Bay of Islands Activities & Tours

Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands stretches across 144 islands off Northland's east coast, with Paihia, Russell, and Waitangi as the main bases for exploring by water, land, and air. Cruises out to the Hole in the Rock are the signature draw, and the wider region also covers Waitangi's treaty grounds, the drive north to Cape Reinga, and days spent kayaking among the islands. Browse the full range of boat tours and water activities on offer to find the right pace for your visit.

Hole in the Rock cruises
Cruises out to Motukōkako, the towering rock formation known as the Hole in the Rock, are the most popular way to see the Bay of Islands from the water. The Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise runs at a relaxed pace on a purpose-built catamaran, with wide viewing decks for spotting dolphins and whales along the Cape Brett Peninsula and a stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. For a faster ride, the Ocean Adventure fast boat uses suspension seating to cut across the bay at speed, threading through the rock itself and into Cathedral Cave when conditions allow. Both depart from Paihia and cover the same iconic landmarks at a different tempo.

Waitangi and Bay of Islands culture
Waitangi Treaty Grounds sits at the heart of New Zealand's founding story, and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Cultural Experience pairs a guided tour of the grounds with a Māori cultural performance and a look at the world's largest ceremonial waka. The heritage buildings and museums cover the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its significance to Aotearoa, with views back across the bay from the grounds themselves.

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach
North of the Bay of Islands, the Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour runs a full day from Paihia up to Te Rerenga Wairua, the northernmost point of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. The route takes in sand surfing on the dunes at Te Paki Stream, a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, and a stop in the waterfront town of Mangōnui, with a guide sharing the area's Māori history along the way.

Kayaking and island activities
For a slower, hands on way to see the islands, the Bay of Islands Kayaking Island Discovery combines a ferry crossing to Otehei Bay with a guided paddle through hidden coves, snorkelling stops and free time on the island. It's a good match for travellers who want to get in the water rather than just look at it, and it sits alongside the wider range of water activities across the bay.

Overnight cruises and scenic flights
Travellers with more time can stay out on the water overnight aboard The Rock, a converted car ferry turned cruise vessel with ocean view cabins, kayaking and snorkelling off the deck, and a sunrise over the bay the next morning. For a different perspective again, the Bay of Islands Scenic Flight loops by helicopter over Russell, Paihia, Waitangi, and Cape Brett before circling the Hole in the Rock from above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to see the Hole in the Rock?
It depends on the pace you want. A dolphin cruise on a purpose-built catamaran gives you the most time on the water and the best chance of spotting marine life, a fast boat trip covers the same landmarks at speed with a run through the rock itself, and a scenic flight shows the whole formation from above.
How do I get to Cape Reinga from the Bay of Islands?
The Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour runs as a full day trip from Paihia, taking in the lighthouse at Te Rerenga Wairua, sand surfing at Te Paki Stream and a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, so you don't need your own transport to reach the far north.
What can I do at Waitangi Treaty Grounds?
A visit to Waitangi typically includes a guided tour of the grounds, a Māori cultural performance, and access to the museums and heritage buildings, including the world's largest ceremonial waka, giving context to where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Are there overnight cruise options in the Bay of Islands?
Yes. The Rock is an overnight cruise aboard a converted car ferry, with ocean-view cabins, onboard meals, kayaking and snorkelling from the deck, and a sunrise over the bay before returning the next day.
Can you go kayaking in the Bay of Islands?
Yes, guided kayak tours are available around the islands, typically combining a ferry crossing with a paddle through sheltered coves and snorkelling stops, and no prior kayaking experience is required.