Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland - 2 Day

Aerial view of the Bay of Islands with boats cruising through the sparkling blue waters.
The iconic Hole in the Rock formation surrounded by blue sea waters in the Bay of Islands.
Exterior view of The Kauri Museum showcasing New Zealand’s kauri tree heritage.
Tāne Mahuta, the giant kauri tree standing tall in a lush New Zealand forest.
Traditional Maori carved wooden archway at the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds in the Bay of Islands.
Top-down view of a pod of dolphins swimming gracefully next to a boat in the Bay of Islands.
Scenic view looking down from a hilltop over a picturesque bay with lush greenery in the Bay of Islands.
  • To: Bay Of Islands
  • From: Auckland (return trip)
  • Duration: 2 Days (including 1 night accomodation)
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Join us on this enchanting 2-day Bay of Islands Tour & Cruise, unveiling the birthplace of New Zealand and immersing yourself in natural wonders, hidden gems, and rich Maori culture. This intimate, fully-guided adventure seamlessly blends the best of subtropical Northland’s east and west coasts.

 

Our passionate, expert guides bring history to life with captivating stories and insider knowledge, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this iconic region. Travel in comfort aboard our modern, well-equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, designed for your safety and enjoyment.

 

Highlights:

 

    • 4.5 hour Bay of Islands Cruise
    • Hole in the Rock
    • Waterfront accommodation in Paihia
    • Wildlife spotting
    • Sites of cultural and historical significance
    • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    • Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest
    • The Kauri Museum

Inclusions:

 

    • Fully-guided small group tour
    • Twin-share accommodation in Paihia (upgrade to single occupancy for $150 in the optional extras)
    • All entry tickets
    • Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour and cultural performance
    • Cruise tickets
    • Snacks and bottled water

Itinerary:

 

Day 1

 
      • Auckland: Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city over the iconic Harbour Bridge, your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
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      • The Kauri Museum: Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree. Celebrating everything to do with kauri and the people of the north, we discover how kauri have supported lives and livelihoods for centuries.
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      • Waipoua Forest: Continuing north, the beautiful scenery does not stop. Our guide will entertain you with interesting information and stories of the area before we enter the majestic Waipoua forest. As the drive swoops and turns, we are finally rewarded by the presence of Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest.
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      • Opononi Beach: Enjoy a lunch break in the beachside settlement of Opononi with views over the Hokianga Harbour.
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      • Waitangi Treaty Grounds: After enjoying free time for lunch on the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, we journey further north towards Waitangi, where we will be treated to a fully guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site.
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      • Overnight Stay – Paihia: Arrive in Paihia and check into your waterfront hotel, before taking a relaxing walk along the beach and ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

 

  • Bay of Islands Cruise: After breakfast, we depart on a magical cruise exploring the extensive islands of the area. During this 4.5-hour cruise, the guides will share the rich history and nature of the region while searching for the marine life that has made these cruises famous.

     

    Hole in the Rock – Cape Brett: The cruise continues with a visit to the iconic Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett (weather permitting). This massive ocean archway has been thrilling guests for decades.

     

    Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island: No Bay of Islands cruise can be complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. We will stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, or enjoy the island’s fully licensed bar and café.

     

    Depart Paihia for Auckland: Sadly, after this day in paradise, we must start to head south again, but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.

     

    Auckland: As we arrive back in Auckland, our guide will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands Tour with us.

     

  • While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Bay of Islands Tour FAQ

Who is this tour suitable for?

Ideal for travellers of all ages looking to explore the birthplace of New Zealand. We cater to families, solo travellers, couples, and seniors. Activity levels are easy to moderate.

How big are your tour groups?

We operate small group experiences (up to 16 guests), ensuring personalised, friendly service from our expert guides

What kind of vehicle do you use?

Travel in comfort aboard our modern Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter vans, equipped with air-con, USB ports, and scenic commentary via our expert guides.

How do I book?

Simply click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on our site, choose your Auckland departure date, complete payment and you’re all good to go!

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal and direct bank transfers (prices are inclusive of GST).

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, tours require a minimum of 5 guests. If numbers are low, we’ll either offer an alternative date or issue a full refund.

Where do we meet in Auckland?

Pick-up is from central Auckland locations, including hotels like Cordis, SkyCity and Hilton. We’ll confirm your exact pick-up point in your booking confirmation.

Can I be dropped off at a different location afterward?

Absolutely! We can drop you at your central Auckland hotel or a convenient downtown spot upon return.

Are children welcome?

Yes! Children aged 4-14 travel on a discounted child fare. Under‑4s travel as infants (please bring a child safety seat if required).

What happens in bad weather?

Safety comes first. If weather forces cancellation, you’ll receive a full refund and we’ll notify you promptly.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Tours with accommodation: Full refund if cancelled at least 72 hours prior.

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