Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Embark on a 4.5 hour Cruise and Island tour in the scenic Bay of Islands, where nature's wonders and cultural exploration await.

Cruising through the islands, keeping an eye out for marine wildlife and native seabirds while our knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history, ecology, and Maori culture.

Stopping at Roberton Island, a pristine paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Take a short walk to the lookout point over the twin lagoons to enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay.

Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock," a breathtaking natural formation showcasing the Bay's unique geology and the Cape Brett Lighthouse

Our second island stop provides the opportunity to explore secluded bays, make use of the snorkelling gear provided, have a swim or simply relax. Bring a picnic or contact Island Getaway directly to pre-order a packed lunch

The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery, making it a must-do experience in the Bay of Islands!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers

Suitable for all ages

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Visiting the Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable, and alternative route will be taken throughout the islands

Paihia Check-in Location: Pier 10 at least 20 minutes prior to departure

Russell Check-in Location: End of the Russell Wharf next to the Russell Booking & Info Centre (10 minutes prior to departure)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Stopover on Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons

Smaller groups and personalised

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands

Visit the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse

Two remote island stopovers

Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Lunch

What To Expect

Bay of Islands

Join us on board as we cruise the 144 Sub-tropical Islands in the Bay of Islands. Marine wildlife, Commentary & History through the day, with two remote island stopovers (Roberton Island & a second island location determined on the day) with easy walking tracks stunning viewpoints over the bay, as well as snorkelling/swimming. Smaller groups, personalised, and interactive - the best way to experience the Bay of Islands.

Admission Not Applicable

Check in at PIER 10 on the Paihia wharf, please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Paihia Wharf Departure

Starting point:
Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Paihia 0200, New Zealand

Russell Wharf Departure

Starting point:
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Reviews

4.85

163 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

151

Fantastic Experience
Harry P,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Smooth from start to finish. Would’ve been nicer in summer, but still great nevertheless. Lots to see and do. Captain Zach and crew chief Blue were funny, educative and friendly. Saw dolphins, rays and endangered birds. Fantastic views and interesting history. Well worth it.
Hole in the rock cruise
Shannon H,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Loved the cruise. Hamish and Bluebelle very insightful and friendly. Weather was amazing but still cold so needed a jacket for sure.
Cancelled tour!!
julie7532,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
I booked this tour months ago and was really looking forward to seeing this beautiful area. We got in line 15 minutes early and a worker came and told us they were trying to get the boat working. He returned a few minutes later and told us the tour was cancelled and we should return to their booth to arrange a refund. Of course it was then too late to get on any other boat tour. So disappointing.
Great day out with a bit of everything
R7573GNrachelj,
Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent day, very knowledgeable skipper made it fun even though the weather was poor. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and highly recommend it. Sit on top if you can it's great fun.
Interesting and fun
Craig R,
Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fun cruise of area - we saw a lot of wildlife- hiked- went through the Hole in the Rock. Interesting information during the tour.
Bay of Islands Tour with Island Getaway
Christine F,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A fantastic day out Hamish was a great captain and his crew couldn’t do enough for us. Lucky for us we got to go through the hole and the masses of fish and rough seas on the other side was spectacular. Snorkeling and a picnic lunch on an island with a fantastic local and in-depth cultural information was an added bonus . Highly recommend touring with Island getaway Bay of Islands.
A wonderful Bay of Isles Experience.
Rubytuesday5557,
Mar 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The boat tour around the islands was fantastic, well worth doing from many angles. Nick and Cass on Island Getaway tours were so friendly and informative. Nick drove the boat perfectly to see the seals on seagull rock, into cathedral rock to see the exquisite blue water and through the hole in the rock. The lunch option was well worth $20, lunch was delicious and plentiful. We would totally recommend this day out.
Knowledge friendly staff....
Steve M,
Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Knowledge friendly staff. We saw bottle nose and ordinary dolphins and the boat slowed right down so we could experience them for longer.
Excellent trip!
JamesB4329,
Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thoroughly recommend this!! Scenery is picture-postcard throughout. The staff were extremely friendly & helpful, being flexible to maximise wildlife viewing. The tour has a nice balance: 1.) Wildlife viewing on the bay (dolphins the highlight) 2.) Island stop for a walk & view 3.) Seeing the Hole in the Rock 4.) Island stop for snorkeling/ swimming/ hiking/ resting as you choose.
Great...
Christine C,
Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience,knowledgable guides and very helpful.Boat quite windy.Russell a good place to visit