Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise

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

★ 4.8 300 reviews

from $101 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Paihia
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Island Getaway LTD

Overview

This half-day cruise packs the signature sights of the Bay of Islands into one boat trip: two island stops, a run past the Hole in the Rock, and a skipper who talks you through the scenery and wildlife as you go. It runs about 4.5 hours and carries a maximum of 49 passengers, which keeps the day interactive rather than a mass-market ferry ride.

The first stop is Roberton Island (Motuarohia), home of the Twin Lagoons lookout. Everyone gets off the boat for a short walk, ten minutes along a native bush trail, to a lookout with a full circle of views over the bay. Back on board, the boat threads between the islands while the crew keeps watch for marine wildlife and unique shorebirds.

A pod of common dolphins leaping together in open water with white spray and a small boat far behind

The run out to Motu Kokako, the island everyone calls the Hole in the Rock, is the headline moment. The booking page says the boat can sail through the natural arch when conditions permit, though passage is never guaranteed. The second island stop is the relaxed part of the trip: snorkel gear is provided, there are island trails to walk, and you can swim or just sit on the beach. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a packed lunch or arrange one with the operator in advance for an extra charge. The pace suits swimmers and non-swimmers alike, and travellers in recent reviews often praise the friendly, knowledgeable crew.

Cruise boat with bottlenose dolphins near the Hole in the Rock arch at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands.

What's Included

Included

Scenic cruise
2 stopovers on remote islands
Wildlife spotting and native bush walks
360-degree views from the island lookout points
Use of snorkeling equipment
Interactive commentary

Not Included

Food and drinks

Itinerary

Meet the boatThe tour has two possible meeting points depending on the option selected, so check the booking page before you go. Hotel pickup is not part of this tour.
Cruise the bayDepart by boat into the Bay of Islands and cruise among its islands while the skipper gives live commentary and the crew looks out for marine life and birds.
Roberton Island walkDisembark at Roberton Island (Motuarohia) for a ten-minute walk along a native bush trail to a lookout with 360-degree views over the bay.
Wildlife cruise to Motu KokakoCruise on toward Motu Kokako, better known as the Hole in the Rock, keeping a lookout for wildlife along the way.
Second island stopThe skipper picks a secluded bay on the day. Snorkel the reefs with the provided gear, walk the island trails, swim or relax on the beach.
Return cruiseCruise back to the meeting point, with commentary and wildlife spotting on the way. The full tour runs 4.5 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from the weather to what you carry in your bag.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Dolphin And Hole In The Rock Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

3-Hour Hole in the Rock Cruise$88.87
Dolphins and Island Cruise$90
Eco Cruise, Marine Wildlife Focus$97.47
Cruise with 2 Island Stops$101
Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise (this tour)$101
Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included$121
Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch$131.87

Bring layers. The operator asks for a towel and beachwear, and reviewers who went in cooler weather were glad the boat has inside seating. Even on warm days the open-water legs can be windy, so a jacket or fleece is a sensible addition to swim gear.
Pack food. Food and drinks are not included. Bring a packed lunch, or contact Island Getaway before the tour to pre-order a lunch box for an additional cost.

Snorkelling reality. Snorkel gear is included, but where you actually use it depends on the bay chosen on the day. One reviewer found the advertised snorkelling was barely an option at their stop, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Small-boat feel. Numbers are capped at 49, and reviewers consistently describe a friendly, energetic crew who answer questions. One reviewer said the crew even handed out restaurant and travel tips for the wider area.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum number of participants to run; if the count is not reached you will be offered another date or a full refund. One reviewer also said the snorkelling advertised was not really available at their lunch stop, and described an unfriendly reception from people at that island. A minimum fitness level helps for the island walks, with one reviewer calling the beach walk hard but worth it for the view.

Common Questions

What Does The Tour Include?

The price covers the scenic cruise, two island stopovers, snorkelling equipment, native bush walks, lookout viewpoints and live commentary from the skipper and guides. Food and drinks are the main exclusion. A pre-ordered packed lunch costs extra.

Is Lunch Included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own packed lunch or contact Island Getaway directly before the tour to pre-order one at an additional cost.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup is not included. The tour has two possible meeting points, and which one applies depends on the option you select, so check the booking page for the exact location of your departure.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a towel, beachwear and your own swimsuit if you plan to snorkel or swim. A warm layer is wise since conditions on the water can be cool.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is cancelled because minimum participant numbers are not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.