



by Island Getaway Tours
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$338The 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.
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.
Check-in at Pier 10
Guests must check in at Pier 10 on the Paihia wharf at least 15 minutes before departure.
15 min
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
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.
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
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
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




by Island Getaway Tours
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$338The 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.
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.
Check-in at Pier 10
Guests must check in at Pier 10 on the Paihia wharf at least 15 minutes before departure.
15 min
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
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.
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
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
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