14 Auckland Island Hopping Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then use a day-pass bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose from Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Batch, beaches, villages, galleries, olive oil tastings, and nature walks. Guides such as Ruth, Aaron, and Tilly add local color along the way.

“Our driver/guide Aaron was exceptional! He was so knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the tour. Everything went so smoothly and he offered so much great information about New Zealand Highly recommend!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92

Spend six to eight hours cruising Tikapa Moana from Auckland with a live English-speaking guide, dedicated marine mammal searches, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard. Expect open-water views, conservation stories, onboard snacks, and a return voucher if no mammals are seen.

“I loved visiting the Rototoa Island. And we loved to watched dolphins. It was amazing experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $65

Take an 80-minute ferry from Auckland to pest-free Tiritiri Matangi, then walk forest tracks, spot kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and tuatara, and visit New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse. Guides such as Malcolm Pullan, Tina, and Vishnu may add expert insight, but you can also explore independently.

“fantastic day trip; ferry was comfortable. safely operated, had all amenities. malcolm pullan was our guide & he taught us so very much about birds, plants, animals, the history of the island, etc. what an incredible ambassador for this conservation project, such a knowledgable person trails really well maintained & varied, nice beach; good gift shop. excellent day trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Auckland to Rangitoto Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $37

Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland’s downtown terminal across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island. The core trip includes a return ferry and time to hike toward the 260-meter summit, explore lava caves, or stay near the shore. Check your confirmation carefully if you expect a guided tractor tour.

“Wonderfully planned out. Informative tour up the volcano and then a short hike to the summit. Best views around. So peaceful and serene. A must-co!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $452Top rated

Travel from Auckland to Paihia with a small group of up to 15, stopping at the Kauri Museum, Tāne Mahuta, Opononi, and Waitangi. Spend the night by the Bay of Islands, then cruise to the Hole in the Rock and Otehei Bay before returning to Auckland.

“Fab tour full of history and fun. Tour guide/driver Mark very knowledgeable and considerate of people's needs. Small group so much better than a large coach load of people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · from $105

Spend nearly eight hours cruising Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Your ticket includes live commentary, wildlife viewing aboard a purpose-built vessel, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards. The 11:30am departure has no island stop.

“Great trip! We weren't lucky enough to see any whales but we did see dolphins! The stop at the winery was a wonderful side excursion.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Bay of Islands Discovery Experience from Auckland incl. Hole In The Rock Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $650

You’ll ride from Auckland to Paihia in a private, Wi-Fi-equipped minibus with a local guide such as Karthik or Marty, then cruise past Cape Brett, through the Hole in the Rock, and stop at Otehei Bay for 1.5 hours of walking, swimming, or lunch.

“Lovely boat, friendly guides along the whole tour. Beautiful views on the way back to the Wharf. The island where they drop you off for lunch is efficient with good food. Wish the art gallery was open while we were there.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 13 hours · from $283

Travel from Auckland in a small group with an English-speaking guide, then cruise from Paihia past Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock. Look for dolphins and whales, stop at Otehei Bay for 1.5 hours, and return to Auckland by evening. Guide Karthik has earned praise for his engaging commentary.

“Our Driver/Tour guide Karthik was very knowlegable and kept us all interested on the long journey to the Islands. The boat trip was great, amazing views and time out on an island for food, drink & relaxation. The Bay of islands is a very beautiful place and well worth a visit. I wish I could have stayed for longer.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.2-Day Bay of Islands Small Group Tour with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 days · from $435

Travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands with a guide such as Kim or Ally, visiting the Kauri Museum, Tāne Mahuta, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Otehei Bay. A 4.5-hour cruise, hotel option, snacks, and groups of up to 16 make this a fast, well-organized Northland introduction.

“Kim, our guide was exceptional. She shared a lot of information about the country, history and culture.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $65

Take a 90-minute air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O' War Bay, via Rotoroa Island. Spend 3.5 hours at the beachfront vineyard with wine, lunch, lawn time, a playground, and swimming. Restaurant and tasting bookings are separate, so plan ahead.

“We had an excellent day celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. Everything about the day was done professionally and instructions were clear and the boat ride very comfortable and Island was amazing. Food very good and we loved the beer and wine. Would recommend this trip for an awesome day out.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Waiheke Reserve Ferry Service to Waiheke Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $35Best value

Ride the Waiheke Reserve from Auckland to Waiheke Island in about 40 minutes. Pre-book a fixed sailing, board up to 20 minutes early, and return the same day or within three weeks. Departures are limited, so check your selected time carefully.

“Staff was very friendly. A couple of them came up to each passenger and introduced themselves and asked if they needed anything during the trip to reach out to them.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Rotoroa Island Ferry – from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $68

Take a 75-minute ferry from Auckland across Tikapa Moana to Rotoroa Island, a predator-free sanctuary with kiwi, takahē, tīeke, walking tracks, beaches, historic buildings, and a museum. You get 4 to 5 hours ashore before returning to the city.

“What a lovely day trip of peace and quiet. Away from everyone. Ferry ride was fun -- up top was windy and cold but worth the views. While on the island you hike and run around. I ventured and only saw two people from the tour our wholRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Man O’ War Winery on Waiheke Island – Ferry from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 2 reviews · from $68

Take a 90-minute ferry from Auckland across the Hauraki Gulf to Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke Island. You can order a wine flight, eat at the Tasting Room, relax on the lawn, use the playground, or swim in Man O’ War Bay before the return cruise.

“Comfortable journey on the ferry across to Waiheke island and warm welcome to Man o war winery.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Auckland Region | Island Hopper Package Tour (2 Guests Minimum)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $614

Fly with Auckland Seaplanes over the Hauraki Gulf, tour Great Barrier Island, then cross to Waiheke for wine tasting and a three-course lunch at Batch Winery. Chris, Linda, and the flight team add a personal touch, while your ferry ride back passes Rangitoto.

“Absolute incredible experience,,. So much fun learning about how Chris became a pilot and his story! Linda was absolutely delightful! She truly does it all!!! And the pilot was fun as well! Highly recommend this tour and would do it again if we come back to area! I have recipes for Linda to try out!”

Check availability →Read our full review