NEW ZEALAND · ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
Good island hopping tours in New Zealand fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of the 4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise to the Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett, two island stops, snorkeling, and wildlife.
“The staff were so friendly and attentive and the trip was amazing. Loved being able to go through the hole in the rock too and visit the two local islands.”
Cruise the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell to the Hole in the Rock, with wildlife spotting, island time, and expert commentary.
“This was an amazing trip got money’s worth. Guide me was very informative and funny. Saw a large pod of dolphins on way to island and then saw a few more on way back to Russell. Was also able to go through hole in rock was a beautiful day and well worth the money.”
Review the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock cruise, with two island stops, snorkeling, wildlife, scenic hikes, practical tips, and value advice.
“Am travelling with my elderly mother and mother in-law. The crew and staff of Island Getaway were incredibly helpful and very kind. Contacting us before the tour to coordinate with the big Cruise ship we came in on. Special thanks to Bluebell! Thank you for staying with my mum and helping her out on the island stops. It means a lot to us. Getting old sucks!”
Explore Waiheke Island by ferry and hop-on hop-off bus, with winery stops, beaches, galleries, local commentary, and flexible island transport.
“The hop on and hop on buses were for the most part on time. They went to all the places you want to see for the island. Comfortable seats. Informative drivers. I recommend using this to get around at your own pace.”
Review of Barefoot Sailing Adventures’ 6-hour Bay of Islands cruise, with wildlife sanctuary stop, sailing, lunch, snorkeling, and practical tips.
“10/10: would recommend. Shawn and Luke crushed it, made us feel relaxed and at home. Had a great time on the boat and island.”
Review the Auckland Tikapa Moana cruise for dolphins, whales, island stops, practical tips, pricing, timing, and what to expect onboard.
“it was so cool to see the dolphins and the whale. The snacks on board were reasonably priced and tasty. We learned a lot about the water, the land, and the animals.”
Sail the Bay of Islands from Russell with a small crew, island stop, kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, and hands-on sailing.
“Excellent, crew friendly and informative, really nice boat and we were lucky enough to see dolphins on the return leg to Russell.”
Review of the Bay of Islands Cruise and Island Tour, with Roberton Island, Hole in the Rock, wildlife, swimming, snorkeling, and practical tips.
“Great experience with amazing views. Staff were super friendly and kind, would definitely do it again :)”
Sail the Bay of Islands from Paihia, snorkel at a wildlife sanctuary, enjoy a picnic lunch, and relax on a small catamaran for six hours.
“What a fantastic day on the water on Luke's catamaran, Barefoot Sailing. Sailed for 2 hours, 2 hours on an island where we could snorkel, enjoyed a delicious lunch and where they took good notice of my allergy and we did a nice walk. If you wish you could also paddle board. Then we sailed back for 2 hours. We could relax fantastically in the big beanbags and there were hot and cold drinks. Luke told in detail and paid attention to every guest. Tip: Ask him about Project Island Song. This tour was really great and more than worth the money.”
Review of the Cream Trip from Paihia, a full-day Bay of Islands cruise with Hole in the Rock, dolphins, island walks, and boom-netting.
“Fascinating informative day out the captain was brilliant we saw both types of dolphins and many other animals and fauna, unfortunately both pods had babies with them so we were unable to swim (that part of the money was refunded without question) but it was still a fantastic day!!”
Review of the 3-hour Hole in the Rock cruise from Paihia, with island walks, wildlife spotting, Bay of Islands views, pricing, and practical tips.
“Zac provided a lot of interesting info, some even true. Definitely enjoyed the Hole in the Rock stories, and traversing thru the "hole". Also enjoyed the stop where we walked some 230 steps to get a spectacular view of surrounding area.”
Review of the 3-day Bay of Islands tour from Auckland, covering Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, Russell, Waitangi, and Hole in the Rock.
“All 3 days of our trip were planned and executed perfectly. The tour company hires exceptional guides that give commentary throughout the travels. You learn and have a boat load of fun all three days. Highlight is the 90 mile beach, sand surfing (yes, anyone can do this as long as you can climb up the hill!), and dolphin cruise to Hole in the Rock. We unfortunately couldn't get all the way to Hole in the Rock due to the high winds, but the boat ride around the islands was enough, and we had the beautiful opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat. They were such playful creatures! Highly…”
Explore Waitangi, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach and the Bay of Islands on a 3-day Auckland tour with transport and stays.
“Whistlestop visit to the North, our highlights: the Bay of Island Boat tour and the drive on the Ninety Mile beach. Also the robot waiter at the local Thai restaurant! It's not a group tour per se. Quite a lot of coach travelling from Auckland and the Cape Reinga day.”
Cruise New Zealand’s Bay of Islands to Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, wildlife sightings, and 144 subtropical islands in three hours.
“Our trip was cancelled stating ours was the only booking. We had to pay extra to be transferred to another Cruise run bythe same company Fullers. A 90 minute stay at Urupupuka Island was a waste of time in the rain. On the positive side despite bad weather we were shown the Hole in the rock which is the main attraction of this cruise, Cruise staff were very courteous and most helpful thorughout.”
Review of the 7-hour Bay of Islands cruise, with dolphins, Hole in the Rock, Otehei Bay, island walks, and practical booking advice.
“Marty the skipper was very jovial and informative/knowledgeable. Made everyone feel at ease. Although we were not looking for whales Marty got information on a possible sighting and hurried to take us to where the whale was last spottRead more”
Every kind of island day we have been out on.
