[PRIVATE] Bay of Islands Discovery From Auckland

This tour got off from the wrong foot from the beginning as our boat to the Bay of Islands was cancelled, but I am giving two stars as opposed to one as our guide did offer to take us elsewhere to try and make up for it. However the kindness was lessened some as we almost had to argue to just be taken back to Auckland. I appreciate the effort to get our money's worth but when the booking was cancelled, we just wanted to head back. The biggest reason for the poor review however was nothing to do with the above and everything to do with the communication or lack thereof that seemed to existed between the operator and our driver. When booking the tour, I had requested to make a quick stop on the way to the Bay of Islands the Driver had no idea what this was. When I confirmed with him about going on the way back, especially when we had so much additional time, it was still ignored, I assume due to a language barrier. Finally, I confirmed the requested pick up and drop off time with the tour operator after booking so we could plan accordingly. If the boat hadn't been cancelled it is clear to me if we had taken the boat ride and stopped at the waterfall listed in the tour description, there is no way we would have been back in Auckland at the time listed for the tour. All seems like quite poor communication all around. Will certainly book elsewhere the next time we return.

The scenery traveling the North Island, and then the boat trip in the Bay of Islands is extraordinary and exhilarating! It’s a long day, but well worth the time and the money. Great way to start out our NZ tour!