Cruise Ship Excursion: 4.5hr Day Cruise & Island Tour among 144 Subtropical Islands
4.9
25 Ratings
Paihia
Escape the crowds on our small group cruise ship excursion, exploring 144 remote subtropical islands. Enjoy scenic cruising, island stopovers, wildlife spotting, bush walks, and snorkeling.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Bay of Islands - Scenic Cruise through the Bay of Islands\n Custom Vessels for Beach Landing\n Two Remote Island Stopovers\n Walking Trails & Breathtaking Views\n Marine Wildlife / NZ Bird Life\n Informative Commentary & History\n Snorkelling\n Personalised & Smaller Group Tours\n- Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track - Stopover on Motuarohia (Twin Lagoons Island) and take a short walk to the island lookout for breathtaking views over the Bay of Islands\n- Urupukapuka Island - Our second island stopover will be determined on the day\n\nUrupukapuka Island is the largest of 144 serene and captivating islands, located towards the eastern side of the stunning Bay of Islands.\nThis island is celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty, including sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and breathtaking panoramic views. Explore scenic walking trails, encounter a variety of native birdlife, and enjoy various water-based activities like swimming and snorkelling\n- Motukokako Island / Piercy Island - Cruise out to Motu Kokako, often referred to as “the Hole in the Rock,” a stunning natural rock formation located at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula. This iconic geological wonder features a distinctive, perfectly round hole that has been carved through the middle of the island by the forces of wind and water over thousands of years. A memorable and breathtaking experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Bay of Islands.\n\nVisiting the Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable on the day, an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands will be used.\n- Moturua Island - Our second island stopover will be determined on the day\n\nMoturua Island is a paradise boasting lush native vegetation, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy activities like swimming or snorkeling in the vibrant marine environment, exploring walking trails through the island’s natural beauty. With its serene ambiance and abundant wildlife, Moturua Island provides a tranquil escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in one of the Bay of Islands Wildlife Sanctuary Islands
What's Included
- Smaller Group Tours (49 Guests Max)
- Swim, Snorkel and relax (all equipment provided)
- Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
- Two remote island stopovers
- Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information
Escape the crowds on our small group tours, taking you sightseeing among 144 remote subtropical islands, with a range of activities and two island stopovers.
Keep an eye out for our unique New Zealand sea birds and marine life, take a short walk along some of the island trails to breathtaking viewpoints, try snorkelling the untouched reefs and sheltered bays while your crew provide commentary and information throughout the day.
• Scenic Cruising among 144 subtropical islands.
• Two remote island stopovers
• Native bush walks and 360 degree views from the island lookout points
• Snorkel untouched island reefs
• Lookout for unique wildlife throughout the day
• Interactive commentary and information
- CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: If you are arriving in Waitangi Wharf, the cruiseship provides FREE shuttle buses for cruise ship guests to transfer you into Paihia (5 minute bus ride) The bus will drop you off outside the Paihia Wharf next to our check-in location - Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf
- Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
- Suitable for all ages
- Please bring a swimsuit & towel, and appropriate clothing for the day
- Please bring lunch& drink for the day
- No-show will forfeit 100% of the ticket cost
- Cruise-ship guests need to ensure their travel insurance covers them in the unlikely event that the cruise-ship does not stop in port, as we are unable to refund in these situations.
- The “Hole in the Rock” section of the tour is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable to travel to The Hole in the Rock, and alternative route within the sheltered inner islands will be used.
Location
Paihia Wharf
Check-in at Pier 10, on the Paihia Wharf at least 20 minutes before your departure.
Arriving on a cruiseship?
Cruise ships will tender you into Waitangi Wharf, or Paihia Wharf.
FREE shuttle buses are provided by the cruiseship company to transfer you from Waitangi to Paihia Wharf. (5 minutes)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(25 Ratings)
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Richard_m
Feb 24, 2024
Must do! - Saw dolphins, fish, penguins, and enjoyed hearing about the area from knowledgeable guides. Perfect day!
Review provided by Viator
Craig45
Dec 13, 2023
Excellent trip - We had an excellent trip with Island GetawayTours. We did the 4.5 hr trip as a cruise shore excursion (but organised independently from the cruise ship). Staff were freindly, heplful and attentive. We visited the Hole in the rock Roberton and Urupukapuka Islands. BYO lunch, although there is a cafe at Otehei bay on Urupukapkua Island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Belovedg2023
Mar 12, 2023
Great fun filled day! - Great trip, very nice staff that were very well organised. Beautiful oceanic views(if you're lucky like we were, you see some dolphins and some very pretty fishes. Would 100% recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
765lynseyl
Feb 28, 2023
Take the tour don’t be a bore! - The trip was very well organised and made some special memories for the four of us.
The time frame is set just right to enable the tour and activities. We enjoyed it from beginning to end and gained knowledge and new skills.
The team all worked well to ensure we were all looked after and had a great time.
Recommend this trip if you can spare the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eileen_d
Jan 26, 2023
Something for everyone - This was a great tour! Despite some choppy seas, our boat driver was very competent and we felt very safe. Got to go to a great lookout and a private beach where we snorkled and got to use our underwater camera! All equipment was provided and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and patient. We even gotto try some sea urchin roe! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Sarahzim92
Jan 21, 2023
Beautiful Bay of Islands beach day! - This was such a relaxing and beautiful day. The tour was just as described. We met at the appointed time at the easy to find booking location in Paihia. Had a lovely boat ride to Robertson island with a 10 min hike, tea, and biscuits. We passed a few other islands and made our final stop at an island with a sheltered area for swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Our guides explained a bit about the history, the islands, and the general area throughout the tour. Once we were at our beach time for the day, we were on our own, though they were both so helpful getting us started with paddle boarding and snorkeling. We had enough time at the beach to really relax, and we arrived back in Paihia with plenty of time left in the day. Highly recommend supporting this small business if you're in the Bay of Islands!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
512rhondal
Dec 6, 2022
One of the highlights of our trip - Great trip, very nice staff. We visited two islands, the first island they provided tea & biscuits (cookies) the second island We tried fresh urchin
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cliffgwashburn
Nov 30, 2022
Great trip - Lovely snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding, beautiful scenic short hike, and great boating. Our guides were wonderful. A bit of sea spray sitting on left side of boat towards back
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T4306nrdong
Mar 15, 2023
Do yourself a Favour - It was a lovely day and perfect weather for a cruise. Loved the casual atmosphere and friendly, engaging staff on board.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kazza2012_12
Nov 29, 2022
After a few weeks of rain, we were lucky to have a dry but cool day. 👌 - This cruise in a smallish boat was at capacity. 18 people. Morning tea & a biscuit was an option after a fabulous walk to a look out which was spectacular! I feel that 5 hours is too long if you’re not using the SUP’s or snorkeling which we would’ve done had the weather been warmer. Our skipper & crew were fabulous & very knowledgeable about the area. An enjoyable experience overall
Review provided by Tripadvisor
