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.
Reviews(22)
Very long day but well worth it! Seas were a little choppy on the boat, so if you are prone to sea sickness or aren’t sure take motion sickness meds before or use a patch. Our driver guide Karthik was amazing and knows so much about the country and history! I highly recommend this tour!!!!!
Kia Ora Michele, Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review! The Bay of Islands is always an adventure, and we’re so glad it was a day worth every moment for you. Great tip as well for future travellers heading out on the water. Karthik will be delighted to hear your kind words. He loves bringing the journey to life with stories and insights that make the day even more memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would love to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
What a day ! Even though it was long, it is well worth it. If you read the description of the tour, it is what you get (except we didn't see whales !! but that's ok). The communication of change of pick up address was not a problem. Karthik was a great tour guide on our drive up to the Bay of Islands, his knowledge of Auckland and surrounding area was exceptional and his interest in the science was really interesting and was always checking that we were ok. The transport car (van) was very comfortable - enough so, I may of dozed off !!! Karthik made sure we got on our 3hr + boat cruise/tour and seeing the dolphin's at play was definitely a highlight. All in all a great day and this is a family run business and good to support the little guys instead of the big commercial companies. Highly recommend if you have limited time in Auckland and want to see the Bay of Islands.
Kia Ora KJN2010, Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed 5-star review. We’re delighted to hear you had such a wonderful day exploring the Bay of Islands and that the experience lived up to the tour description. It’s great to know you enjoyed the scenic journey, the cruise, and especially the highlight of seeing dolphins in the bay. Karthik will be very pleased to hear your kind words. He truly enjoys sharing his knowledge of New Zealand’s landscapes, science, and history while making sure guests feel comfortable throughout the journey. We’re also glad the vehicle provided a relaxing ride for the long but beautiful drive north. As a small family-run business, your support and recommendation truly mean a lot to us. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Our guide, Karthik was a fantastic and energetic guide. The cruise of the bay was beautiful! Enjoyed a big pod of dolphins in the bay for about 20 minutes!
Kia Ora Curious55297916919, Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the day exploring the Bay of Islands and that the cruise was such a highlight. Seeing a large pod of dolphins in the bay is always a special moment and truly makes the experience unforgettable. It was a pleasure hosting you on the journey, and we’re glad you enjoyed the day. Thank you again for travelling with us. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
The driver who took us was very informative and told us a lot about NZ and the culture, aboriginal traditions and the earthquakes. We had comfort stops and the bakery we stopped at was perfect.
Kia Ora Deborah, Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the journey and the commentary shared along the way. It’s great to know the comfort stops and the bakery stop added nicely to your day as well. We always aim to make the drive both informative and enjoyable, sharing insights into New Zealand’s history, culture, and landscapes while ensuring guests travel comfortably. Thank you again for choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you back on another journey in the future. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Great experience! Tarthik was a great guide! Lots of good commentary! Highly recommended!
Kia Ora Clay, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had a great experience and enjoyed the commentary throughout the journey. Karthik will be thrilled to know his guiding helped make the day even more memorable. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back again for another fantastic adventure in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Kartnik was a great guide for our bay of islands tour. He had a lot of local information and historical facts to entertain us on our drive from Auckland. Fun stops along the way for yummy treats and bathroom, stretch breaks.
Kia Ora Rachel, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you had a great time on your Bay of Islands journey and that Karthik kept the day engaging with his local knowledge and stories along the way. It’s great to know the comfort stops and little treats added to the overall experience, those thoughtful touches make all the difference. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Loved the tour, Karthik was fantastic, the commentary was interesting and informative, highly recommend this tour 😃
Kia Ora Jody, Thank you so much for your lovely 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you loved the experience and that Karthik made the journey even more enjoyable with his engaging and informative commentary. It’s always our aim to make every moment memorable, and your recommendation truly means a lot to us! We’d love to welcome you back for another great adventure! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Karthik was a great guide! Knowledgeable about the geology and history of the region. He was a wealth of information! The trip to the Bay of islands was fantastic!
Kia Ora Ara, Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation! We’re delighted to hear you had a fantastic trip to the Bay of Islands and that Karthik’s knowledge of the geology and history added even more depth to the experience. He truly loves sharing the stories behind the landscapes of Aotearoa. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Karthik was a wonderful host. He was so knowledgeable, telling us about anything and everything NZ and answered all our questions. He even offered water, snacks, and sunscreen. Absolute top quality experience, would highly recommend.
Kia Ora Alice, Thank you so much for such a lovely 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear Karthik made the journey so enjoyable with his knowledge and thoughtful touches along the way. It’s those little details, from sharing stories about Aotearoa to keeping everyone comfortable that truly elevate the experience. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to host you again on another adventure soon! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
Absolutely fantastic experience! We got to see so much of the Bay of Islands as well very knowledgeable commentary from our guide. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to see more of the Northland.
Kia Ora Hannah, Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback and thoughtful 5-star review! We’re so pleased you were able to experience so much of the beautiful Bay of Islands and that the commentary added depth to the journey. Northland truly has a special charm, and it’s wonderful to hear it made an impression on you. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures around Aotearoa soon! Ngā mihi nui, The ExperienceKart Team
