Paihia, New Zealand 
- Ferry from Paihia Wharf or Russell Wharf
- Cruise around the Bay of Islands
- Dolphin and whale watching
- Chance to see the Hole in the Rock
- Educational commentary
- A limited number of multi-lingual headsets (available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese)
- Printed multilingual maps (available in Chinese, Japanese and German)
What's Included
What's excluded
- Food and drinks (available for purchase)
WHAT TO EXPECT
The beautiful Bay of Islands in northern New Zealand is rich in land and sea life, crystal clear waters and much more. It's a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the country. On this three-hour boat tour of the Bay of Islands, you will get to experience the best of the area with the help of a local guide who will lead the way!
Your cruise will depart from either Paihia or Russell, where you will board a purpose-built catamaran that is specifically licensed for dolphin viewing by the DOC (the Department of Conservation).
Once on board, settle in and get your camera ready, because you're about to have photo opportunities galore. You will make your way through the islands, along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. This cape is home to an old and historic lighthouse that's been in the area for hundreds of years. The lighthouse is intended to guide sailors and keep watch over Motu Kokako (also known as Piercy Island or "the Hole in the Rock").
The Hole in the Rock is a literally a large hole that passes through a rock jutting out of the bay. It is big enough for some boats to pass through. According to Maori legend, local warriors used to paddle their canoes through it before battle. If conditions permit, your skipper will guide your ship through the narrow space. If water drops down on you, consider yourself lucky, as this is considered a good omen in Maori tradition.
As you cruise, you are likely to spot common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life. Feel free to watch from the spacious interior of the vessel, or come outside to the outdoor viewing decks, which are the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands! If you're hungry, don't worry. The on-board cafe sells a variety of both hot and cold food. Picnic lunches are also available for purchase (pre-booking required). Otherwise, you can carry on your own food.
After three hours of sailing around the Bay of Islands and taking plenty of pictures, you will return to your original destination. Cruises from Paihia depart at 1:30 pm and return at 4:20 pm. Cruises from Russell depart at 1:40 pm and return at 4:30 pm.
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