Small Group Auckland Trip, 13 Hours

Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland

★ 4.9 26 reviews

from $255.42 per person

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Duration: 13 hours
Meeting point: Auckland CBD pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: ExperienceKart Luxury Travel

Overview

This full day runs about 13 hours, with the centrepiece being a 4.5 hour cruise through the Bay of Islands that includes admission to the Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise. You leave from a central Auckland meeting point outside the Movenpick Hotel on Customs Street East, travel in a temperature controlled minibus with WiFi, and return to the same spot at the end of the day. Along the way the escort gives commentary in English, and the group is capped at 16 travellers.

The cruise itself threads between the bay's islands, with a nature guide commentating live from the boat. Dolphins, whales and orcas may appear at mother nature's discretion, with seals and birdlife also possible sightings, and the boat stops at Urupukapuka Island for about 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay, where you can walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or simply relax. Refreshments and water are complimentary onboard the minibus, but meals are not included, though food can be bought at the Otehei Bay cafe and on the vessel.

It suits travellers of all ages with average fitness who want a guided, all-in-one day trip from Auckland. Walks on the island are short and optional, but you need to manage stairs and uneven terrain. The tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users and not recommended for those with back problems or who are pregnant.

Open deck view from a moving cruise boat across green forested islands and blue water with a curving wake behind

What's Included

Included

Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board
All fees and taxes
Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Engaging and informative commentary in English
Scenic cruise among the islands of the Bay of Islands
Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)

Not Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Cruise boat at Paihia wharf in the Bay of Islands.

Itinerary

Auckland Central departureThe tour starts at 09:00 from outside the Movenpick Hotel, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD. This initial stop lasts 15 minutes.
La nonna Italian BakeryA 15 minute comfort stop at the bakery. Reviewers have praised this stop, and any food or drink you buy here is at your own expense since meals are not included.
Hundertwasser Public ToiletsA 15 minute stop, free to enter.
Hole in the Rock cruiseThe core of the day, a 4.5 hour cruise with admission included. You sail among the islands, look for marine mammals, pass the Hole in the Rock, and stop at Urupukapuka Island for roughly 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay.
Return to AucklandThe drive back ends at the same meeting point in Auckland Central, a 15 minute stop. The full day, including the cruise, runs about 13 hours.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to sort out before you book, from sea conditions to food and fitness.

Pack for choppy water. One reviewer reported choppy seas and advised taking motion sickness medication or a patch beforehand if you are prone to it or unsure. The cruise is long, so it is better to be prepared than to find out mid-crossing.
Dress in layers. The operator recommends comfortable clothing for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection and a jacket or warm layer.
Plan your meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all excluded. You can buy lunch at the Otehei Bay cafe, snacks and drinks are sold onboard the vessel, and you are welcome to bring your own food.

Fitness and terrain. Tours suit all ages and average fitness, with short optional bush walks. You must be able to climb stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven ground, and the site itself has uneven surfaces.
Bring a camera. The operator suggests bringing a camera or a phone with camera capability, and says the bay is a great place for photos. Dolphins and island views are the obvious subjects.
Small group setting. The tour carries a maximum of 16 travellers in a minibus with air conditioning and onboard internet. Reviewers highlighted the driver guide's commentary on New Zealand history, culture and earthquakes during the drive.

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Common issues. It is a very long day, and at least one reviewer said so directly while still calling it worth it. The cruise depends on good weather, and if it is cancelled you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also needs a minimum number of travellers, and if that minimum is not met you get a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant travellers. Marine mammal sightings are never promised, since interactions are subject to Department of Conservation regulations and the animals' own movements.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Return guided transfers from Auckland, pickup and drop off within Auckland CBD, the 4.5 hour Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise with admission, refreshments and water on the minibus, an English speaking escort, commentary, all fees and taxes, and onboard WiFi. Meals are the main exclusion.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Outside the Movenpick Hotel at 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, starting at 09:00. The point is close to public transport, and the day ends back at the same spot. The operator asks you to advise them if you plan to meet there.

Is Food Provided?

No. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included. You can buy lunch or dinner at the Otehei Bay cafe depending on sailing time, purchase snacks and drinks onboard, or bring your own food.

Will I Definitely See Dolphins?

Not necessarily. Dolphins, whales, orcas, seals and birdlife may appear at mother nature's discretion, and interactions follow Department of Conservation regulations. A portion of the fare supports marine mammal research and conservation.

Is It Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The tour suits all ages, pushchairs are accommodated and infant seats are available. However it is not wheelchair accessible, and the island terrain is uneven, so travellers with limited mobility may find parts difficult. Anyone with fitness concerns should tell the guide at check in.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund and no changes are accepted. Weather cancellations come with an offer of a different date or a full refund, and if the minimum number of travellers is not met you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.