Popular Activities in the Area

Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise with Island stop-over 

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over  and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Our purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and our crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters. Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands. 

Our four-hour morning cruise includes an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Discover Waitangi’s contemporary museums, Māori cultural performances in an authentic Meeting House, informative guided tours, native forest, carving studio, the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, and a quality café, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.

Our Experience Pass is valid for two consecutive days. Included in the Waitangi Experience Pass:

  • Full access to New Zealand’s most important historic site, including all heritage buildings and the world’s largest war canoe
  • Entry to Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha museum
  • Informative guided tour around Waitangi Treaty Grounds (50 minutes)
  • Authentic Māori cultural performance (30 minutes)
  • Live demonstrations in our Carving Studio
  • Large gift shop
  • Onsite café

**Year round **

Cape Reinga Tour

Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes and the salt spray on your face. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand surfing. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping.

Visit Cape Reinga and hear the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together.

This tour also includes a delicious locally-prepared lunch to keep you fuelled for a day of adventure. A vegetarian option is available and can be selected when booking.

Your journey home will be equally enjoyable as your tour guide's combination of local insight, extensive historical knowledge and fantastic sense of humour create an unforgettable adventure.

The 'Club Paihia' pick-up point is at our entrance.
**Operates year round **

Cream Trip - Day in the Bay

Enjoy stunning views as we travel out through the islands delivering mail and supplies to island residents on our way. On arrival at Cape Brett Lighthouse, the farthest post of the original Cream Trip, we take you through the stunning Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island. You’ll also see the impressive Black Rocks and Marsden Cross.

See dolphins in their natural environment – it’s a life-changing experience! Alternatively try boom-netting, hanging on to the net as we glide through the water.

Spend some time at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka island - relax on the beach, head up to the viewing point for a breathtaking outlook, and grab a snack at the island's cafe. Ninety years on, the Cream Trip cruise is still the best way to see the Bay.

**Operates October - April **

Giants and glowOrms

Meet a national icon, the truly impressive Tāne Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest). The largest known kauri tree in the world aged up to 2,500 years old, his mighty girth is over 13 metres and he stands an impressive 51 metres (167 feet) high. Stand beneath this ancient giant and hear the legend of how he separated earth and sky at the beginning of the world.

After your forest encounter, spend some time in the Hokianga town of Opononi before turning back towards Paihia along the old stagecoach route. 

This trail was first marked out by early Māori and then frequented by traders and merchants who transported supplies, kauri, gum and timber between the coasts.

On your way back, stop at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves and discover one of Northland's best-kept secrets. These family-run caves will delight you with twinkling glowworms, amazing limestone rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites, all surrounded in lush green native forest.

**Operates year round **

R Tucker Thompson

Experience the Bay of Islands the old-fashioned way with a cruise on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner with her own unique history.

On the Full Day Sail, be as active as you like – take the helm, help set the sails, ride the bowsprit and climb the rigging – or simply relax while the crew command this impressive ship as she sails across the Bay. Step ashore and explore a secluded island or take a swim while your barbeque lunch is prepared.

During the Late Afternoon Sail, take in the views and enjoy an antipasto platter with a glass of wine* as the sun starts to set. *Bar charges not included.

**Operates October - April **

Book one of these great value Bay of Islands combo deals and save!

COMBO:
The Beginnings


Cape Reinga 
+
Cream Trip
+
Russel passengerFerry

Combine two unforgettable full-day experiences with our action-packed Beginnings combo. Enjoy a day on the water with the most comprehensive boat cruise in the Bay of Islands, soaking up the surrounding beauty and history of the area. Take to the roads and discover the Far North on an exciting day tour to Cape Reinga.

The 'Club Paihia' pick-up point is at our entrance.

COMBO:
The Double Dip

Cape Reinga TOUR
+
Hole in the Rock CRUISE
+
Russell Passenger ferry

Combine the Hole in the Rock cruise* and Cape Reinga day tour into one action packed combo, The Double Dip.

Cruise to the Hole in the Rock*; ride the Russell ferry; and travel Northland’s wild landscapes to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point.

(*Dolphin viewing on the afternoon cruise only)

The 'Club Paihia' pick-up point is at our entrance.

COMBO:
Highlights of the Bay

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
+
russell mini tour

+
Russell Passenger ferry

Our Highlights of the Bay combo takes you on a scenic adventure full of history, culture and stunning coastal highlights.

Cruise through the Hole in the Rock and journey past Cape Brett Peninsula while watching out for dolphins (on afternoon cruise) and other marine wildlife.

Enjoy an intimate one-hour tour of Russell visiting many historic locations and learning about the town’s surprising past.