Activities

Experience the Bay of Islands on this premium cruise as you discover the unique scenery, history, and culture of this amazing destination. Discover the Bay carries smaller groups so that you can experience the bay at its best. This cruise travels through the 144 islands, visits the Hole in the Rock and travel through the arch. Visit the picturesque Otehei Bay on Uru pukapuka Island, the largest island also home to many rare and endangered birds. The cruise includes a refreshing BBQ lunch.

Check out the Conservation Centre on the island and then walk on the tracks or spot the fish life in the bay with a kayak or paddleboard. An optional stop at the historic town of Russell is available, and we’ll give you a return ticket to come back to Paihia at a later time, so join us in the Bay of Islands on this Unique Amazing Experience waiting for you.

Inclusions

• 100% access to all island facilities
• $5 of your cruise goes to the Explore Conservation Fund
• Buffet Lunch
• Marine Mammal Viewing (Dolphins, Whales or Orca)
• Extended Island Stop
• Small Group Numbers for a quality experience
• Specialist Nature Guides
• 360 Viewing Decks
• Life time marine mammal viewing guarantee

Experience the thrill of seeing dolphins playing in their natural habitat, learn about their social interactions and the names of some of some of these dolphins who play in the bay. Conditions permitting you may even get the chance to swim with these unique creatures and experiences their world. Dolphin discovery travels through many of the picturesque bays, beaches and clear water coves in search of wildlife through the beautiful scenery. So sit back and take it all in on this Unique Amazing Experience.

Inclusions

• Mask, Snorkel and Wet suit
• On board shower
• Traveling on specially designed swim boat
• Life time marine mammal viewing guarantee

Explore welcomes you on board the uniquely designed 4x4 coaches. Relax in comfort on board our air conditioned coaches. Let our driver guides tell you about the history, culture, lands, and unique, amazing wonders as your head north to Cape Reinga the top of New Zealand. Your Unique, Amazing Experience will take you through the kauri gum fields and onto the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Visit the picture perfect Tepotupotu Bay, go for a dip and enjoy your BBQ lunch included in the tour. Afterwards, head to Cape Reinga and check out the light house with the Tasman Sea & Pacific Ocean crashing below. On clear days you may even see the Three Kings Islands.

After viewing the top of New Zealand, you’ll head to the Te Paki stream where your coach will drive down the stream to the giant sand dunes where should you wish to hike up a dune and toboggan down you can do so. Afterwards, it’s a little further down the stream keeping an eye out for the wild horses, then onto 90-mile beach where every day is a different scene. Making your way back south call into Mangonui for fresh fish n chips, and see where the local fish are caught.

Inclusions

• Accommodation Pick up & Drop off
• Freshly prepared BBQ lunch
• Tepotupotu Bay stop
• Te Paki Stream & Giant Sand Dunes
• Sand boards Provided
• Ancient Kauri Kingdom Galleria
• 90 mile beach travel and stop
• Extended Cape Reinga light house stop
• Optional for fish n chips at Mangonui, at own expense

The best value option in the Bay of islands. Visit the world famous Hole in the Rock and experience this amazing landmark which guards the southern entrance to the Bay, travel through the hole when conditions permit and spot the unique array of wildlife in the bay. Extend your stay with a stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka and hit the walking tracks, take a swim on one of the many beaches, hire a kayaks or paddleboards or sit back and relax at the Explore Restaurant & Café.

You can get a complimentary return ferry pass to return to the mainland at a later time or hop off at the end of your cruise in Russell to explore this historic town.

Inclusions

• Free return ticket from Otehei Bay or,
• Free return ticket from Russell – Historical Town
• Wildlife viewing
• Cape Brett & Hole in Rock
• Smaller group numbers for a better experience

Do it all with Explore! Take advantage of the Explore Multi Tour Specials, and you will SAVE up to 25% off the products! A considerable saving for those on a budget, travelling families or just those who are exploring the far north and all its wonders!

The options are endless!

• Swimming with the dolphins on our Dolphin Discovery Cruise
• Discovering it all on board the Discover the Bay cruise in comfort while you see and do it all!
• Enjoy the Hole in the Rock Experience onboard our power cat, as you travel through the beautiful scenery in the Islands eventually making your way toward the world famous Hole in the Rock!

Pick and choose the dates that suit you when you make the booking. Multi Tour Specials must be booked at the same time to warrant the Multi Tour Discount.

Take a fast tracked thrilling cruise through the islands taking in the amazing scenery as you head to the world famous Hole in the Rock at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsular. See the Grand Cathedral Cave and travel through the arch way in the Hole in the Rock when conditions permit. On the way back into the islands if time allows the vessel will stop at Otehei Bay where you can get off and return on a later ferry, visit the Explore Conservation Centre, walk the wide range of tracks spotting the rare and endangered wildlife. Enjoy a meal at the Explore Restaurant Café with a refreshing beverage.

Please let the staff know when booking that you’re interested in stopping off at Otehei Bay

• Open air thrill ride
• Fastest way to visit the hole in the rock
• Optional island stop over
• Grand Cathedral Cave
• Hole in the Rock
• Life Vests and weather gear supplied

Experience Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island the largest island in the Bay of Islands. Take one of the multiple departures from Paihia/Russell and enjoy a scenic cruise through the islands. Once at Otehei Bay enjoy a multitude of activities! Hire a kayak or SUP board and spot the fish that shelter in Otehei Bay. Visit Explores Conservation Centre and learn about the history, culture and restoration of the island before taking to the walking tracks to spot the rare and endangered birdlife and take in panoramic views. For those looking for a relaxing time find a place on the beach, grab a bean bag or a shady tree and chill out. Grab some sumptuous food designed and prepared daily by our resident chef or quench that thirst with a nice cold one from the Explore Restaurant & Café.

Spend half a day to a whole day exploring this unique, amazing destination.