The 5 Best Island Tours with Lunch in New Zealand

1.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Our pick

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the working schooner R. Tucker Thompson with Captain Magnus and crew. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swing into the sea, visit a conservation island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Return ferry transport from Paihia is available.

“Wonderfully positive and inspired young crew. Instead of rushing from photo op to photo op, you truly experience a great day. Lots of participation possible, but never required. We even raced another tall ship for a bit (our crew knew the folks on it) which made for some fun sailing. Cannot recommend more highly, as this non-profit also support sailing trips for youth up north. The scenery is breathtaking.”

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2.Bay of Islands: Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 265 reviews · 4h 30m · from $107Best value

Spend 4.5 hours cruising from Paihia among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Your skipper, possibly Bronwyn depending on the departure, provides live commentary, wildlife viewing, and a careful attempt at the Hole in the Rock. Lunch and 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay are included.

“We got lucky with the weather, and we went on a nice sunny day. The tour was a combination of excitement when we went through the hole in the rock, and also joy of relaxing on the Urupukapuka island. A strong recommendation if the weather permits. We didn’t see any dolphins on our way but was definitely worth it.”

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3.Discover the Bay – Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 265 reviews · from $117

Cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands from Paihia, pass Cape Brett, and enter the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow. Your 4.5-hour trip includes live commentary, dolphin watching, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay for an island buffet lunch, swimming, and short walks.

“Well organised tour group. The crew was professional, efficient and informative about the attraction and local marine animals.”

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4.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Join Barefoot Sailing Adventures in Paihia for six hours aboard a comfortable catamaran with guides such as Luke and Sarah. Sail among the Bay of Islands, help at the tiller, then spend two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island with lunch, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and short bush walks.

“Fabulous day sailing and cruising the Bay of Isles - Sarah & Michelle were great and gave us so much good information about the area.”

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5.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Spend six hours with Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran, sailing from Paihia through the Bay of Islands. Settle into a beanbag, watch for wildlife, then stop for two hours of swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, walking, and a catered lunch.

“The guides were awesome. The catamaran was beautiful and we saw dolphins!”

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