Top 5 Bay of Islands Tours: See the Best Sights & Cruises

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is absolutely a place you might want to put on your must-see list. That area is jam-packed with picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and so many opportunities for adventure. Finding the perfect way to see it all can be rather tricky, so I went ahead and put together what I think are the five tours, for exploring this awesome region. Ready? Here they are.

1. The “Hole in the Rock” Cruise

Is there a tour that you absolutely can’t miss? That has to be the “Hole in the Rock” cruise. This is, in a way, a signature Bay of Islands thing to do. Many cruises go out there, and these trips typically take you out to see the famous Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island. The cool part is how, quite often, the boats actually go through the hole, which is like your own little daring adventure!

During the cruise, you’ll cruise past all the smaller islands that are gorgeous and also stop and see marine wildlife. This is where you might see dolphins playing or seals basking in the sun! It’s pretty cool if you get to witness that.

Many cruises include commentary on the local history and Maori culture, so in a way, it is enriching as it is gorgeous. Tours often last around three to four hours. Prices tend to start at around $90 NZD, roughly $55 USD.

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2. Island Hopping and Beach Tours

If you’re trying to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, an island-hopping beach tour is right up your alley. With over 140 islands in the Bay of Islands, picking only one beach could feel nearly impossible, and in this way, this tour lets you sample a few of them. This tour usually includes stops at places that feel totally untouched. That sort of beach makes you feel like you’ve discovered some secret gem all your own.

The tours include time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring those little hidden coves. Many operators provide snorkeling gear or kayaks. Those little rentals will help you appreciate the marine life that is amazing here.

Barbecue lunches on the beach are another popular feature of some tours. Prices, you know, generally start around $120 NZD, or about $73 USD, so that’s pretty standard.

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3. Dolphin Watching Tours

Who likes dolphins? Then go dolphin watching! Several companies in the Bay of Islands will, in a way, dedicate their services to getting you up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. These tours, basically, are led by experienced guides who know exactly where dolphins are likely to hang out.

These tours respect animal welfare, so you can feel good that they maintain a respectful distance. This means you’ll be getting great views but also know they’re, you know, protecting the dolphins and their habitat.

It’s a given, but remember that sightings are not always 100% guaranteed. Dolphin tours are at the mercy of nature. Most operators have a “no see, come again” policy. If you don’t see them the first time, the company lets you re-book for another try. Tours usually last between two and three hours, and it’s often about $80 NZD, so that is around $49 USD.

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4. Scenic Flights Over the Bay of Islands

For a totally breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands, how about considering a scenic flight? You can pick fixed-wing planes or helicopters to just see the bay spread out far beneath you. From above, all those islands look that much more gorgeous and it can allow a complete sense of how the islands fit together.

Many flight options will pass over the Hole in the Rock. They circle around other famous spots for photography. Keep your camera close!

Scenic flights provide commentary. This tends to be about the geological formations. You’ll learn the stories tied to the islands. Flight durations, actually, can vary from 30 minutes to an hour. Prices? $200 NZD and up. So about $122 USD. Yes, they’re that bit pricey but for a super good reason.

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5. Cultural and Historical Tours

Would you like to experience the local culture? Then a cultural tour is a good call! These tours take you to significant sites in the area. Guides share some information on Maori history. Tours will include a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is the spot where the treaty that created New Zealand as a country was first signed.

You’ll witness Maori cultural performances. Get a chance to sample traditional foods. Maybe even experience the arts and crafts these peoples are known for.

Several tours will visit local villages. Those villages support the local community. That type of thing makes a more intimate impression. Tours usually last about half a day, so maybe four hours? Expect to pay at least $100 NZD, around $61 USD.

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