The verdict
Our pick
Bay of Islands: Parasailing Flight 1300ft & Scenic Boat Ride★ 4.81 (123) · 1h 30m
Best value
Hole in the Rock Cruise & Bay of Islands Tour: 144 Islands★ 4.87 (173) · 3h
Top rated
Bay of Islands Catamaran Sailing & Island Stop from Paihia★ 4.99 (106) · 6h
All 10 options, side by side
✓ 2026-09-29Real price per person across the 10 options: NZ$ 95–NZ$ 398 (median NZ$ 169). With 100+ reviews: 9 of 10.
Default order: price per person.
Sort
Bay of Islands: Evening sailing cruise with swim stopYou’ll board straight from Paihia beach for an evening sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands, guided by locals who know every inlet. Swim off the catamaran in sheltered waters, sip a complimentary drink as dusk settles in, and catch those shifting colors you’ll remember long after the trip.
Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island SnorkelYou board at Paihia Wharf and spend 4.5 hours on the water: sailing through the Hole in the Rock, stopping on Roberton Island for a walk and views, passing Cape Brett Lighthouse, then anchoring at a second island where snorkel gear is provided and you can swim or relax on the beach. Lunch is your own or pre-ordered; all snorkel equipment is included.Is it for me?Book this if you want the Bay of Islands' main sights — the Hole in the Rock, two islands, snorkeling — in one morning without renting a boat or figuring out the stops yourself; the small-group format and local crew are what make the pace feel unhurried rather than rushed.
Bay of Islands: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island BBQ LunchYou’ll cruise past green islands from Paihia Wharf, spot dolphins with commentary from your skipper, squeeze through the Hole in the Rock if weather allows, then relax over a BBQ lunch at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island—with time to swim or hike before heading back. It’s not just scenery; it’s laughter, salt air, and stories you’ll carry home.
Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Dolphins Bay of IslandsYou board an air-conditioned boat in Paihia and cruise through the Bay of Islands' 144 islands, passing significant sights and wildlife with a skipper guide. You stop for 90 minutes on Urupukapuka Island to swim, walk, or relax at the café, then cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock before returning. The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.Is it for me?Book this if you want the Bay of Islands' main sights in a half-day without arranging your own boat or timing multiple stops — the fixed schedule and skipper guide handle the navigation and the story, leaving you to decide whether to swim, walk, or sit still on the island.
Bay of Islands Cruise & Snorkel: Hole in the Rock & Twin LagoonsA 4.5-hour cruise through the Bay of Islands from Paihia that stops at Roberton Island for a walk to the Twin Lagoons lookout, then heads out to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse before a second island stop for snorkelling and swimming. The boat carries smaller groups, a live English-speaking guide provides commentary on history, ecology and Maori culture throughout, and snorkelling gear is included. Weather can affect whether the boat actually sails through the Hole in the Rock; if conditions are unsuitable, the route stays within the shelter of the inner islands instead.Is it for me?Choose the Paihia departure if you're staying on the north side of the Bay; the Russell departure works better if you're based across the water. Either way, smaller groups mean the guide's commentary stays personal and you're not competing for space at the lookout or in the water.
Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Paihia: Snorkeling & KayakingYou board at Paihia Wharf in the afternoon and stay overnight in a shared cabin, snorkeling and kayaking in the Bay of Islands with meals and all activities included. Night kayaking, island walks, fishing and seafood collection happen across the 22 hours, guided by a crew that knows the water. No separate payments for entry or activities — everything is covered once you step aboard.Is it for me?Book this if you want to actually spend time in the Bay of Islands rather than rush through it in a day — the overnight format is what makes night kayaking, fishing at dusk and a full island walk possible without feeling squeezed.
Paihia Bay of Islands: 6-Hour Catamaran Cruise & Island SnorkelYou board a catamaran directly from Paihia beach and sail among 144 islands for six hours, including a two-hour stopover at a wildlife sanctuary where you choose between snorkeling, paddle boarding, or bush walks. Lunch, morning tea, all equipment and a local guide are included. The boat holds 16 to 20 people maximum and returns to the same beach by mid-afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want a full day on the water without arranging your own boat, equipment or island access — the catamaran, guide, lunch and all gear are sorted, and the two-hour island stopover gives you real time to snorkel or explore without feeling rushed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 10 of the 10 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last between 2 and 5 hours. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Bay of Islands: Parasailing Flight 1300ft & Scenic Boat Ride is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.81 out of 5 across 123 reviews.
