Best of · NEW ZEALAND ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

The 15 Best Island Cruises in New Zealand

23 tours  ·  from $38 a head

The Bay of Islands, Waiheke and the Marlborough Sounds are all short crossings with very different days at the end. These 15 are priced and timed, with the ferry-plus-tour combinations set out plainly.

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - Finding the Explorer Bus at Mātiatia
Auckland Island Hopping Tours, Ferry & Island Transfers, Ferry Trips in New Zealand, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

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

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

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops - Leaving Paihia or Russell and crossing the inner bay
Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops

2.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,002 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90

Join Island Getaway for a 4.5-hour cruise from Paihia or Russell with up to 49 passengers. Captain Blair, Hamish, Zac and other local guides share Māori and maritime stories while you visit two islands, snorkel, spot wildlife and possibly pass through the Hole in the Rock.

“The captain was very fun, and the staff were attentive and helpful. We really enjoyed it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise - The Rakaumangamanga Peninsula and Cape Brett
Dolphin Watching, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

3.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 821 reviews · 4h 30m · from $95

Set out from Paihia or Russell for a 4.5-hour catamaran cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Look for dolphins and whales, pass through Motukōkako when conditions allow, then spend 1.5 hours swimming or walking at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

“Was an awesome tour kid friendly, stayed at Otehei Bay longer as was so beautiful. Kids swam all day and the water was soo nice!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers - The Hole in the Rock is the headline moment
Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers

4.Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 701 reviews · from $104Top rated

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands with Island Getaway Tours, stopping at Roberton Island and a second island chosen that day. Expect local stories from captains such as Hamish, Nick, or Blair, plus swimming, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and a chance to pass through the Hole in the Rock.

“Audrey and Nick were great. No worries about getting back to the ship on time. Nice excursion and much better value than the cruise ship.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch - Morning tea on the water
BBQ, Island Hopping Tours, Island Tours with Lunch, Island Tours with Lunch in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Sailing & Yacht Charters, Sailing and Yacht Charters in New Zealand, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover - Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons
Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

6.Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 332 reviews · 3 hours · from $78

Join Island Getaway from Pier 10 in Paihia for a three-hour cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Walk to Roberton Island’s lookout, hear local stories from guides such as Zac and Dan, and visit the Hole in the Rock when weather allows.

“It was an enchanting experience being able to go through the hole in the rock.I appreciate them calling my phone to reschedule the trip since the original date i booked for was not gonna be a perfect weather to go on the trip. I can already say they look out for me and my family's best experience! Thank you everyone for keeping us all safe!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus - Start at Matiatia, and sort out the ferry first
Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus

7.Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 315 reviews · from $58

Take the ferry from Auckland to Matiatia, then tour Waiheke Island by hop-on hop-off bus. Onboard hosts share local stories while you choose among 16 stops for vineyards, beaches, galleries, shopping, and walks. Guides such as Ash and Simon add humor and useful island tips.

“The day we took this excursion, they were down 2 buses, so the waits were long. The buses were hot. But our drivers were kind and patient with people, having to tell them that they had to wait for the next bus b/c they don’t allow standing. The ferry was quite crowded when we arrived, so we opted to go straight to the end to Batch Winery, which was like heaven on earth. Deciding not to hit every vineyard was the best strategy. I would recommend this trip to any first time visitor to Waiheke.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise - The wildlife sanctuary island stop
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in New Zealand, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Sailing & Yacht Charters, Sailing and Yacht Charters in New Zealand, Sailing and Yacht Charters in Paihia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

8.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139

Spend six hours with Barefoot Sailing Adventures exploring the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Luke and his crew guide a small catamaran among the islands, with time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, lunch, and a bush walk on a wildlife sanctuary island.

“Highly recommend this sailing excursion! We were excited to explore the Bay of Islands, and this trip exceeded our expectations. Luke and his crew were knowledgeable, professional, and a lot of fun. We enjoyed learning how to sail, and Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - Cruising Tikapa Moana and the Hauraki Gulf
Auckland Island Hopping Tours, Dolphin Watching, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

9.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

Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour - Cruising among 144 islands
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in New Zealand, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

10.Bay of Islands: 4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 283 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90

Join Island Getaway’s English-speaking crew, including skippers such as Nick, Hamish, Adam, Blair, and Blue, for a 4.5-hour cruise among 144 islands. You’ll walk on Roberton Island, search for dolphins and penguins, pass through the Hole in the Rock when weather allows, then snorkel, swim, or paddleboard at a second island.

“Fantastic tour guides, passionate about the history of the area and ensuring that all passengers had a lovely experience. Day included korora penguins swimming in the ocean, lazy fur seals flicking an occasional mana wave from the rocks and a pod of common dolphins. Really enjoyed the visits and home growth commentary at Motuarohia , hole in the rock and Otehei Bay at Urupukapuka. 100% recommend booking with Island Getaway LTD....Thanks Hamish & Trish...Awesome Day for the Whanau”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bay of Islands: Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch - Setting out from Paihia among 144 islands
Island Hopping Tours, Island Tours with Lunch, Island Tours with Lunch in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Bay of Islands: Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch

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

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch - Boarding at Paihia Wharf
Island Hopping Tours, Island Tours with Lunch, Island Tours with Lunch in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews

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

12.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - Wildlife sightings without a forced schedule
Catamaran Cruises, Island Hopping Tours, Island Tours with Lunch, Island Tours with Lunch in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Paihia Island Hopping Tours, Sailing & Yacht Charters, Sailing and Yacht Charters in New Zealand, Sailing and Yacht Charters in Paihia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

13.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk - Landing on Stevensons Island
2-Hour Experiences, Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Wanaka Island Hopping Tours

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

14.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Take a 2-hour cruise from Wanaka’s lakefront to Stevensons Island aboard the white catamaran Dual Image. Enjoy mountain views, a 10-minute uphill nature walk with a local guide such as Cam, and tea, coffee, and biscuits on the return trip.

“The views were spectacular and our guide was very informative”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk - Stepping onto predator-free Mou Waho
Island Hopping Tours, New Zealand Island Hopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Wanaka Island Hopping Tours

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

15.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $176

Join Eco Wanaka Adventures for a 3.5-hour cruise and guided walk to Mou Waho Island. Captain Michael or Chris shares local nature stories, while you look for buff weka, plant a native tree, hike to an island lake, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea.

“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in New Zealand Island Hopping Tours

★ 5.0Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature WalkFrom $11166 reviews
★ 4.3Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)From $6510 reviews

Keep browsing

Philippines Island Hopping Tours35El Nido Island Hopping Tours13Vietnam Island Hopping Tours36Indonesia Island Hopping Tours9Australia Island Hopping Tours38
Scroll to Top

Pick a boat

By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.

By hull

SpeedboatsCatamaransSailing & YachtsLongtailsIsland Ferries

What you stop for

Snorkelling StopsSea Caves & LagoonsDolphin WatchingKayak TripsGlass-Bottom Boats

How long you are out

Half DaysFull DaysWhole-Day RunsSunset SailingsSleeping Aboard

Who else is aboard

Private BoatsSmall GroupLunch IncludedGuided DaysEverything by Boat