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Photo credit Decks of Paihia

Options for Cruise Passengers

If you've planning to arrive in the Bay of Islands via cruise ship, then welcome! The Bay of Islands are a collection of holiday islands set in tranquil waters teeming with dolphins and other forms of marine life.

Boat cruises to explore the idyllic islands are very popular and cater to all tastes. Take an ocean safari to swim with dolphins, sail on a yacht, cruise straight to an island for a walk and a picnic, or go on a fishing charter. You can even paddle a traditional Maori canoe. The Bay of Islands was the first piece of New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Key historical attractions here include New Zealand's first capital, Russell, and the house where New Zealand's most important document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840.

We hope to help you fill your day with some of the wonderful activities available.

Here are a few suggestions.

For a thrilling experience of the bay, why not jump on a helicopter and fly across the islands. It really puts the bay into perspective. Or steel yourself for a Jet Ski Ride to the Hole in the Rock. For a more sedate option float up in the air above the Bay of Islands in a parasail. The views are spectacular!

There are also more sedate half-day Hole in the Rock tours, where - if you’re lucky - you might see dolphins playing in the bow wake of the boats.

There are plenty of local walks if you fancy stretching your legs - around the Treaty Grounds along the coast, or up to the viewing point via the School Road track. To capture a bit of local history, take one of the local tours or, to get a sense of life in Northland, visit the charming towns of Kawakawa and Opua, taking in the Glow Worm caves on your way home. If you want something more of a workout, try kayaking or cycling part of the Twin Coast Cycle Way.

There’s a regular artisan market on Paihia’s village green where you can purchase locally made arts and crafts, then hop on a the ferry to Russell for a stroll around this beautifully preserved village. Visit the historic church and Pompalier House. Round it off with afternoon tea at the Duke of Marlborough.

Alongside Restaurant

Alongside is an exciting social space situated over the water in the stunning bay of islands. There is no place quite like it in Northland and we...

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ABC Shuttles and Tours

Taxi, Tours and Private Hire service in Kerikeri, Paihia, Bay of Islands and surrounding areas in New Zealand's stunning Northland

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Adventure Puketi

Enjoy a range of forest walks including day, overnight and weekend tours as well as a lavish Bed & Breakfast to accommodate your relaxing Bay of Islands getaway.

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Bay of Islands Night Kayaking Ltd

Our Bay of Islands adventure tourism business is a boat cruise that does kayaking. Our specialist boat that we built, allows us to deliver a more...

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Bay of Islands Parasail

PAIHIA PARASAILING COME PARASAILING IN PAIHIA'S ISLAND PARADISE Parasailing in Paihia is the ultimate way to see the spectacular island...

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Bay Beach Hire

At Bay Beach Hire, we specialise in Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Sailing, Bikes and more. With our professional and friendly team, you're sure to have...

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Barefoot Sailing Adventures

Looking for a unique, kiwi experience? Take a boat trip with Barefoot Sailing Adventures

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Carino Sailing And Dolphin Charters

Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins! Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on...

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Coastal Kayakers Limited

Since 1988 Coastal Kayakers has been offering Half Day, Full Day, or Multi Day Guided Tours of the Historic Waitangi River, Haruru Falls water...

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Explore Group Limited

Specialists in Hole in the Rock cruises, day trips to Cape Reinga and dolphin cruises in the Bay of Islands. Explore incredible places, take...

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Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals

Welcome to Paihia Mountain Bikes! Official Rental, Shuttle and Guiding Company for both the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park and the Twin Coast Cycle Rail Trail.

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Rogue Pony

Rogue Pony Tours are about showcasing the Bay of Islands as one of the finest locations in New Zealand particularly seen from our unique...

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Taiamai Tours Heritage Journeys Limited

Waka Tours - Maori Culture. The Best Maori cultural experience in northland

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Get Reel Charters

Get Reel charter fishing from Russell and Paihia costs start from $110.00 Target snapper, kingfish and marlin. Being based out of Russell and...

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Bay of Islands Sea Shuttle

Join us for an Island Getaway! Scenic cruising, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkelling, island walks and wildlife, experienced on a small personalised tour in the Bay of Islands

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Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Nau Mai Haere Mai Welcome to New Zealand's most important historic site. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are an absolute must-do when you are at...

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Russell Tours

See the Sights and Hear the History!

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The Rock Adventure Cruise - Activity

Come aboard The Rock Adventure Cruise for an action-packed, scenic tour of the Bay of Islands. The Rock is a tour of the Bay of Islands with...

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Salt Air

Best seen from above! Fly over the Bay of Islands or up to Cape Reinga

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Flying Kiwi Parasail

Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Bay of Islands from the perfect safety of our custom-designed parasail boat. Suitable for the entire family, no...

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The Rock Adventure Cruise

Come aboard The Rock Overnight Cruise for an action-packed, scenic tour of the Bay of Islands. The Rock is a tour of the Bay of Islands with...

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Paihia Dive

Dive trips to the Wrecks and Reefs of the Bay of Islands, Also Diver Training. The HMNZS Canterbury F421 now rests in Deep Water Cove near Cape...

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Total Tours

TOTAL TOURS can take you on one of our tried and true tours or we can personalise a tour for your group, come with us and explore this spectacular region of New Zealand.

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35 South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar

Come join us right on Paihia's waterfront at 35° South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar for a taste of Bay of Island's life. Enjoy dining above the...

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Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands offers the most extensive range of Bay of Islands cruises. See all the top Bay of Islands attractions, like the...

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Bay of Islands Kayaking

We take Small Tours..... Usually 8 or Less! A True Adventure. See Nature up Close. Stop on Multiple Islands to Walk and Snorkel in a Day.

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35 Degrees South & Alongside - Deals & Events

Come join us right on Paihia's waterfront at 35° South Aquarium Restaurant & Bar for a taste of Bay of Island's life. Enjoy dining above the...

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Skydive Bay of Island

Come fly with us! Skydive Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s number one destination for skydiving at the beach. Blue skies, clear blue waters,...

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Family Holiday

A traditional holiday destination for Kiwi Families the Bay of Islands has loads to entertain the young and young at heart.

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Romance

Escape to the Bay of Islands for some romance with your special someone

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Adventure

Jet Skis, Skydiving, Scuba Diving, Kayaking and more are all available in the Bay of Islands

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Relaxation

Chill out on a white sand beach or watch the world roll by with a glass of wine

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Budget Activities

Great value activities are on offer all over the Bay of Islands

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Rainy Day Activities

No matter the weather the Bay of Islands has something to keep you entertained

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Weekend Packages

Escape for a weekend to the islands with these great offers

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Luxury

Indulge yourself with some 5 star treatment from accommodation and spas to private yachts or helicopter rides

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