Bay of Islands 2-Day Tour from Auckland: Cruise & Kauri Forest

Two days in the Bay of Islands without building the itinerary yourself

A fully guided two-day small group tour from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, with stops at the Kauri Museum, Waipoua Forest, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and a 4.5-hour cruise through the islands. The tour includes entry to all three main attractions, hotel accommodation in Paihia (optional), and hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland. You travel with a small group and a live English-speaking guide who shares local stories and Māori heritage at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Bay of Islands and sightseeing

• Depart Auckland city
• Visit Kauri Museum
• Explore Waipoua Forest
• Lunch break in Opononi
• Guided tour at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Arrive and check into Paihia hotel
• Walk along Paihia beach
• Dinner at local restaurant

Day 2 — Bay of Islands cruise and return

• Breakfast at hotel
• Bay of Islands 4.5-hour cruise
• Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
• Return trip to Auckland with stops
• Drop off at Auckland hotel

The Experience

The tour leaves Auckland heading west through Dargaville toward the Kauri Museum, where you learn the story of New Zealand's largest native tree before moving into Waipoua Forest itself. A lunch break in Opononi overlooks the Hokianga Harbour—the settlement where a tame dolphin named Opo became famous in the 1950s. Then the route turns north to Waitangi, where you get a complete guided tour and cultural performance at the Treaty Grounds, exploring the Treaty House and the carved Whare Rūnanga with a guide who brings the Māori heritage to life.

Day two is the Bay of Islands cruise: a 4.5-hour journey on the water with your guide narrating the history and natural features while you watch for dolphins and whales. The boat stops at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim on the white sand beach, hike to the hilltop for views across the entire bay, or sit at the licensed bar and café. After the island, the return to Auckland includes guided stops along the way, and your driver drops you at your hotel.

Accommodation in Paihia is optional—you can book it through the tour or arrange your own stay. The small group size means personal attention and a relaxed pace; the air-conditioned vehicle carries luggage (one large and one small bag per person) and has safety seats for children under seven. Pickup and drop-off are included at select Auckland locations.

What’s included

• Fully guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• entry to the Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the Hole in the Rock cruise.
• one night accommodation in Paihia (if selected at checkout).
• hotel pickup and drop-off at select Auckland locations.
• air-conditioned vehicle with space for one large and one small bag per person.
• safety and booster seats for children aged seven and younger.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the accommodation option if you want to travel light and have the hotel arranged; book without accommodation if you prefer to stay with friends or have already booked your own place in Paihia. Either way, the fixed itinerary and small group size mean the two days hold together without you planning the route, the timing, or the stops.

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Top questions

What exactly happens on the Bay of Islands cruise?

The cruise runs 4.5 hours through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula, with your guide sharing the region's history and natural features. The boat stops at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, walk the beach, hike to the hilltop for panoramic views, or relax at the island's bar and café.

Do I have to book accommodation with the tour?

Accommodation in Paihia is optional. You can include one night through the tour (with a solo surcharge if you're traveling alone), or book your own hotel and join the tour without it.

What is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds like?

Waitangi is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and is considered the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Your guide leads you through interactive museums, traditional performances, the Treaty House, and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga, sharing Māori heritage and the site's historic significance.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven surfaces, particularly at Waipoua Forest and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The operator recommends at least moderate physical fitness; it is not suitable for travelers with severe mobility difficulties or wheelchair users.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes entry to the Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the Hole in the Rock cruise; a fully guided experience with a live English-speaking guide; hotel accommodation in Paihia (if you choose that option); pickup and drop-off at select Auckland locations; and an air-conditioned vehicle with luggage space and child safety seats.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You have a break in Opononi where you can buy food at your own cost, and dinner on the first night is at a local restaurant in Paihia (your expense).