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Northland & Bay of Islands Tours
Whangarei & East Coast :: Bay of Islands :: Cape Reinga :: Kaitaia :: Kauri Coast & Hokianga
Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastline, wild surf, and spectacular forests… subtropical Northland is stunningly beautiful – an aquatic playground and a land of unspoilt natural splendour. Divers come from all over the planet to dive the Rainbow Warrior wreck and the Poor Knight Islands Marine Reserve with its spectacular reefs, secret tunnels and the largest underwater cave in the world.
Experience Northland & Bay of Islands
- Ancient kauri trees
- Golden sands
- Largest underwater cave in the world
- Maori legends
- Beautiful Bay of Islands
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Explore 90 mile beach
- Cruise through the famous hole in the rock
- Visit the Treaty House at Waitangi
- Swim with dolphins
- Hug a kauri tree
- Go sandboarding on towering golden dunes
- Experience the wonders of the poor Knights Islands
- Tackle one of the many bush tracks around Whangarei
Useful Northland & Bay of Islands Resources
The Northland culture and history are the epitome of New Zealand tourism. The matchless maritime beauty of the place and the easy accessibility to world-class facilities in accommodation and fine dining lure a consistent flow of tourists here. The local terrain and background landscapes are simply breathtakingly beautiful.
There are special holiday packages that offer a grand combination of economic stay and complimentary passes to the locally harvested food and wine celebrations, and arts and crafts displays.
Northland is celebrated the world over for fishing, and diving. Northland is popular for the 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga, Ahipara, Karikari Peninsula, and Doubtless Bay. The regions are regularly visited but still appear as if waiting to be discovered.
The Best Tours & Day Trips in Northland & Bay of Islands
Listing view
Experience the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands
Depart Paihia wharf for a day’s sailing experience in the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands. Sail on board a 50ft catamaran surrounded by turquoise water, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife and watch wild dolphins and seabirds in their ocean habitat. An island stop is included, where you get to explore a historic scenic island and swim or snorkel at the beach. Kiwi style BBQ lunch included, aboard Carino NZ. Duration: 6 hours. NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS....
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There are Bay of Islands day tours to suit every traveller. Go swimming with dolphins, see the natural wonder that is the Hole in the Rock on an island cruise and enjoy spotting all kinds of birds and marine life from the boat - whales, dolphins, seals and penguins are all frequent visitors. Visit historic Russell – today a charming historic village of boutique shops and eateries, but once a lawless open port known as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’.
From Paihia you can take a Cape Reinga tour to the very tip of New Zealand and see the spot where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. During your tour you’ll drive along the sand on spectacular Ninety Mile Beach, sand-surf down giant dunes (if you’re feeling adventurous!) and visit ancient native kauri trees in the Puketi Forest. Māori legend holds that Cape Reinga is the point from which departed spirits leave on their journey to their homeland - stand in this deeply spiritual place, gaze....
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Read more about Bay of Islands Full Day Tour
Make the most of this popular day tour from Auckland with return coach travel to Paihia, including a spectacular dolphin watching cruise in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Our experienced local skippers will guide you through the beautiful clear waters aboard Dolphin Seeker, our purpose built dolphin and whale watching catamaran. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as we get you up close to the action from the comfort of Dolphin Seeker. Our catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock - hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back....
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the northernmost point of NZ - Full-day tour departing from Paihia - Experience the famous Ninety Mile Beach - Go sandboarding at Te Paki Stream! - Lunch includedThe Iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Departing from Paihia your journey takes you to the very tip of the New Zealand to discover a region of rich Māori tradition on an unforgettable full-day tour. In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga is the place where spirits depart on their long journey back to the homeland. As you stand beneath the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse taking in the panoramic views and watch the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below, you’ll fe....
Cape Reinga Day Tour from Paihia: This journey will take you to Cape Reinga, where according to Maori legend, spirits depart on their journey to the homeland - Hawaiki.
Puketi Kauri Forest
On your way, visit the ancient Puketi Kauri Forest, with a 20-minute boardwalk past 1,000-year-old Kauri trees and native bush. Enjoy a BBQ lunch at Houhora (optional extra for $23 per person). On arrival at Cape Reinga, stand on the northernmost tip of New Zealand and watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. Ask your driver guide about planting a native tree at Cape Reinga.Te Paki Stream
Then take the opportunity to try sandboarding down the massive dunes o....Darryls Dinner Cruise
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Departing from Paihia Wharf, join the crew onboard the custom-built river cruising boat, made for gliding through the calm inland waterways. Enjoy the comfy leather seating as you cruise along the Waitangi River to the delightful Haruru Falls, watching for birdlife along the way. The friendly crew are a mine of information and love to share the history of the area. Dinner is cooked fresh onboard and served straight off the BBQ. Duration: 2.5 hours.....
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Day in the Bay Cruise
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS....
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Dolphin Eco Cruise
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Departing from Paihia Wharf, experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Bay of Islands and its abundant wildlife. Spot marine mammals in their natural playground including dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. Learn about the natural ecosystems being restored as part of the Project Island Song wildlife sanctuary, bringing birdsong back to the islands. This 4 hour scenic cruise includes a 1.5 hour stop on Urupukapuka Island to spot the native birdlife and an opportunity to snorkel (conditions permitting). Lifetime marine mammal viewing guarantee - come again for free if we don't spot any marine mammals during your cruise.....
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Full Day Sail
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Take the opportunity to go sailing on a working tall ship, in one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands. Sail from Russell with the wind blowing from behind, this is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the Bay; you can be sure your carbon footprint is minimal. Better still, with profits made from tourism going to support youth development, your day out is going to a good cause. Day sails operate over the summer from the beginning of November through to Easter, after which time the vessel reverts to youth development voyages.
Includes:
Free ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell, if required
Freshly baked scones and cream tea
Chance to take the helm, hoist the sails or climb the rigging
Island stopover in sheltered bay - relax, swim, or explore ashore
Delicious BBQ lunch served on board
Licensed cash bar on board....
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Read more about Hole in the Rock Morning Cruise
Departing form Paihia Wharf, cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula with an informative commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. See the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and majestic Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, and hope for a lucky drip from above as you pass underneath it. The Bay of Islands is home to a host of marine mammals, wildlife and native birds. Keep an eye out for dolphins throughout your 4.5 hour adventure. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to relax or soak up the views from the hilltops before returning to the mainland. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLeyyqETc2I&ab_channel=FullersGreatSights[/embed] ....
Discover some of Kerikeri's best keep secrets in this popular afternoon tour.
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History & Craft Galleries
Kerikeri is rich in history and was home territory for the formidable Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorized many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. A shrewd strategist, Hongi made nearby land available for a Church Missionary Society station. He intended to use the mission to secure European weapons and other skills to further his war aims. By 1827, however, Hongi and many of his followers had moved on, leaving Kerikeri to the missionaries and the Reverend Samuel Marsden who established New Zealand's second mission station here.Ake Ake Vineyard
Reverend Ma....
Manea Experience Guided Tour
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, with a 75 minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, cultural treasures, film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings.....
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Read more about Ocean Adventure Express
Experience the Ocean Adventure that the Bay of Islands is famous for. Speed through the open waters and ride waves. Go offshore to capture the excitement of the Cape Brett Peninsula. Soak up the adventure!
Your Ocean Adventure includes:
• Cruising among the 144 islands
• Visiting the Cape Brett Peninsula and the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’
• Entering the amazing Cathedral Cave
• Hearing the fascinating tales of the Bay as told by your skipper
• Spotting the wildlife along the way
• The option to include an island stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island#
#Only available on 9.30am and 12.30pm departures, subject to availability
Our high speed Ocean Adventure is a Rigid- hulled Inflatable Boat (RIB) that has great pedigree. It has been used to service offshore oil rigs, as a search and rescue boat and a chase boat during Ame....
Ocean Adventure
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Experience the thrill of Ocean Adventure - the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock on this 1.5 hour experience. Relax in state of the art suspension seating for a safe and comfortable ride as you fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands. Ocean Adventure combines exhilaration and exploration with a balance of speed and thrills, as well as stops to view wildlife, learn about the Bay of Islands and take photos. Departing from Paihia Wharf, visit the dramatic cliffs at Cape Brett Peninsula and the iconic Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit enter the amazing Cathedral Cave. Choose to visit Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island at the end of your cruise and return on one of the later ferries at no extra cost.....
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Otehei Bay Ferry
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Jump on a quick 40 minute ferry transfer from Paihia or Russell to experience a slice of island paradise at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island and discover one of Northland’s best kept secrets. With multiple departures daily you can spend just a few hours or a full day exploring the island at your leisure on foot. Relax and listen to all the different bird song or get busy with a day of activities in this stunning island setting. Swim at the safe secluded beaches, go for a walk and take in the stunning vistas from numerous look out spots, or hire a kayak or paddle board.....
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Puketi Eco Walk - half day
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Enjoy an intimate guided walk through Puketi Forest, an ancient kauri rainforest, located 40 minutes from Paihia. With over 360 indigenous species of plants, this subtropical rainforest is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. Learn to recognise and name some of the native trees. Listen and see the native birds and insects. Your experienced guide, with a passion for conservation, will share stories and knowledge. Includes bottled water and morning or afternoon tea. Duration: 3 hours.....
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Puketi Night Walk
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Discover the dark secrets of Puketi Forest, an ancient kauri rainforest located 40 minutes from Paihia. With over 360 indigenous species of plants, this subtropical rainforest is one of the most diverse in New Zealand. This intimate guided tour takes you into the forest at twilight where you experience the transition from day to night. Listen to the bird-song as the tuis and fantails settle for the night, while the nocturnal moreporks and kiwi awaken. Feel the draft of the bats flying overhead and discover the fascinating insects that are active at night. Your experienced guide, with a passion for conservation, will share stories and knowledge. Duration: 2.5–3 hours.....
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Russell Mini Tour
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Starting in Russell, take a one hour guided tour of this romantic seaside township, steeped in history with a very chequered past. Travel aboard an air conditioned mini-coach as you go back in time with stories from your knowledgeable guide taking you back to the earliest settlers. Visit places of significant historical interest not easily covered on foot, and discover why Russell has played such an important role in the history of New Zealand.....
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Sundowner Sailing
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
This short Sundowner sail on board the tall ship R.Tucker Thompson is perfect if you don’t have time for a full day in the Bay but still want a unique tall ship experience. Departing from Russell wharf at 4pm, the trip is a relaxing sail through the inner Bay around the area of Paihia, Waitangi and the Black Rocks. Use your included ferry tickets and head over to Russell earlier in the day to explore this historic village before boarding the ship at 4.00 pm. After the sailing, you can choose to dine at one of the restaurants in Russell before heading home. Scheduled trips are offered on Fridays and Sundays.
Includes:
Free ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell, if required
Shared antipasto platter
Licensed cash bar on board
Chance to take the helm, help hoist the sails or ride the bowsprit....
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Tandem Skydive 12,000ft
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Tandem skydiving in New Zealand is a dreamlike experience, with equal parts of adventure, adrenaline and crazy mixed together. Located 6 minutes from Kerikeri and 20 minutes from Paihia your pilot will climb the beautiful blue skies to altitude. You’ll get spectacular views of the turquoise ocean dotted with islands, beautiful golden beaches and lush green countryside. Then jump with your tandem instructor and experience the exhilaration of freefall at 200km per hour. You’ll be buzzing long after you’ve floated back to ground. Max 100kg. Allow 3 hours.....
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Twilight Encounter
NORTHLAND & BAY OF ISLANDS
Witness forest transition from day to night. Experience the affinity that Maori have with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they have for these sentinels who have stood silently witnessing the passing of time. Your guide will share thought-provoking information, humorous banter, stories and legends before respectfully greeting the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world with spine-tingling chants and song. Duration: 4 hours....
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Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a significant historic site where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped by the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi by Maori and the British Crown.