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Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland

Offered by ExperienceKart

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$475.00 per person

4.9 (22 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

13 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Small group day tour from Auckland to Paihia and the Bay of Islands, with a cruise via Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, plus a 1.5-hour island stop.

Tour Overview

Travel from Auckland on a small group day tour to the Bay of Islands, with informative commentary along the way. After crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the journey heads north through rural countryside and sub-tropical bush, with a comfort break and time to buy coffee before continuing into Northland.

A stop in Kawakawa adds a distinctive cultural note to the day, where you visit the colourful public toilet designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The tour then continues to Paihia, your base for exploring the Bay of Islands.

From Paihia, board a scenic cruise through this well-known coastal region. Out on the water, you’ll pass some of the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, get close to the cliffs at Cape Brett, and travel through the Hole in the Rock. The cruise also offers the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife as you move through the bay.

There is also a 1.5 hour island stop, giving you time to eat, swim, or take a walk before returning. After your time in Paihia and the Bay of Islands, the tour returns to Auckland with drop-off at your hotel, or at accommodation in Paihia if you are staying locally.

What's Included

  • Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
  • Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
  • Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
  • Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
  • Engaging and informative commentary in English
  • Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
  • Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
  • WiFi on board
  • Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from select locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please meet us at the closest hotel listed for pick-up.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    La nonna Italian Bakery

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.

    15 minutes

  3. 3

    Hundertwasser Public Toilets

    We visit one of the main tourist attractions in Kawakawa, the colourful public toilet designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. First visiting New Zealand in the 1970s for an exhibition of his work, he decided to make the country his second home and bought property on the Waikare inlet, east of Kawakawa. In 1998 with the help of the community he transformed the town’s public toilets into a work of art.

    15 minutes

  4. 4

    Cruise to the Hole in the Rock

    The Bay of Islands is a natural playground offering a huge variety of activities to keep you entertained for days. With scenic landscapes to explore by land, sea or sky, abundant wildlife including the playful dolphins, plenty of rich and colourful history and of course water sport opportunities around every corner. Once a booming, bustling and bawdy seafaring centre, it’s now a peaceful and pristine spot, and offers the perfect base for exploring Northland. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands! Embark on a voyage of discovery and enjoy the beauty of this area when you join a daily cruise to hole in the rock, the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

  5. 5

    Auckland Central

    After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Paihia, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Paihia if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you. Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers....

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Our central meeting point in Auckland City is in front of Movenpick Hotel (8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010). This meeting point is well connected with Auckland's public transport network. Kindly advise us if you will be meeting us at this location.

End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
  • A full commentary is provided by your skipper onboard the cruise. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
  • A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
  • You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
  • Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
  • Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
  • You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
  • The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.