Bay of Islands Sightseeing Tours & Activities

Bay of Islands Sightseeing
The Bay of Islands stretches across 144 islands off Northland's east coast, and most sightseeing here happens on the water, departing from Paihia or Russell. Boats head out toward the natural rock arch at Motukōkako, sail among the islands for a day of snorkelling and beach time, or run overnight so you wake up anchored offshore. Land-based day tours reach further north to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, so the choice comes down to how much time you have and whether you'd rather be on the water or the road.

Hole in the Rock cruises
The Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise is the standout on this page, cruising past the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the natural arch at Motukōkako aboard a catamaran built with some of the largest viewing decks in the Bay. Crew keep watch for dolphins and whales along the way, and the cruise stops for an hour and a half at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, long enough to swim, walk or eat before heading back.

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach day tours
For a day away from the water, the Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour departs Paihia for New Zealand's northernmost point, where two oceans meet. The drive back runs along Ninety Mile Beach itself, with the option to sandboard down the dunes at Te Paki Stream, and a stop at the waterfront town of Mangōnui along the way. A guide shares the area's Māori history throughout the day, which is why most people do this route as a tour rather than a self-drive.

Sailing and kayaking among the islands
The Bay of Island Sailing Day Cruise puts you to work on the ropes aboard a Barefoot Sailing yacht for a six hour day, with a two hour island stop for snorkelling, paddleboarding or a short walk. For something more hands on in the water, the Bay of Islands Kayak Tour, Island Discovery takes the ferry to Otehei Bay before a guided kayak paddle to beaches only reachable from the sea, with time to swim and snorkel before the return ferry.

Overnight cruises on the Bay
The Overnight Cruise on The Rock turns a day on the water into an overnight stay aboard a converted 1969 car ferry, with cabins that look straight out onto the Bay. The crew supply kayaking and snorkelling gear and serve buffet meals to a group small enough that dinner feels sociable rather than crowded. Waking up to sunrise over the islands is the part most people mention afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sightseeing tour in the Bay of Islands?
The Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise is the classic choice, since it combines the natural rock arch at Motukōkako with dolphin and whale watching and a stop on Urupukapuka Island. Travellers with a full day to spare often add a sailing or kayaking day cruise, and those wanting to stay out longer book an overnight cruise instead.
Can I visit Cape Reinga from the Bay of Islands?
Yes. Cape Reinga day tours depart Paihia and combine the drive to New Zealand's northernmost point with time on Ninety Mile Beach, including the option to sandboard the dunes at Te Paki Stream.
Do Bay of Islands cruises include dolphin watching?
Most of the cruises on this page look out for dolphins and whales along the way, since the Bay is a regular feeding ground for both. The Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise runs on a Marine Mammal licensed vessel and offers a free return visit during winter months if no dolphins are sighted.
Where do Bay of Islands sightseeing tours depart from?
Most boat tours leave from Paihia or Russell, with several cruises offering a choice of either wharf. Land tours to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach depart from Paihia.
Is an overnight cruise a good way to see the Bay of Islands?
It suits travellers who want more time on the water than a day trip allows. The Rock's overnight cruise adds swimming, kayaking and snorkelling to the usual sightseeing, plus a sunrise over the islands before heading back the next morning.