OUR PICKS · ISLAND HOPPING CRUISES IN NEW ZEALAND
Good island hopping cruises in New Zealand fill up weeks ahead and the best cabins go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ.
Cruise from Paihia or Russell among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, with lively English commentary, wildlife watching, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay. You may pass through Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, then swim, walk, or eat at the island café.
“Great morning on our cruise. Informative guide, perfect weather and very comfortable boat.”
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!”
Travel from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel with guides such as Dyson, Rob, or Gareth to Haruru Falls, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and the Manginangina Kauri Walk. Expect a compact, informative day with bottled water, live commentary, and a careful return to port.
“We have done many shore excursions and were somewhat disappointed in this tour. While the logistics of being picked up and returned were fine, our guide did not really engage with us like guides in the past (and especially compared to ouRead more”
Join Island Getaway’s 4.5-hour cruise with guides such as Nick, Blue, Hamish, and Tish. You’ll visit Roberton Island, sail through the Hole in the Rock when weather allows, then swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or relax at a quiet island bay.
“Beautiful trip with nice, fun, friendly guides and helpful education!”
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.”
You’ll tandem skydive from 12,000 feet above the Bay of Islands with an experienced instructor, enjoying about 40 seconds of freefall and wide views of 144 islands, turquoise water, Paihia, and Kerikeri. Pickup is available in selected central locations, and photos and video cost extra.
“This is the most efficient, well run place I have ever seen. It’s a tight ship and they know what they’re doing. Of course I had a great time; I was skydiving.”
Join Nat, Nathalie, Nick, Dallas, or Anita aboard Vigilant for a 5.5-hour sailing trip from Russell. Help with the sails, stop at an island for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or a walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life.
“We enjoyed a lovely day aboard Vigilant. The captain and her first mate were knowledgeable sailors and made the day quite enjoyable. They made us feel welcome and shared their knowledge and history of the area. We spent 1.5 hours on an island that allowed us to hike, swim, and kayak followed by a freshly made lunch and a leisurely sail. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time getting to know the captain, first mate and our fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.”
Join sailing hosts Rick and Robin aboard the Phantom for about five and a half hours around New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. With no more than 10 people aboard, you’ll enjoy an island walk, swimming, snorkeling, homemade lunch, local stories, and a possible dolphin sighting.
“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”
Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands with Island Getaway Tours. You’ll hike to Roberton Island’s Twin Lagoons lookout, visit the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse when conditions allow, then swim or snorkel from a second island. Guides such as Adam, Cass, Hamish, and Nick provide local insight.
“Great day on the boat. Nice island stops for walks and swimming. Zack, Nik, Bluebell were great hosts and made the experience even better”
Thunder Trike Tours takes you from central Paihia on a V8 Chevy Trike with an English-speaking driver-guide. Choose a 30-minute scenic or thriller ride, or combine Haruru Falls, Waitangi Lookout, and Opua in one lively hour.
“Fabulous. We enjoyed it so much and have been telling other cruisers about it. I want to bring my parent in November- I think he will love it”
Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson. Help hoist sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, and walk to a scenic viewpoint. Your fare includes ferry tickets from Paihia, cream tea, BBQ lunch, and support for youth sailing.
“We did this on our last visit to NZ, and had to do it again. The crew are brilliant and there were lots of hands-on opportunities, hoisting the sails, climbing the rigging, I even had a go at helming! There was plenty of wind so we were under sail most of the time. Cream tea, fine lunch, swimming, trip ashore to investigate an historic landing by Capt Cook - this excursion has everything.”
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.”
Board in Paihia, Waitangi, or Russell for a scenic Bay of Islands boat ride and about 10 minutes in the air. Fly solo, tandem, or triple, with safety gear supplied and optional GoPro photos for $40 per flight. Guides including Ben and Shaun have been praised for calm, clear instruction.
“Great experience, not done this for 25 years. The 2 guys who took us were great fun but very experienced, explained everything.”
Spend 510 minutes aboard Explore Group’s Cream Trip from Paihia. Cruise past 144 islands to Cape Brett, enter the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow, watch for dolphins and whales, stop at Urupukapuka Island, and try boom-netting if the weather cooperates. English commentary, a licensed bar, and indoor and outdoor decks are included.
“I had an amazing day, the crew was very kind and professional. We saw dolphins, pinguïns and other sea animals. The weather let us allow to use the boom net, which was a really special activity! The island stop was long enough to make a short walk do a bay to take a nice swim. I would really recommend this tour:)”
Join the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a two-hour late afternoon sail through the inner Bay of Islands. Help raise the sails, steer under supervision, climb the rigging, or relax with antipasto and a cash-bar drink. Ferry tickets from Paihia are included.
“we had fabulous weather so. that was a great start. the crew were excellent great food”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
