Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop and Lunch
Overview
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Fully discover the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands with a full day charter onboard our spacious catamaran.
Our charters leave from Paihia Wharf at 9.30am. Once we depart you can take in the amazing scenery as we set sails and journey out into the Bay of Islands. After a 2 hour sail we will drop anchor in a sheltered island bay.
Choose how you will enjoy your 2 hour island excursion. Take your pick of one or all of our fun activities. Explore the island with a self guided island walk, test your balance on our stand up paddle boards or swim in the clear waters and experience an underwater adventure with a snorkel. When you're done adventuring enjoy a tasty catered lunch before we make our way back to Paihia.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Paihia Harbour
Board our catamaran at Paihia Wharf. Once we depart you can take in the amazing scenery as we set sails and journey out into the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands
Anchoring at one of the beautiful bays that make up the Bay Of Islands. Choose how you will enjoy your 2 hour island excursion. Take your pick of one or all of our fun activities. Explore the island with a self guided island walk, test your balance on our stand up paddle boards or swim in the clear waters and experience an underwater adventure with a snorkel. When you're done adventuring, enjoy a tasty catered lunch before we make our way back to Paihia.
What‘s Included
2 hour island stopover
6 hour Sail through the Bay Of Islands with skipper's commentary
Small Groups with maximum 19 passengers
Use of Snorkeling and Paddle Board equipment
Restroom on board
Tasty catered packed lunch; Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten and Dairy Free Options available (please state when booking)
Options
Shared Day Sailing Charter
2 hour Island Stopover
Packed Lunch: Please state any dietary requirements
Reviews
89 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience,...
ilana d,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, beautiful day on the water! Comfortable on board with the bean bags, and lunch was hearty and tasty. After sailing out to the island, we had 2 hrs to hike/swim/paddle board/snorkel and eat lunch before heading back to the wharf. It was a wonderful day!
A Professional Class Act
michaelkT5031KE,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brad & Monica were an exceptional, professional class act. The wind and general weather were attrocious. Brad offered anyone who wished to leave that they would get a full refund. We all chose to go sailing. The winds and seas got worse as we left the harbor behind. About 30 minutes into our sail, Captain Brad decided , because of deteriorating conditions, to go back to the harbor. They gave everyone a full refund, gave us all our delicious catered lunch boxes and offered us a 30% discount on another trip. It was a money losing trip for Brad & Monica but they took the high ground of choosing safety and being totally focused on their guests. I’d recommend them wholeheartedly.
Brad and Monique were...
Ben D,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brad and Monique were fantastic! While it was unfortunate that we weren't able to make it out to the Islands due to the weather, we were so appreciative of their professionalism, excellent communication, and clear commitment to the safety and well-being of their guests.
I can’t even begin to...
Amanda H,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I can’t even begin to describe the incredible day we had with Monique and Brandon! The boat was immaculate and very comfortable, the scenery incredible, the service impeccable and the lunch provided was delicious! Without going in to great detail about our cruise and sail around the bay of islands with wonderful commentary along the way, and a stop at a fabulous beach for swimming, hiking, paddle boarding, I very highly recommend this excursion! It has been the highlight of our time in Paihia!
We were a party of 7,...
David P,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a party of 7, mixed ages and all had a fabulous time. Would highly recommend Bayscapes to anyone visiting the area.
A New Zealand Memory!
DEBORAH D,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great introduction to our 6 week New Zealand adventure! It is obvious that Brad and Monique take pride in their charter business and beautiful catamaran. They were fabulous hosts and great ambassadors of New Zealand. Lunch was amazing too! Thank you so much!
Fantastic day out for everyone
Tony R,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We was a family of 5, a 6yr, 8yr & 10yr. We had an amazing time, nothing was too much trouble and the boat is skippered by the owners, not employee's. Nothing was too much trouble, they were always checking in on people and offering towels ect if you felt you might be getting cold on the cloudier days. Lunch was fantastic and the boat had a launch to take you to the beach for a hike or 4 paddleboards and snorkeling equipment. We did a great amount of REAL sailing. Overall 10 out of 10
Fun experience
R2341VXthomash,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brad was awesome - super friendly , thoughtful and professional. Great day out even with mixed weather. Thanks guys, all the best for the season!
A must-do in the Bay of Islands
elizabethdK6502PD,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leaving Auckland for a few days with my son to avoid the Christmas chaos, I booked a trip with Bayscapes as I liked the idea of a catamaran (rather than a monohull). The itinerary sounded great, and as my son and I were based just across from the Paihia wharf, it was ideal. The summary says up to 19 guests - we were lucky to be two of six guests in total, so it felt like our own private charter. Brad and Monique were amazing hosts, with the great casual Kiwi interactions and instructions: Monique, "If you lose something, put your hand up, so all of us can put our hand up to wave it goodbye". I had put my hand up when my cap flew off, but Monique caught it! She was great with her information on the islands we sailed past. When we were moored off the island, we had a chance to go ashore and take a 40-minute round trip to see across the other side of the island: warning if you are unfit (like me) wear walking shoes as there's a lot of uphill tracks. My son and I loved Brad's childhood stories (ask him about how he'd get to primary school), and we admired the hard work the couple put into the charter business. It's well worth the money, and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Bayscapes Sailing Trip was the BEST
93howardh,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day-long sail with Brad and Monique was the absolute highlight of our New Zealand vacation. The details in booking were flawless and their hospitality and seamanship was flawless. The boat was clean, well stocked, and very comfortable. Great narration and a full lunch just made of an excellent time! We could not be more happy with the trip and will recommend it all that ask
From NZ$215.00
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