Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland
Description
Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and soak up on New Zealand’s spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Hop on a scenic cruise around the bay to witness some of the incredible 144 islands, get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett, and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to eat, swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
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. Scheduled Pick-Up Timings [08:30 AM - Cordis Auckland, Mercure Auckland, Kiwi International, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Pullman Auckland]; [08:35 AM - Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, VR Auckland City Hobson Street, Crowne Plaza Auckland]; [08:40 AM - SkyCity Hotel, The Grand By SkyCity, Heritage Auckland, Rydges Auckland]; [08:45 AM - JW Marriot, voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, ibis Budget Auckland City Centre]; [08:50 AM - Mövenpick Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel]; [08:55 AM - M Social, Hilton Auckland]; [09:00 AM - Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt, Swiss Bel-Suites Victoria Park];
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.