Bay of Islands Tours & Experiences
The Bay of Islands is 144 subtropical islands in a sheltered bay approximately 230 kilometres north of Auckland — the birthplace of modern New Zealand (the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840), a marine environment where dolphins, marlin, and penguins share the warm waters, and a landscape of kauri forests, glowworm caves, and the Far North coastline where two oceans meet at Cape Reinga. The bay’s combination of history, marine life, island scenery, and Northland culture makes it one of the most rewarding multi-day destinations in the North Island.
Browse every Bay of Islands tour below — on the water, on land, and beyond the bay.
The Headline Experiences
Hole in the Rock cruises — the 4-hour bay cruise past the islands, the dolphins, and the Cape Brett lighthouse to the natural rock arch at the cape. The standard Bay of Islands tour and the recommendation for first-time visitors. In calm conditions, the boat passes through the arch.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds — the most historically significant site in modern New Zealand. The Treaty House, the carved meeting house, the war canoe, and the cultural performances covering the 1840 treaty and its ongoing legacy.
Dolphin watching and swimming — common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins year-round, with swimming permitted when conditions allow. An 85–90% sighting rate in peak season.
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach — a full-day adventure to the northern tip of the North Island, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. Sand-boarding on the Te Paki dunes and driving Ninety Mile Beach at low tide.
On the Water
Bay cruises — island-hopping, sunset cruises, and fishing charters across the 144 islands. Sailing tours — day sails and overnight anchorages under wind power. Catamaran tours — stable, spacious twin-hull cruising. Tall ship sailing — traditional rigged vessels and maritime romance. Kayak tours — paddling to sea caves, secluded beaches, and the Haruru Falls. Snorkelling tours — subtropical reef fish on the island reefs with wetsuits provided.
Adventure
Parasailing — 100–150 metres above the bay with panoramic island views. Adventure and thrill tours — jet boating, helicopters, game fishing (marlin in season), and water sports.
On Land
Kauri forest tours — 1,000-year-old giant trees in the Puketi and Omahuta forests. Shoe cleaning at the entrance is mandatory (kauri dieback disease).
Glowworm cave tours — the Kawiti Caves, 15 minutes from Paihia. Glowworms in limestone passages — the most convenient glowworm experience in Northland.
Food and wine tours — Kerikeri’s farmers’ market, boutique vineyards, subtropical orchards, and the emerging Northland food scene.
Beer tours — craft breweries and taprooms in the bay area.
Format & Logistics
Private tours — dedicated guide, flexible itinerary, boat and land combined. Shore excursions — tours designed for cruise ship port calls (6–10 hours from the tender point). Transfer services — Kerikeri Airport, Paihia, Russell, and Auckland connections.
Browse the full selection and book the Bay of Islands experience that fits — whether that is cruising through the Hole in the Rock, swimming alongside a dolphin, standing where the Treaty was signed, or driving Ninety Mile Beach at the top of New Zealand.