OUR PICKS · NEW ZEALAND
The Bay of Islands, the Hole in the Rock, and dolphins that decide for themselves whether the day works. These 15 note the sighting policies and which boats carry a small enough group to land on an island.
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.”
Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a welcome drink, live commentary, and three-course dinner. See the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. Jackets and blankets are supplied, and you may help with the sails or take the wheel.
“What a beautiful way to see Auckland Harbor, and the city other than a sunset, cruise coming back into the harbor and you get to see some of the sunset colors against the backdrop of Auckland and the sky tower was beautiful”
Join Fullers at Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute cruise across Waitemata Harbour. You’ll pass under the Harbour Bridge, see the Sky Tower and waterfront, and hear English commentary on Auckland’s maritime past. Choose an outdoor seat for photos, with indoor seating available when wind and rain arrive.
“It was a lovely cruise around the harbour. Very informative and clear commentary by the guide”
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!”
Meet Explore Group at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening sail on a 50ft yacht. Enjoy a welcome drink, help steer if conditions allow, hear Auckland stories from the crew, and choose a main and dessert from a three-course meal by The Lula Inn.
“Was relaxing, food was great and activity was well beyond our expectations”
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”
Meet Skydive Tauranga at Mount Maunganui’s airport for a tandem jump with an experienced instructor. After a 20 to 25 minute scenic flight, you freefall for up to 40 seconds, then float beneath the parachute for about five minutes. Clear days may reveal White Island, Ruapehu, Rotorua Lakes, Coromandel, and Taranaki.
“It's a great experience. Must do activity. Very friendly team. Make me feel safe an supportive. Enjoy the dive”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Cruise Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour from 107 Quay Street with live commentary, passing the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and Devonport Naval Base. Choose outdoor views or a comfortable indoor cabin, with snacks and drinks available to buy. The boat returns to the same quay.
“Great tour and great narration. If you're visiting Auckland, you need to do this. The Maritime Museum is right next door and is worth doing as well.”
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.”
Meet the Skydive Tauranga team at Mount Maunganui’s airport for a briefing, a 20 to 25 minute scenic flight, and a tandem freefall from 15,000 feet. Your instructor handles the jump while you take in views toward Mount Maunganui, White Island, Rotorua Lakes, Mount Ruapehu, and possibly Mount Taranaki.
“Was such an amazing experience!! was very scared to begin with but the fear faded as we got closer to the jump time. enjoyed it so much i would do it every weekend if i could. DO IT!!! you will have no regrets”
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!”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
