All 5 options, side by side
✓ 2026-08-11| Option | Price | Per person | Length | Rating | Cancellation | Extra fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Bay of Islands: Waterfall | NZ$ 98 p.p. | NZ$ 98 | 2h 30m | 4.76★ · 49 | free | — |
| Bay of Islands: Tall Ship Sundowner Sail & Ferry TransferBest value | NZ$ 110 p.p. | NZ$ 110 | 1h 50m | 4.89★ · 111 | free | — |
| Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands: Small group yacht tour with lunchTop rated | NZ$ 195 p.p. | NZ$ 195 | 5h 30m | 4.95★ · 183 | non-refundable | — |
| Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing: Hoist Sails, Lunch IncludedOur pick | NZ$ 205 p.p. | NZ$ 205 | 5h 30m | 4.91★ · 386 | free | — |
| Bay of Islands: Small-Group Sailing & Island Hopping Day Tour | NZ$ 205 p.p. | NZ$ 205 | 5h 30m | 4.91★ · 231 | non-refundable | — |
Real price per person across the 5 options: NZ$ 98–NZ$ 205 (median NZ$ 195). With 100+ reviews: 4 of 5.
Default order: price per person.
Bay of Islands: Tall Ship Sundowner Sail & Ferry TransferYou’ll feel that first rush of sea air as soon as you step onto the tall ship in Bay of Islands — maybe even try your hand at hauling ropes or steering if you’re game. There’s finger food passed around, laughter with locals and travelers alike, and a golden hour ferry ride back to Russell that feels like part of the adventure itself.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Bay of Islands: WaterfallKayak or paddleboard through the Bay of Islands to a waterfall where water meets ocean, guided by a local who knows the mangrove channels and the sea bird colonies nesting overhead. No prior experience is required; a safety vessel stays with the group the whole time, and anyone who needs a rest can sit it out in comfort. Children from age 5 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.Is it for me?At two and a half hours, this fits into a free afternoon without eating up the whole day. The safety boat means anyone less confident on the water can rest without slowing the group, so families with mixed paddling abilities can go together without compromise.
Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing: Hoist Sails, Lunch IncludedSail the Bay of Islands on the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional tall ship, for a half-day voyage where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging and walk secluded beaches, or simply relax with lunch and a drink from the licensed bar. The experience includes a chicken BBQ lunch, scones with cream and jam, tea and coffee, and a return ferry ticket between Paihia and Russell if required. A live English-speaking guide leads the voyage, and the ship is wheelchair accessible with accommodation for most mobility needs.Is it for me?Choose the Paihia departure if you're staying in the Bay of Islands town itself; pick Russell if you're based across the water. Either way, the five-and-a-half-hour voyage fits a half-day into your itinerary without eating a full morning or afternoon, and the lunch means you're not hunting for food elsewhere.
Bay of Islands: Small-Group Sailing & Island Hopping Day TourYou’ll sail through the Bay of Islands with a local skipper guiding your small group from island to island—sometimes steering yourself or just lounging on deck. Swim, kayak into hidden corners, share stories over lunch, and listen to local history as you drift back toward Russell in late afternoon light.
Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands: Small group yacht tour with lunchPhantom is a small-group sailing tour of the Bay of Islands aboard a live-aboard yacht with a maximum of 10 guests, led by Rick and Robin, who have spent two decades sailing these waters and raising their family on the boat. The tour includes a guided sail through the bay, a one-hour island stop for hiking or swimming, snorkeling equipment, and a homemade lunch prepared on board; no sailing experience is required, and the hosts offer optional instruction on how the yacht handles.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want a sailing experience led by people who have lived on boats for two decades and still love meeting travelers—the small group size and the hosts' knowledge of the bay make it personal rather than a standard tour. Private departures are available on request if you want the yacht to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 3 of the 5 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last half a day or longer. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing: Hoist Sails, Lunch Included is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.91 out of 5 across 386 reviews.
