Bay of Islands Tours

Bay of Islands tours cover a lot of ground for a small bay: a boat out to the Hole in the Rock, a coach north to Cape Reinga, a walk through Puketi forest after dark, and a paddle around Urupukapuka Island. Most leave from Paihia or Russell, and the right pick depends on whether you have an hour, a half-day or the whole day.

Day tours by road: Cape Reinga and Russell

The Cape Reinga day tour with 90 Mile Beach is an 11-hour day. The coach leaves Paihia at 7am (7.50am from Kerikeri) and returns about 6.15pm, with stops at Cape Reinga Lighthouse, a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, a picnic lunch and the option to try sandboarding. The guide explains the Māori meaning of Cape Reinga, known as Te Rerenga Wairua. Hotel pick-up from Paihia and Kerikeri can be arranged with the operator after booking, and printed guide sheets come in German, Japanese and Mandarin.

The Russell mini tour is the short option: a 1-hour coach tour of the town once called Kororāreka, New Zealand's first town and sea port. It takes in Pompallier House and Christ Church and finishes at Flagstaff Hill for the views over the bay.

Boat tours to the Hole in the Rock

For the Hole in the Rock, the 1.5-hour fast boat is the quickest route from Paihia Wharf. The catamaran Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise and Discover the Bay both include a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, and the full-day Day in the Bay tour has a 3-hour stop there.

Wildlife is the focus of the Dolphin Eco Cruise, which looks for dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds and runs from October to April. The Bay of Islands day cruise with snorkelling and lunch adds snorkelling, kayaking and a picnic lunch, and an overnight cruise on The Rock houseboat keeps you aboard until the next afternoon.

Forest walks in Puketi

Puketi Rainforest sits inland from Paihia, and two guided walks start from Puketi Heights. The Bay of Islands night walk is a guided evening stroll with head lamps, bats overhead and a chance of spotting a kiwi. Groups are capped at 6. Departure times shift with the season to match sunset, and the operator confirms them closer to the date.

By day, the full-day kauri hike goes through stands of kauri with views over the bay and farmland, and includes morning tea and lunch. The operator tailors the walk to different fitness levels, and some trails are wheelchair accessible.

Island walks and kayak tours from Otehei Bay

On Urupukapuka Island, the 1-hour guided walk covers early Māori settlement, native plants and the Project Island Song conservation work. The Island Discovery Tour is a half-day kayak trip with snorkelling that suits first-timers, while the Island Adventure Tour is a full-day trip around sea caves and cliffs for experienced paddlers. Both kayak trips start with a ferry from Paihia or Russell.

Choosing a Bay of Islands tour

Match the tour to the time you have. The Russell coach tour fits a spare hour, the fast boat fills a morning, a half-day catamaran cruise or kayak trip fills most of a day, and Cape Reinga needs all of one. Sea conditions can change what the boats reach, so keep a day in reserve for the Hole in the Rock.

Waitangi and the cultural side of the bay belong to the wider list of things to do in the Bay of Islands. The boat tours above overlap with Bay of Islands cruises, where the choice comes down to the length of the trip and the style of boat.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main Bay of Islands tours?

The main Bay of Islands tours are boat trips to the Hole in the Rock, the Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach day tour, the Russell mini tour, guided Puketi forest walks and kayak tours from Otehei Bay. Most leave from Paihia or Russell.

How long is the Cape Reinga tour from the Bay of Islands?

The Cape Reinga Day Tour with 90 Mile Beach is an 11-hour day, leaving Paihia at 7am and returning at about 6.15pm. It includes a picnic lunch and an optional sandboarding stop.

Which Bay of Islands tours suit a cruise ship stop?

The 1-hour Russell mini tour, the 1.5-hour fast boat to the Hole in the Rock and the half-day catamaran cruises are the shortest options. Check each return time against your ship's all-aboard time before booking.

Do Bay of Islands tours include hotel pick-up?

The Cape Reinga Day Tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within Paihia and Kerikeri, arranged with the operator once you book. Boat tours and kayak trips meet at a wharf, beach or activity centre instead.

Are Bay of Islands tours suitable for kids?

Many Bay of Islands tours sell child tickets, including the Cape Reinga day tour, the catamaran cruises and the Urupukapuka Island walk. The half-day kayak tour is for ages 10 and over, and age limits apply and vary by tour.

Where do Bay of Islands tours leave from?

Most Bay of Islands tours leave from Paihia Wharf, Paihia Beach or Russell Wharf. The Puketi forest walks start at Puketi Heights inland, and the kayak and island walking tours start at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

Start with the time you have, then choose between the road, the water and the forest. A tour that fits the day beats one that sounds good on paper.