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BOI-22 | Bay of Islands with Glowworm Caves | 5.50 hrs
Our most popular Bay of Islands tour. Visit the Kawiti Glow Worm caves, famous Hundertwasser toilets, the kauri trees in the Puketi forest, Kerikeri and the Makana chocolate factory.
BOI-F1 | Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Flight
The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand, so take one of our helicopter flights to get the best views and also see the infamous Hole in the Rock. Just one of many helicopter flight options we have available in this port.
BOI-F2 | Bay of Islands Coastal Discovery Heli-Flight
See more of the Bay of Islands on our longer sightseeing flight to see some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand. Great views of the infamous Hole in the Rock plus the historic town of Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
BOI-F3 | Hole in the Rock Landing Heli Flight
Very few people in history, including Maori, have ever ventured on the island in this way before. Being surrounded by steep cliffs (over 150 metres high) and stunning scenery, this unique landing location will appeal to the adventurous.
BOI-F4 | 45 minute Hole in the Rock Landing
For the first time in New Zealands history our exclusive helicopter flight, in conjunction with the Motu Kokako Ahu Whenua Trust, offers an opportunity to set foot on top of the iconic Hole in the Rock - Motu Kokako.
The Bay of Islands is an internationally renowned destination, famous for the many opportunities the extensive shoreline, with islands and inlets offers boating enthusiasts.
The cruise ship tenders take you to the Waitangi wharf on the Paihia side of the harbour. A short walk from the wharf takes you to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. You can also take a ferry across to the historic town of Russell, which was once the capital city of New Zealand and the first European settlement in the early 1800's. Our tours will let you see the best destinations.
The Bay of Islands is located 60 km north-west of Whangarei close close to the northern tip of the country. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s.
The bay itself is an irregular 16 km-wide inlet, a natural harbour, it has several arms which extend inland, notably Waikare Inlet in the south and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west. The small town of Russell is located at the end of a short peninsula that extends into the bay from the southeast.
There are several islands to the north of this peninsula, notably Urupukapuka Island to the east and Moturoa Island to the north. The Purerua Peninsula extends to the west of the bay, north of Te Puna Inlet, and Cape Brett Peninsula extends 10 km into the Pacific Ocean at the eastern end of the bay.
Its believed that About 700 years ago, the Mataatua, one of the large Maori migration canoes which journeyed to New Zealand from Hawaiki, was sailed to the Bay Of Islands (from the Bay of Plenty) by Puhi, a progenitor of the Ngapuhi Iwi (tribe) which today is the largest in the country. Maori settled and multiplied throughout the bay and on several of its many islands to establish various tribes such as the Ngati-Miru at Kerikeri. Many notable Maori were born in the Bay Of Islands, including Hone Heke who several times cut down the flagpole at Kororareka (Russell) to start the Flagstaff War.
Many of the Maori settlements later played important roles in the development of New Zealand, such as Okiato (the nation's first capital), Waitangi (where the Treaty of Waitangi would later be signed) and Kerikeri, (which was an important departure point for inland Maori going to sea, and later site of the first permanent mission station in the country).
The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Whalers arrived towards the end of the 18th century, while the first missionaries settled in 1814. The first full-blooded European child recorded as being born in the country, Thomas King, was born in 1815 at Oihi Bay in the Bay of Islands.
The region has many interesting historic towns including Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Kerikeri. Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and dates from the early 19th century. Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House, also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832.
I understand this is a tendering port, where do the tenders go?
The tenders usually tender passengers to the Waitangi Wharf. This is 2km from the centre of Paihia, where most independent tours depart. This is the location of Paihia Wharf, where all the boat trips also depart. From here you can catch the local ferries over to Russell on the other side of the bay.
Is there a shuttle bus to Paihia?
Yes, most ships offer a shuttle bus service from the tender wharf at Waitangi to the main town centre at Paihia wharf. Its a nice 2 km walk if you want along the waterfront if you want.
How far is it to the Waitangi treaty grounds?
Its only a short walk from the Waitangi wharf, allow 10 minutes at a brisk walk.
Ship ETA and ETD does match the tour times, what can we do?
For most tour the tour start and end time can be adjusted to suit the ships arrival time [ETA] or its departure time [ETD], as the tours are run just for the cruise ship passengers. Some tour are also run for the general public [such as water based activities] and these tour can not be adjusted so will not be suitable for you. In such cases a warning is given when you try to book these tours and you should contact us for more information. Please note that cruise ships are now changing their ETA and ETD in port more frequently. If in doubt please contact us to confirm in case of last minute changes.
