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Bay of Islands 4.5-Hour Cruise and Island Tour with Snorkeling, Hike, Swimming, and Wildlife
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Bay of Islands 4.5-Hour Cruise and Island Tour with Snorkeling, Hike, Swimming, and Wildlife

by Island Getaway Tours

5 hours
Paihia
NZ$152.10NZ$169 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
NZ$152.10NZ$169 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 2 available options

5 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
NZ$304.20NZ$338Save 10%
2 adults × NZ$152.10
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$338
5 hours
NZ$304.20NZ$338Save 10%
2 adults × NZ$152.10
All taxes and fees included

Overview

The tour begins with boarding the boat at Paihia Pier 10, where guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The 4.5-hour cruise travels through the 144 subtropical islands of the Bay of Islands, with commentary provided about the local history, ecology, and Maori culture while looking for marine wildlife and native seabirds. The first stop is Roberton Island, where guests have about 40 minutes to take a short walk along a trail to a lookout point offering 360-degree views over the bay and the twin lagoons. After this, the boat continues to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse, weather permitting. If conditions allow, the boat may pass through the natural hole in the rock formation. If the sea is rough, the cruise follows a sheltered route among the inner islands instead. The second island stop lasts about 75 minutes and is on one of Waewaetorea, Moturua, or Urupukapuka Island, chosen on the day. Here guests can snorkel, swim, hike on available walking tracks, or relax on the beach while observing local wildlife. Snorkeling gear is provided. Guests may bring their own picnic lunch or pre-order one from Island Getaway. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour.

Highlights

Cruise among 144 subtropical islands
Stopover on Roberton Island and Twin Lagoons lookout
Visit Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Snorkeling gear provided for second island stop
Two remote island stopovers with walking and swimming
Wildlife spotting and commentary throughout the tour

What's included

Stopover on Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons
Smaller groups with personalized service
Use of snorkeling equipment
Scenic cruise among 144 islands
Visit to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Two stops at remote islands
Wildlife spotting and commentary throughout the cruise

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch

Itinerary

1

Bay of Islands

Board the boat at Paihia and cruise through the 144 subtropical islands of the Bay of Islands. The tour includes wildlife spotting, guided commentary on history and ecology, and two stops on remote islands with walking trails, viewpoints, snorkeling, and swimming. The groups are kept small for a more personalized experience.

2

Check-in at Pier 10

Guests must check in at Pier 10 on the Paihia wharf at least 15 minutes before departure.

15 min

3

Roberton Island and Twin Lagoons

Stop at Roberton Island for a short walk on an easy trail to the lookout point. From here, enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding islands and the twin lagoons.

40 min

4

Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse

If conditions allow, the boat travels to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse, with the option to pass through the natural hole in the rock. If weather or sea conditions are unsuitable, an alternative route inside the sheltered inner islands is taken.

5

Hole in the Rock (Motu Kokako)

Motu Kokako, known as the Hole in the Rock, is a natural rock formation with a round hole carved by wind and water. Guests may have the chance to sail through this formation during the cruise, weather permitting.

30 min

6

Second Island Stop (Waewaetorea, Moturua or Urupukapuka Island)

The second island stop is on one of Waewaetorea, Moturua, or Urupukapuka Island, chosen on the day. Visitors can snorkel using provided gear, swim, walk, or relax on the beach while observing wildlife. Guests may bring their own picnic lunch or pre-order one from Island Getaway.

75 min

Meeting point

Please ensure you are waiting at the end of the Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking and Information Centre

End point

Please ensure you are waiting at the end of the Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking and Information Centre

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–15 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Pushchair and stroller friendly
Reachable by public transport
Not advised for anyone with back or spinal problems
Not advised for anyone with a heart condition
Suitable for all fitness levels
Suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers
Open to all ages
Minimum participant number required; tour may be canceled if not met with a refund or alternative offered
Visit to the Hole in the Rock depends on weather and sea conditions; alternative route used if necessary
Paihia check-in at Pier 10 at least 20 minutes before departure
Russell check-in at the end of Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking & Info Centre 10 minutes before departure
Total
NZ$304.20Save 10% vs Viator