Best of · PAIHIA ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
Good paihia island hopping tours sell out weeks ahead in high season and the early departures go first. Below: the 12 to book now, what each includes and how they differ.
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.”
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!!”
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.”
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!”
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”
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”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Join the locally built R. Tucker Thompson from Russell for 330 minutes of hands-on sailing in the Bay of Islands. Help hoist sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or relax. The day includes ferry transfers from Paihia, fresh scones, a BBQ lunch, and support for youth sailing.
“Turned out there was only a handful of people that did the sail at the same time as we did. It was an absolutely incredible day!!”
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!”
Cruise from Paihia through the Bay of Islands with a small group of up to 22 people. Stop at Roberton Island and a second island chosen for the weather, then hike, swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. Guides such as Zac, Nicola, and Cass share local history and help with the water activities.
“Was an amazing trip, saw some incredible views. Snorkeling was a blast saw some cool marine life Shark, Octopus, Sting ray. Zack was an awesome tour guide, definitely would recommend especially for cruise passengers.”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
