Best Cruises with Lunch in New Zealand — Our Top 5

1.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Our pick

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working tall ship sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, visit an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is included when selected.

“Wonderful day out, sun, sea and sand. Dip in the water. Fabulous weather. Food was yummy. Staff were really attentive. They looked after everyone and we’re “down” with the kids!”

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2.Bay of Islands: Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 265 reviews · 4h 30m · from $107Best value

Join Explore Group New Zealand from Paihia for a 4.5-hour cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Your local skipper provides live commentary, seeks dolphins and other marine life, and may steer through the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow. Lunch and 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay are included.

“We loved our trip around the Bay of Islands, Our Skipper - Bronwyn - did an excellent job of navigating past a very playful group of dolphins, who just wouldn’t leave us alone! Bronwyn made the passage through the Hole in The Rock seem like child’s play, even though the boat we were on was not much smaller than the gap! We enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch at the Ohehei Bay Beach Cafe….more than enough for everyone. All in all a most enjoyable few hours.”

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3.Discover the Bay – Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 265 reviews · from $117

Spend 4.5 hours cruising among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, with live commentary, a weather-dependent passage through Hole in the Rock, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay for an included buffet lunch, swimming, short walks, and birdlife.

“Well organised tour group. The crew was professional, efficient and informative about the attraction and local marine animals.”

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4.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Sail from Paihia, use the provided snorkel gear and paddleboards at a quiet island stop, take a short bush walk, and enjoy a catered lunch before returning.

“our hosts were amazing and made you feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you stepped on board. a great way to see the bay of Islands in all its beauty. we were also supplied a delicious lunch while relaxing in one of the many beautiful bays. highly recommend doing this cruise.”

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5.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · from $133

Sail from Paihia aboard Bayscapes Charters’ spacious 40-foot catamaran with Brad and Monique. After two hours on the water, stop at a boat-access-only island for a short walk, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a packed lunch before sailing back.

“The couple that ran the catamaran were extremely nice and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time sailing and spending time on the beach and hiking. The lunch they provided was really good as well.”

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