Discover The Bay

The Premium Bay of Islands Experience

If you’re going to do one cruise in the Bay of Islands, Discover the Bay is probably the one to pick. Run by Explore Group, this half-day trip packs in everything the bay is famous for: the Hole in the Rock, marine wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery, and a proper island stop with lunch included. It’s their flagship tour, and for good reason.

What You Get

The cruise runs for 4.5 hours, departing Paihia at 10am (or Russell at 10:10am if you’re staying across the water). You’re on a modern purpose-built vessel with plenty of viewing deck space and an air-conditioned cabin when you need a break from the sun or wind. The local skipper provides commentary throughout, covering the area’s history, Māori culture, and what you’re looking at as you cruise past.

When conditions allow, the boat travels through the Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako. This naturally formed archway has been carved out by centuries of wind and waves, and going through it is genuinely impressive. You also get close to the dramatic cliffs at Cape Brett Peninsula. Weather and sea conditions determine how close you get to these features, but the skippers know what they’re doing and won’t take risks.

Explore Group is one of only two operators licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals in the Bay of Islands. You’re likely to see dolphins, and there’s a decent chance of spotting whales, seals, and plenty of birdlife. No guarantees with wildlife, obviously, but the odds are pretty good.

The standout part of the trip is the 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. You get an Island Buffet Lunch at the Otehei Bay Café & Bar (if there aren’t enough passengers for the buffet, you get a voucher for a main meal instead, which is fair enough). After lunch, you’ve got time to swim, snorkel, walk one of the island tracks, or hire a kayak if it’s peak season and they’re available. The island is a DOC-managed sanctuary, so it’s pest-free and the beaches are genuinely pristine.

One smart option: if you’re on the morning cruise, you can extend your island stay and catch a later Explore ferry back to Paihia at no extra cost. You just need to book your return ferry with their reservations team when you make your original booking. That turns a half-day cruise into a full island day if you want it.

Who Is It Good For?

This cruise works for a wide range of people. Families with kids appreciate that there’s variety (not just sitting on a boat for hours), plus the island stop gives children a chance to swim and burn energy. Older visitors like that it’s comprehensive without being too physically demanding. International tourists who want to see the Bay of Islands’ highlights in one go find it efficient. The commentary from the skippers gets consistently good reviews, especially for people unfamiliar with New Zealand history and Māori culture.

If you get seasick easily, be aware that the trip does go out into open water around Cape Brett, and conditions can be choppy. The vessels are stable and the cabins are sheltered, but it’s worth considering if rough water bothers you.

The boats run daily year-round, though obviously summer (December to February) is busiest. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during school holidays.

About this Activity

• Free cancellation – Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Reserve now & pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible.
• Duration – 4.5 hours.
• Departure – Daily from Paihia at 10:00am and Russell at 10:10am.
• Suitable for – All ages and fitness levels. The island stop provides accessibility for those who prefer less time on the water.

What’s Included

• 4.5-hour scenic cruise on purpose-built vessel with viewing decks and air-conditioned cabin
• Travel through the Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako (conditions permitting)
• Close views of Cape Brett Peninsula cliffs
• Marine mammal viewing with licensed operator (dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife)
• Full commentary from local skipper covering history, culture, and wildlife
• 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
• Island Buffet Lunch at Otehei Bay Café & Bar (or meal voucher if buffet unavailable)
• Time for swimming, snorkeling, walking tracks, or kayak hire (kayaks available peak season)
• Onboard drinks and snacks available for purchase
• Option to extend island stay and return on later ferry at no extra cost (morning cruise only, book with reservations team)
• Family passes available, children under 5 travel free

Practical Information

Season: Daily departures year-round. Summer months (December to February) and school holidays are busiest, so book ahead.

Getting there: Departures from Paihia Wharf at 10:00am (Maritime Building) and Russell Wharf at 10:10am. If you’re staying in Paihia, the wharf is an easy walk. Parking available nearby. Russell passengers can walk to the wharf or catch a water taxi if staying elsewhere in town.

What to bring: Warm jacket (it gets windy on the water, even in summer), flat-soled shoes, camera, swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen. Layers are smart, as you might be hot on deck in the sun but cool in the shade or when the boat is moving.

On the day: The skipper decides whether to travel through the Hole in the Rock based on sea conditions and safety. Most days it’s possible, but occasionally swells or wind make it too risky. The decision is made on the day, and the crew won’t compromise on safety.

Island lunch: The Island Buffet runs when there are enough passengers. If numbers are low (more common in winter or midweek), you get a voucher for a main meal at Otehei Bay Café instead. Either way, lunch is sorted.

Extending your stay: Morning cruise passengers can stay longer on Urupukapuka Island and catch a later Explore ferry back. You need to arrange this with the reservations team when booking your cruise. There’s no extra charge for the later ferry, which is a nice touch if you want more beach or walking time.

Motion sickness: The boats are stable and well-equipped, but the trip does go into open water around Cape Brett, where it can get choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. The air-conditioned cabin provides a sheltered option if you need a break from the movement.

Nearby: Paihia and Russell are both small towns, so you can easily combine this cruise with other activities. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a short drive from Paihia. Russell has historic buildings, cafés, and a relaxed waterfront worth exploring.