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Visit Bay of Islands | Bookme's Travel Guide for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Visit Bay of Islands | Bookme's Travel Guide for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Visit Bay of Islands

Explore BookmeTravel info & tips for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Welcome to the Bay of Islands, a stunning paradise located in New Zealand. This page is your gateway to unlimited fun and adventure in this breathtaking destination. Explore a variety of exciting experiences and things to do, as we present you with numerous options to create unforgettable memories. From thrilling water sports to scenic hikes and wildlife encounters, the Bay of Islands offers an abundance of activities for every traveler. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of this incredible region. Start planning your perfect itinerary now!

Things to do & deals for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Deals for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience 4km away

40%
$36.00 Save up to $24.00

2 Dive Day Trip - Rainbow Warrior Wreck & Reef Dive 4km away

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$229.00 Price guarantee

Canterbury Wreck & Reef Dive 4km away

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$229.00 Price guarantee

Flying Kiwi Parasail - 1300ft Flight - Paihia 4km away

39%
$89.00 Save up to $56.00

Bay of Islands Wine Tour 4km away

16%
$138.00 Save up to $27.00

Check out popular User Recommendation Lists for Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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User Tips & Recommendations People like you have shared their recommendations on what to do in Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Great day out Bay of Islands Winter Eco Expedition - Albatross.V Expeditions

Great day out
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We booked the winter eco experience aboard the Albatross V. Having the dolphins swim alongside our boat for 20 minutes was an amazing experience. Our skipper had a great personality, very knowledgeable and shared lots of stories and information with us. We had a wonderful day out and enjoyed the muffins. Great fun. We would highly recommend this experience.

Loved it Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise

Loved it
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Both my mum and I enjoyed the tour. It was so nice to see the adorable dolphins! Lunch was yum too!

Lovely friendly and helpful staff ! Coastal Kayakers - Freedom Kayak Rental

Lovely friendly and helpful staff !
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Fantastic staff !! Helped us also with our flat tyre when we arrived ! Brilliant company!!

A Must-Try Experience! Flying Kiwi Parasail - 1300ft Flight - Paihia

A Must-Try Experience!
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The views from up in the air were absolutely breathtaking. I had a bird's-eye view of the crystal-clear waters, the coastline, and the surrounding landscape. The landing and takeoff was smooth. The crew professionalism and attentiveness throughout the entire experience were commendable, making us feel comfortable and secure at all times. It was an extraordinary adventure. The combination of adrenaline, stunning views, and a sense of serenity made it a memorable experience. I would highly recommend parasailing to anyone seeking a thrilling and unique adventure. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or simply looking to step out of your comfort zone, parasailing is an activity that should not be missed.

Amazing experience Flying Kiwi Parasail - 1300ft Flight - Paihia

Amazing experience
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My boyfriend and I have been wanting to do this for a long time. We had a really great experience. Staff were professional and friendly. Would love to do this again

Fabulous experience Bay of Islands Sailing Cruise & Gourmet Dinner Burger Buffet - 3hrs - Sunkiss Gourmet Dinner Sailing

Fabulous experience
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We enjoyed a wonderful evening and a delicious dinner abroad Kiss with hosts Karen and Russell! We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. The boat was comfortable. Delicious snacks were offered right away and our wine that we brought with us was stored in the fridge and served throughout the evening. Russel and Karen hoisted the Sail and we enjoyed a lovely evening sailing around the Bay of Islands. We learned lots! An evening to remember for sure!

Fantastic Day! Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Experience Pass

Fantastic Day!
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I had the 11am tour which was engaging and funny. The site is very interesting and in a beautiful location. Don't miss the museum, it illustrates the relationship between Maoris and Pakeha so well. The cultural performance was excellent too.

The only way to sail the Bay. Bay of Islands Sailing Cruise & Gourmet Lunch BBQ aboard - 6hrs - Sunkiss Gourmet Day Sailing Cruise

The only way to sail the Bay.
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Russell and Karen provide the perfect way to see the beautiful Bay of Islands. From the moment you join them on their yacht it feels like a relaxed day out with friends, who do all the sailing work so you can just relax ..or if you have the knowledge they are happy to let you take a turn at the sails. The food was simply delicious, great coffee and fresh danish when you board,a succulent lamb lunch was cooked to perfection and served with a yummy charred vegetable salad and crusty bread.You can BYO or they provide drinks and afternoon tea was a tasty treat of fresh blueberries waffles,and cream. We sailed through the beautiful turquoise waters saw dolphins, penguins and learnt a lot of interesting local history. We had time to swim and walk .. you can choose how to spend your time ... so much better than a being in a large group on a strict timetable. We had a wonderful day ,way beyond our expectations I would definitely recommend this cruise it was magical.

Snorkeling, fast sailing and dolphins 😁 Bay of Islands Day Sailing Adventure - GUNGHA II

Snorkeling, fast sailing and dolphins  😁
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The day was overcast and windy which made for great sailing. We headed out to roberton Island and my daughter and I went snorkeling in the lagoon. We had dolphins swim up to the boat on the way home. It was a beautiful day. Mike and his crew were fantastic.

So much fun! 3.5hr Cruise & Island Tour - 2 Island Stopovers, walks, snorkelling, paddleboarding

So much fun!
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This was one of the greatest things we’ve done so far in New Zealand! Awesome boat trip, we even got to see a penguin! The paddle boarding and snorkeling was awesome and lots of fun. Went on a short walk up to a view point on Roberton Island, and then found a nice sunny spot on Waewaetorea Island for the water activities. Awesome tour too, with tidbits of information about the islands we were visiting. We had a really great time!

Best Family Activity Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise

Best Family Activity
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Very rewarding journey for both adults and children. We get to see different islands, hole in a rock, sea lion and most importantly dolphins! We also get to stop by Urupukapuka island for a short hike to see some sheep. The crew are very welcoming and the cruise is clean. You also get an option to hop off at Russell Island on the way back.

Beautiful experience with a great guide! Parasail and Hole in the Rock Combo - Bay of Islands

Beautiful experience with a great guide!
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Had I nice day with the friendly guides. I felt very safe under the parasail and the boat trip was amazing.

Worth every $ Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise

Worth every $
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So glad we booked this tour. Worth every dollar. The 3 crew looked after us extremely well, very knowledgeable. Sea was a bit choppy so decision was made not to go through the rock , did not spoil the trip and and safety is paramount. Seeing the wild bottle nose dolphins playing was amazing. Lovely lunch stop and spectacular views if you fancy a stroll up the hills, or take a towel and go for a swim , water was a little chilly but it is Autumn. If we get a chance to go back to the Bay would definitely go again

Fabhulous gourmet dinner cruise Bay of Islands Sailing Cruise & Gourmet Dinner Burger Buffet - 3hrs - Sunkiss Gourmet Dinner Sailing

Fabhulous gourmet dinner cruise
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We booked the sun kissed evening gourmet dinner cruise after sorting through about 5 or 6 evening cruises around the Bay of Islands and it was a fantastic experience. Communication was superb and Russell was happy to pick us up from our accomodation and as we were allowed to bring our own alcohol it meant I could have a wine with dinner and not worry about driving home. He is a gourmet chef and avid yachtie and has a huge luxury sloop. He limits numbers and there were only 6 of us on board. He introduced us to his partner Karen, and a gorgeous Tibetan terrier called Woody. Then it was 3 hours of unbelievable good food cooked for us on board while cruising and a little bit of sailing around the Bay of Islands. We cast off and motored out of the marina and soon the food started. Soft Brie cheese, hot smoked Marlborough salmon, hot tiny sausages cooked on the Weber bbq hanging in the stern, and more. Downed with a gin and tonic we bought with us. Then as a light breeze in the right direction prevailed it us up with the foresail unfurled and a pleasant sail past russel and along the coast. Once we anchored there was swimming for brave souls and just yakkityyaking for us others. Dinner was a slow bbqed butterflied lamb, green beans, potatoes etc all just perfectly cooked and served by the galley below. The best dinner I think ever at least for a long time. And with a 3 gold Taylor’s Shiraz we brought with us. Delicious. The wine flowed the talk flowed as the scenery turned gold from the setting sun. Soon it was getting dark and we motored back to the marina with Russel producing a special treat to eat a gourmet chocolate blueberry cheesecake smothered with fresh Kiwi cream. Then Russel drove us back too our Airbnb. Without a doubt the best ever experience in my memory bar none. Thanks Woody. Thanks Karen. Thanks Russell

Bay of Islands Cruise Bay of Islands Sailing Cruise & Gourmet Lunch BBQ aboard - 6hrs - Sunkiss Gourmet Day Sailing Cruise

Bay of Islands Cruise
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We had a fantastic day; delicious food and wine, Russell, Karen and Woody are terrific hosts, very friendly and knowledgeable; even had delightfully unexpected visitors (dolphins); perfect day. When we come back to NZ we will be booking again. Thank you :)

Awesome experience Flying Kiwi Parasail - 1300ft Flight - Paihia

Awesome experience
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Nice way to see beauty of islands...duration of trip is 1-1:30 hrs and flight is about 10 minutes, I wish it could have been longer. Staff are friendly and experienced. Thumbs up!!!!

Amazing getaway Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Amazing getaway
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this was an well worth it experience definitely be going on this again next time with the children

Excellent day out Bay of Islands Day Sailing Adventure - GUNGHA II

Excellent day out
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We visit Paihia yearly. But this is the first time we have enjoyed the bay by sail. Swimming to shore and enjoying everything close up. We will surely repeat this experience in years to come. Mike is a credit to the small operators that have New Zealand's long term biosecurity and sustainability of our wonderful resources at the top of their priorities.

Amazing experience Dolphin Eco Cruise

Amazing experience
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We were welcomed onboard by the most fantastic hosts. They really made the trip great fun. We spotted our first pod about 25min into the trip and saw plenty of dolphins right up next to the boat paying around. We were really lucky to find a pod of dolphins later again that didn't have babies with them so we all got to swim with the dolphins who were extremely curious creatures. The water was ice cold and a little rough but it was great fun. The crew tried hard to get us to swim up close with the dolphins. The trip was about 4 hours. We also stopped briefly on a nearby island for a quick swim. I recommend it, but the full experience is not guaranteed as for very good reasons. We were chose a lucky trip I guess.

Awesome day out Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Awesome day out
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Our family enjoyed experiencing the beautiful Bay of Islands and all of the rich history. The ferry and island walk was a real treat. Had a delicious lunch in Otahei bay, highly recommend!

Just Fabulous Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Just Fabulous
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Lovely day out to the island. Great crew. Loved the walk around the island. Boat was on time. Had lunch at the cafe. Basic food but ok. Staff very attentive. Loved the whole experience. Will be back.

Really amazing. Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Really amazing.
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A great day out, beautiful place, nice beaches and walks, food was good at the Cafe, friendly staff, will be going back, might even camp there.

Great Experience Hole in the Rock Experience

Great Experience
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Great scenery and excellent opportunity for great photos

Amazing trip Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Amazing trip
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What a lovely way to spend half a day - boat trip, wander around the island and a swim and drink before pick-up - just idyllic.

Great day out Dolphin Eco Cruise

Great day out
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We didn't actually get to swim with the dolphins. But stil it was a wonderful day out in the bay. Jack and Warren were fantastic. Very engaged, very enthusiastic and we had a lovely time. The tour which lasted almost 4 hours took us through some interesting islands and we saw some beautiful dolphins, birds and scenes.

Best experience in the Bay of Islands Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise - BOOK AHEAD SPECIALS

Best experience in the Bay of Islands
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We loved this trip out to Cape Brett and to beautiful Urupukapuka Island for an all inclusive lunch stop. It was perfect weather. Very informative commentary from a friendly boat crew. Great dolphin encounter! Urupukapuka is simply stunning. We got off the boat at historic Russell on the return trip to Paihia and used the complimentary ferry tickets to cross over to Paihia later in the day. This really was a highlight of our few days in this beautiful region.

Great seeing dolphins close to Dolphin Eco Cruise

Great seeing dolphins close to
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Good guides with great information

Great experience Dolphin Eco Cruise

Great experience
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The most amazing experience in the Bay of Islands.

Amazing day trip Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

Amazing day trip
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Fantastic boat ride with entertaining captain. Bonus pod of dolphins stopped boat to watch them play then chase after us which was highlight of day! Stunning views from Urupakapaka Island around bays good walking tracks and cafe was a great place to chill out before catching return ferry!

We saw dolphins! Hole in the Rock Experience

We saw dolphins!
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The trip out to the rock and back was so cool and a great way to see the sights of the bay of islands. Me and my partner enjoyed this trip. The skipper was informative and fun and the crew very welcoming

An experience not to be missed Dolphin Eco Cruise

An experience not to be missed
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Great cruise. Great friendly staff. Perfect setting. Amazing dolphins!!!!

A piece of Paradise in our own backyard ??? Otehei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island - Half Day Experience

A piece of Paradise in our own backyard ???
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1st time visiting this beautiful place and it didn't disappoint, plenty to explore and a lovely bar/Cafe as well and we were lucky enough to have some amazing live music playing while we there to. Definitely highly recommend AAA+++

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