Dolphin Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic waterways on our purpose-built catamaran, as we cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands seeking out dolphins and whales. Learn all about the history and local legends of the region as we make our way around the islands and out to Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock. On our return journey, stop off at one of the 144 islands that make up the Bay – the perfect opportunity for a short scenic walk, or just to feel your feet in the sand and take in the views.
Highlights
- Dolphin viewing guarantee
- Hole in the Rock
- Dolphin and whale watching
- Island stopover
- Passionate and helpful crew
- Largest viewing decks in the Bay
- Informative commentary
The Cream Trip
Join us for a ‘day in the Bay’ and see the best of the region with our most comprehensive cruise. This full day cruise is a truly ‘Kiwi’ experience with its laid back, relaxed pace. The Cream Trip allows you to do it all, following the original route established by Albert Ernest Fuller in 1927 to transport goods to the outlying islands. Back then the route took three days and cost five shillings! These days you get to do all the best bits: cruise around forest-fringed islands with golden sand beaches, learn about the history of the region, see dolphins and whales in the wild, go boom-netting if conditions permit.
Highlights
- Dolphin viewing
- Hole in the Rock
- Island stopover
- Island deliveries
- Boom-netting
- The Black Rocks & Marsden Cross
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Day Tour
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a trip to its northernmost point, Cape Reinga. Stand at the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse and see the place where the mighty Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide. Your driver guide will share with you the Māori legends of this immensely spiritual place. Along the way you’ll also drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach and navigate Te Paki Stream, surf down massive sand dunes, explore a forest of ancient kauri trees, and tuck into a free lunch of fresh fish and chips at the beautiful Houhora Heads.
Highlights
- Travel along Ninety Mile Beach
- Cape Reinga Lighthouse
- Sandboarding at Te Paki Stream
- Free lunch of fresh fish & chips
- Informative commentary
- Giant kauri trees at Puketi Forest
Giants & Glow Worms
Discover Northland’s breathtaking west coast as you visit the Hokianga Harbour, a place where time seems to stand still, and the magical Waipoua Forest. For more than 2,000 years Tāne Mahuta, The Lord of the Forest, has towered over the forest canopy. Steeped in myth and legend, this giant kauri tree has immense spiritual significance for the Māori people. Visit Tāne Mahuta and other legendary kauri trees and hear their stories from local guides. Complete your day with a guided tour of the family-run Kawiti glow worm caves, another of our region’s best-kept secrets.
Highlights
- Lord of the forest, Tāne Mahuta
- Historical trading trail to Hokianga
- Seaside village of Opononi
- Kawiti Glow Worm Caves guided tour
- Great photo opportunities
Great Value combo deals – The Beginnings
The Cream Trip + Cape Reinga
Northland is known as the ‘birthplace of New Zealand’ – take a trip through history with this combo. Start with a full day Bay of Islands cruise, following the route of the original Cream Trip, which sparked the beginning of tourism in the region. Spend the day on the water, try boom-netting, swim with dolphins (optional extra) and enjoy an island stopover. Then visit the Far North and discover Cape Reinga, a place steeped in Māori tradition and the northernmost point of New Zealand. Journey through ancient forest, along famous Ninety Mile Beach and even along a stream, where you can try sand-surfing down huge dunes! Your combo also includes a ferry trip to Russell, a charming seaside village with a dark history just waiting to be discovered.
Great value Tour combo Deal- Double Dip
Hole in the Rock + Cape Reinga. Explore the Bay by land and sea over two days, with a dolphin watching cruise and a trip to New Zealand’s northernmost point, Cape Reinga. Choose either a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise and explore the Bay in search of dolphins while visiting its highlights – or get into the water and swim with these amazing creatures on a Dolphin Eco Experience cruise.