The Bay of Islands is filled with so much natural beauty and with this Highlights of the Bay tour you can see a handful of the region's best attractions. Beginning with a cruise on the Fullers Great Sights' catamarna; Dolphin Seeker, you'll embark on a cruise to visit some of the region's playful dolphin population. Taking you past such sights including Cape Brett and the picturesque Hole in the Rock, this cruise is both relaxing and exciting.
From here, you'll begin your adventure in Russell, a town known for its historic buildings and beautiful waterfront setting, following a short yet scenic journey on the Russell Passenger Ferry from Paihia. While in Russell you can learn all about its history including how it earned the reputation as being the 'Hellhole of the Pacific', and also see some of the local highlights such as Flagstaff Hill via coach.
This package will allow you to explore the region at your own pace with multiple departure times for the cruise and tour throughout the day from both Paihia and Russell. Choose whichever time suits you to begin your adventure in the beautiful Bay of Islands region with this Highlights of the Bay package - book online today!
How It Works
- The date you select at the time of booking is the date of your Dolphin Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Upon completion of your booking, you will receive a voucher with the Tour Operators details to contact and arrange a time directly for the Russell Mini Tour
- This tour is done over two days and does not need to be consecutive
Inclusions
- Dolphin Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Russell Mini Tour
- Russell Passenger Ferry
Highlights
- Hop on board our catamaran Dolphin Seeker and set off on a half day Bay of Islands dolphin watching cruise
- See stunning Bay of Islands highlights including Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock
- Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life as you travel around the Bay and discover its island gems
- Explore historic Russell, an easy ferry ride across the Bay from Paihia
- Find out about Russell’s history as one of the first meeting points between Māori and European sailors
- New Zealand’s most significant historic buildings, and visit Flagstaff Hill for panoramic vistas of the Bay of Islands
Time
Departing Paihia
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise departs at either 9.00am or 1.30pm (no Island stopover), departs from The Wharf, next to the Maritime Building waterfront
- Russell Mini Tour departure times; 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm - tour departs from the end of the Wharf in Russell
Departing Russell
- Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise departs at either 9.10am or 1.40pm (no Island stopover), departs from The Wharf, waterfront
- Russell Mini Tour departure times; 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm - tour departs from the end of the Wharf in Russell
The Russell Passenger Ferry
- Paihia - Russell Ferry departure times; 7.20am, 8.30am and 9.30am - 9.30pm departures on the half hour
- Russell - Paihia Ferry departure times; 7.00am, 7.45am and 9.00am - 9.00pm departures on the half hour
What To Bring
- Camera
- Towel
- Swimming gear
- Sunhat and sunblock
- Warm clothes - Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenient changing
- Walking shoes
Additional Information
- If you have infants travelling with you (under 5 years old) please include these in your reservation by selecting the "infant" option.
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements