Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and soak up on New Zealand’s spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Hop on a scenic cruise around the bay to witness some of the incredible 144 islands, get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett, and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to eat, swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
A full commentary is provided by your skipper onboard the cruise. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
Easy and good fitness level required.
You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
Engaging and informative commentary in English
Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
WiFi on board
Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from select locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please meet us at the closest hotel listed for pick-up.
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.
Options
Bay of Islands Explorer
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bay Of Island
329b rgek,
Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The view was amazing, so cool to go through the hole of the rock. We are even in Kawakawa to fom famous public toilets, must be seen. Thank you Karthik our guide as unforgettable. We'll be back.
Bay of Islands with Experience Kart
J9082QQlisad,
Dec 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day out visiting the Bay of Islands. The views were lovely esp of the Hole in the Rock. We had a good lunch at one of the Islands where you could swim, paddle, walk or just relax Karthick our Tour Operator was awesome with good commentary & service. I would recommend Tours with this company. Lisa D (Australia)
Superb day
Kim UK 10,
Oct 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00ExperienceKart were first class. Karthik, our guide, was excellent. He was very engaging and kept us entertained for the entire trip to the Bay of Islands with interesting information about places we passed , Maori history and recent events. As we were the only pick up on this tour, Karthik went out of his way with stops at Whangarei Town so we could see the quirky Hundertwasser public toilets, which have to be seen to be believed, not a straight line in sight! We also stopped at Whangarei Falls, totally amazing. We had time to get to the bottom for some fantastic photos. On arrival at Bay of Islands Karthik organised our tickets for our boat trip and escorted us to our vessel, Dolphin Seeker. Our Bay of Islands cruise was 4 hours we stopped at Russell, the first capital of New Zealand and then onward cruising past many of the islands within the Bay. The captain kept us entertained with stories stopping at the plaque which commemorates Captain Cook's landing. Onward to the Hole in the Rock for some amazing photo's. We also stopped on one of the islands for food and a walk, there was kayaking, snorkelling etc activities available. On our arrival back at dock Karthik was waiting to drive us back to Auckland. Again, the drive back was full of interesting information, great banter and conversation. ExpericeKart and Karthik are an exceptional tour company who go the extra mile for their clients. This was an amazing day made more so by ExperienceKart and Karthik, thank you for a memorable day.
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