Boat cruises

Explore’s Discover the Bay

Cruise among the 144 islands with skipper’s commentary including a visit to the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, travel through it. We also view dolphins on over 90% of our trips along with other wildlife. Your trip will also include a 1.5hr island stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island. Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings; cruise and discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Includes island buffet lunch from 1 December 2024.

Sept - Nov

Adult $160 | Child $80 | Family Pass $360 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5 -15 years. No extra discount available.

From 1 Dec 2024

Adult $180 | Child $90 | Family Pass $450 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5 -15 years. No extra discount available.

Departs Russell: 8:40am & 2:10pm *Sept to May

Duration: 4.5 hours

Explore’s OCEAN ADVENTURE

Ocean Adventure combines exhilaration and exploration with a balance of speed and thrills, as well as stops to view wildlife, learn about the Bay of Islands and take photos. Visit the dramatic cliffs at Cape Brett Peninsula and the iconic Hole in the Rock, and when conditions permit enter the amazing Cathedral Cave. Relax in state of the art suspension seating for a safe and comfortable ride as you fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands. 

Adult $150 | Child $75 | Family Pass $375 *2 adults + 2 children aged 7 -15 years. No extra discount available.

Departs Paihia: 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm *28 Sept - 25 Dec operates Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays. 26 Dec - 29 Apr operates daily.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore’s Dolphin Eco Cruise

Spend half a day cruising through the spectacular beauty of the Bay of Islands. Enjoy large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay and keep a look out for dolphins, whales and other marine life and learn about the marine mammal sanctuary in the Bay of Islands. And on your 1.5 hour stopover on Urupukapuka Island find out about terrestrial ecosystems being restored as part of the Project Island Song’, bringing birdsong back to the islands.

Adult $160 | Child $80 | Family Pass $400 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5 -15 years. No extra discount available.

Departure Russell: 11:40am *Operates daily Oct - May

Duration 5.5 hours

Explore’s Otehei Bay FERRY, URUPUKAPUKA ISLAND

Explore Urupukapuka Island, one of the islands of the Bay and discover all that is on offer at your leisure. Relax in the peace and quiet or fill your day with island activities in this stunning setting. Get out to the island on our quick ferry transfer to spend the day at your leisure. Multiple departures daily. Swimming, walking, snorkeling for the whole day or part of it. Otehei Bay has a fully licensed cafe where you can also rent kayaks. A family pass for 2 adults and 2 children is $155.

Adult $65 | Child $35 | Family Pass $165 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5-15 years

Departs Russell: 8:40am, 11:40am, 2:10pm, 5:10pm, 6:40pm *Operating subject to demand. Oct - May.

Duration 40 minutes

FullerS’ Hole in the Rock DOLPHIN CRUISE

Spend half a day cruising through the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay and keep a look out for dolphins, whales and other marine life. See the Cape Brett Lighthouse before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock – hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave then visit one of the Bays beautiful islands – take a stroll or unwind on the white sandy beach.

Adult $160 | Child $80 | Family Pass $400 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5 -15 years. No extra discount available.

Departs Russell: 8:40am & 2:10pm (September to May)

Duration: 4.5 hours

SAVE NOW and book a Combo Deal with this cruise + the iconic 90 mile beach & Cape Reinga Tour or a Russell Mini Tour. Find out more details HERE.

FULLERs’ THE CREAM TRIP SUPER CRUISE

Experience all the highlights of the Bay on this Super Cruise, combining the Day in the Bay trip with the Hole in the Rock Cruise. For a guaranteed fun and full day experience!

Back in 1927 Albert Fuller acquired a contract to deliver cream and other goods between the mainland and some island farms. Visitors started to come along and 'The Cream trip’ became a must-do activity. Today this trip still follows the original route delivering mail and supplies while showing you the Bay’s most scenic spots and historical highlights. A stop at Otehei Bay will give you time to enjoy lunch, a swim, kayak, paddle board, snorkel or coastal walk. After which you will set off again, in search of marine life, right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula and the famous Hole in the Rock!

Adult: $195 | Child: $97.50 | Family Pass $487.50 *2 adults + 2 children aged 5 - 15 years. No extra discount available

Departs Russell: 10:10am *Sat, Sun, Tues & Thurs until 24 Dec, then daily from 26 Dec. Operates from October to April.

Duration: 8.5 hours

SAVE NOW and book a Combo Deal with this cruise + the iconic 90 mile beach & Cape Reinga Tour. Find out more details HERE.

Island Get Away - Hole in the Rock Cruise & ISLAND TOUR

Escape the crowds and join us on board for a scenic cruise. Visit the famous “Hole in the Rock” and the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife, and enjoy an island stopover for a short walk with breathtaking views over the bay. If weather permits, we can even drive the boat THROUGH the hole!!

On the cruise home, we make two island stopovers where you can take a short walk to the island lookout points, and take part in hand feeding our schools of snapper in this protected area. Snorkelling and paddleboarding optional!

Experience the best of the Bay of Islands!

A cruise and tour designed for all ages, experience the Best of the Bay of Islands.

Duration: 4.5 Hours (approx.)

Adult: $149
Child: $75

Family Pass: $380 (2A + 2C)

Island Get Away - Bay of Islands Getaway Cruise

Bay of Islands 3.5 hours island cruise. Personalised & interactive tour in the Bay of Islands. Sightseeing, Wildlife, Swim, Island Walks, Snorkel, Paddle-board, Commentary & History Real value for money - Experience it all!
With a maximum of 20 guests, join us as we cruise among 144 subtropical islands. Morning or afternoon departure.

• With two island stopovers
  Beachside morning tea & coffee
  Short walks through native New Zealand bush trails
  Breathtaking 360 degree viewpoints over the bay
  Wildlife spotting - We often see marine wildlife, penguins, gannets etc...
  Snorkelling on sheltered reefs
  Commentary & history of the Bay of Islands
  Try paddle-boarding in the calm water waters of the islands- perfect for first timers
  Occasionally we can even taste Kina (seafood) fresh from the ocean!
  Relax, escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands as it should be!

Duration: 3.5 Hours (approx.)

Adult: $125
Child: $75
Family Pass: $299 (2A+1C) or $320 (2A+2C)

Island Get Away - Afternoon Cruise & Island Tours

Small groups, personalised & interactive 3 hour tour in the Bay of Islands with a locally owned and operated company, passionate about sharing our unique area of New Zealand.

Perfect for guests that want to experience our popular Full Day Tour, in a shorter timeframe. Includes snorkelling, paddle boarding and two island.

Depart Paihia: 3.30pm
Depart Russell: 3.40

Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)

Adult: $125
Child: $75
Family Pass: $299 (2 adults, 1child), $320 (2 adults, 2children)