kauri Museum - Leaving Auckland, travel west through Dargaville, New Zealand’s kumara capital. The first stop is the Kauri Museum, where you will learn about New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree.
- Tane Mahuta Walk - Due to important preservation efforts, access to Tāne Mahuta, the world’s largest living kauri tree, will be temporarily closed from September 30 for approximately 8 weeks. This project aims to protect the tree and surrounding area from kauri dieback. Although the Tāne Mahuta Walk will be closed, you will still pass through the stunning Waipoua Forest, where you can appreciate its serene beauty and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
- Opononi - Take a lunch break at your own expense in the beachside settlement of Opononi, with views over the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi gained fame in the mid-1950s thanks to Opo, a tame dolphin known for its friendly antics.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds - After enjoying the Hokianga Harbour, travel further north to Waitangi, the ‘birthplace of our nation,’ where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Enjoy a guided tour and cultural performance at New Zealand’s most significant historic site. Explore Māori heritage through interactive museums, traditional performances, and historic buildings, including the Treaty House and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga.
- Paihia - Arrive in the beachside town of Paihia, check into your hotel, and take a relaxing walk along the beach before ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
- Bay of Islands - After breakfast, embark on a magical cruise to explore the area’s extensive islands. During the cruise, guides will share the rich history and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while you search for the marine life that makes these cruises famous. With some luck, you might spot playful dolphins and whales! The 4.5-hour cruise takes you on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.
- Urupukapuka Island - No Bay of Islands cruise is complete without spending time at the beach on one of the islands. Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, hike to the hilltop for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands, or relax at the island’s fully licensed bar and café.
- Paihia - After a day in paradise, begin the journey south with a fully guided return trip to Auckland, featuring secret stops along the way.
- Auckland - Upon arrival in Auckland, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands tour.
What's Included
- Water and snacks provided
- Small group, fully guided tour
- 1 night twin share in a 3-star hotel
- Entry to Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and cruise tickets
- Luggage allowance: 1 large & 1 small per person
- Water and snacks provided
- Small group, fully guided tour
- 1 night twin share in a 3-star hotel
- Entry to Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and cruise tickets
- Luggage allowance: 1 large & 1 small per person
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Additional Information
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand on this exclusive small-group tour from Auckland to Paihia. Guided by our enthusiastic experts, you’ll discover:
Day 1 (Auckland to Paihia):
- Kauri Museum
- Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta (the largest living Kauri tree)
- Lunch at Opononi Beach
- Waitangi Treaty…
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand on this exclusive small-group tour from Auckland to Paihia. Guided by our enthusiastic experts, you’ll discover:
Day 1 (Auckland to Paihia):
- Kauri Museum
- Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta (the largest living Kauri tree)
- Lunch at Opononi Beach
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Overnight stay in Paihia
Day 2 (Cruise & Return to Auckland):
- Bay of Islands Cruise departing from Paihia wharf
- Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock
- Opportunities for wildlife spotting
- Return journey to Auckland
Tour Highlights:
- Fully-guided small group experience
- Bay of Islands Cruise
- Hotel stay in Paihia (twin share; contact us for single share upgrades)
- Insightful commentary from expert guides
- Unique stops and hidden treasures
- Complimentary refreshments
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don’t have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties
Location
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Victoria Street West
PICKUP TIME: 6:25am. Please meet in front of the SkyCity Hotel doors, directly under the Sky Tower. Kindly select this location if your accommodation is not yet booked. We can change this later!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Sophiesm1063sk
Nov 14, 2024
Another amazing experience - Another excellent tour with Cheeky Kiwi. Delighted to have John as my driver again, his good humour, personal experience and excellent information made the experience extra memorable. Day one included a wonderful trip to the Kauri Museum and a walk among some kauri trees. The museum was so detailed and the care the staff put into each display was incredible. Day two comprised of a 4.5 hour tour among the Bay of Islands that was truly spectacular and we were lucky enough to spot some pilot whales and dolphins. As with my first trip with Cheeky Kiwi, the timing of each experience was perfect and the long drives were made enjoyable by John. Can’t wait to do even more tours with Cheeky Kiwi! Cannot recommend them enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sophiab382
Nov 9, 2024
Highly recommend! - We really enjoyed our trip, from seeing baby dolphins on the bay of island boat to stopping at various beautiful locations on the way. Our guide Dean was very friendly and knowledgeable and made us feel welcome. Unfortunately part of the forest walk was closed the day we went but dean took us somewhere else which was very appreciated. Highly recommend both the tour and the guide! A way to see the northlands without your own transport
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emma_v
Oct 14, 2024
The best way to visit the Northlands! - This overnight tour with Cheeky Kiwi to the Bay of Islands in the Northlands was the best I’ve taken during my eight weeks in Aotearoa NZ!! After searching for a way to get to the Northlands without renting a car, I was delighted to come across this tour and booked it immediately. The itinerary is thoughtfully planned and includes visits to places unique to NZ like the Waipoua Kauri Forest (home to the world’s oldest and most significant kauris Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere), the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a boat tour of the Bay of Islands departing from Paihia with opportunities to see marine mammals like dolphins and whales. I will treasure the memories of this trip forever!!
Day 1: After an early morning pick-up from Auckland CBD and meeting our awesome and informative driver John, the first stop of the tour was to the Kauri Museum. The small museum is informative and newly renovated and helped me to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the kauri tree for NZ (I especially loved the cross sections of kauri giants that include timelines of historical events that correspond with the tree’s growth!). Our next stop was to visit the Waipoua Kauri Forest - a truly magical experience that moved me to tears!! While we weren’t able to visit Tāne Mahuta during my visit (the trail to him is closed until the summer as a protective measure against kauri dieback disease), the walk up to visit Te Matua Ngahere (the father of the forest) was incredible taking you past other kauri giants on the way. After a quick kiwi lunch (sandwiches, pies, etc), we hit the road again and arrived at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — a must visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Māori and NZ history. The visit to the treaty grounds began with a Māori culture presentation (including a walk on to the Te Whare Rūnanga marae) and guided tour (led by a young historian) — I learned so much!! The final stop of the day was to our hotel in Paihia, an adorable Northland beach town. The hotel (the Kingsgate) was located across the road from the beach and was walkable to cafes, shops, and restaurants in downtown Paihia. The rooms were comfortable and my dinner at the Blue Door was delicious and relaxing after an action packed day.
Day 2: After grabbing breakfast and coffee at the Paihia Bakery to eat overlooking the beach, our group met up the next morning for the quick walk (less than 5 minutes) to the wharf for our hole in the rock dolphin cruise (run by Fullers GreatSights). This was another highlight of the trip!! Our driver John was full of great tips and gave me a heads up that the best place for spotting dolphins and whales was at the bow of the ship. I’m so glad I braved the cold and listened to John’s advice because I had incredible views of bottlenose dolphins that swam right up along the boat as well as a Bryde’s whale and her calf — such a magical experience!! With favorable weather conditions on our side, our captain was also able to take us through the hole in the rock which was another incredible experience. For lunch, we stopped over at Urupukapuka Island. After an exciting morning of spotting ocean wildlife, lunch at the cafe on the beach was relaxing and the views from the short hike up to the top of the island were beautiful to take in. The ride back to Paihia was quick and we all came off the boat feeling relaxed from a wonderful morning on the ocean. The boat ride marked the end of our time in the Northlands, and the drive back to Auckland was a pleasant experience thanks to the great playlist and conversation with John and the group.
Would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting NZ who is based in Auckland!!
Review provided by Viator
Nomad12429652925
Oct 14, 2024
I will treasure the memories from this tour forever!! - This overnight tour with Cheeky Kiwi to the Bay of Islands in the Northlands was the best I’ve taken during my eight weeks in Aotearoa NZ!! After searching for a way to get to the Northlands without renting a car, I was delighted to come across this well-priced tour and booked it immediately. The itinerary is thoughtfully planned and includes visits to places unique to NZ like the Waipoua Kauri Forest (home to the world’s oldest and most significant kauris Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere), the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a boat tour of the Bay of Islands departing from Paihia with opportunities to see marine mammals like dolphins and whales. I will treasure the memories of this trip forever!!
Day 1: After an early morning pick-up from Auckland CBD and meeting our fantastic and experienced driver John, the first stop of the tour was to the Kauri Museum. The small museum is informative and newly renovated and helped me to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the kauri tree for NZ (I especially loved the cross sections of kauri giants that include timelines of historical events that correspond with the tree’s growth!). Our next stop was to visit the Waipoua Kauri Forest - a truly magical experience that moved me to tears!! While we weren’t able to visit Tāne Mahuta during my visit (the trail to him was temporarily closed as a protective measure against kauri dieback disease), the walk up to visit Te Matua Ngahere (the father of the forest) was incredible taking you past many other kauri giants on the way. After a quick kiwi lunch (sandwiches, pies, etc), we hit the road again and arrived at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — a must visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Māori and NZ history. The visit to the treaty grounds began with a Māori cultural presentation (including a walk on to the Te Whare Rūnanga marae) and guided tour (led by a young historian) — I learned so much!! The final stop of the day was to our hotel in Paihia, an adorable Northland beach town. The hotel (the Kingsgate) was located across the road from the beach and was walkable to cafes, shops, and restaurants in downtown Paihia. The rooms were comfortable and my dinner at the Blue Door was delicious and relaxing after an action packed day.
Day 2: After grabbing breakfast and coffee at the Paihia Bakery to eat overlooking the beach, our group met up the next morning for the quick walk (less than 5 minutes) to the wharf for our hole in the rock dolphin cruise (run by Fullers GreatSights). This was another highlight of the trip!! Our driver John was full of great tips and gave me a heads up that the best place for spotting dolphins and whales was at the bow of the ship. I’m so glad I braved the cold and listened to John’s advice because I had incredible views of bottlenose dolphins that swam right up along the boat as well as a Bryde’s whale and her calf — such a magical experience!! With favorable weather conditions on our side, our captain was also able to take us through the hole in the rock which was another incredible experience. For lunch, we stopped over at beautiful Urupukapuka Island. After an exciting morning of spotting ocean wildlife, lunch at the cafe on the beach was relaxing and the views from the short hike up to the top of the island were beautiful to take in. The ride back to Paihia was quick and we all came off the boat feeling relaxed from a wonderful morning on the ocean. The boat ride marked the end of our time in the Northlands, and the drive back to Auckland was a pleasant experience thanks to the great playlist and conversation with John and the rest of our small group.
Would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting NZ! A must do!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tothzsuzsi
Sep 5, 2024
Islands bliss - Bay of islands is beautiful. Our guide was very friendly and the bus was very comfortable. Good to have a smaller group as it feels much personal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terihawaii
Mar 8, 2020
Awesome Tour! - The tour was just amazing. The sun was out, skies were blue and we were surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. With the “Motus” as landscape everything looked picture-perfect!
Our Cheeky driver/tour guide, Lance, was very kind, polite and entertaining. We enjoyed his many stories about the history of the land, it’s people and their customs.
Yes...I’d do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leanne
Mar 6, 2020
Bay of Islands and Lance - Wonderful Day!! Lance you make the tour absolutely fabulous!! Thank you for the stories, side trips and for making us laugh!
The Bay of Islands tour is beautiful. Lovely islands, nice lunch and stunning pictures.
Cheeky Kiwi is the best tour company in Auckland. Thank you again Lance for all that you do! We look forward to another adventure with you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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