Fullers Day in the Bay Cruise

The Full Bay of Islands Experience

If you want to see as much of the Bay of Islands as possible in a single day, the Day in the Bay Cruise is the most comprehensive option available. This 7-hour trip covers everything: the Hole in the Rock, the historic Cream Trip route through the inner islands, an island stop at Otehei Bay, marine mammal viewing with a guarantee, and the chance to try boom-netting. It’s long, but it genuinely does pack in more than any other cruise in the bay.

Fullers Bay of Islands has been operating for 125 years, and the Day in the Bay Cruise follows the route of the original Cream Trip, a historic mail and supply delivery service that once connected island communities. You’re not just ticking off tourist sites but also following a piece of New Zealand maritime history.

What You Get

The cruise departs at 10am from Paihia (10:10am from Russell) and runs for 7 hours. It operates seasonally from late October through April, with daily departures during the peak summer period (late December through March) and a reduced schedule (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays) at the start and end of the season.

The morning portion takes you out to the Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako, past the Cape Brett Peninsula and lighthouse. The crew watches for dolphins, whales, and seals throughout, and Fullers is one of only two operators licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals. The marine mammal viewing guarantee applies: if you don’t spot any during the cruise, you get a free return trip (voucher valid 12 months, subject to availability).

After reaching the Hole in the Rock (and traveling through it when conditions allow), the boat stops at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for 1.5 hours. Standard island stop: swimming, walking tracks, kayak hire in peak season, and the Otehei Bay Bar & Café for food and drinks.

The afternoon section is where this cruise differs from the shorter Hole in the Rock trip. Instead of heading straight back, the boat follows the original Cream Trip route through the inner islands. You pass the unique Black Rocks (volcanic formations), the historic Marsden Cross (site of the first European settlement in New Zealand), and cruise through the sheltered waters where mail and supplies were once delivered to island communities.

Weather and conditions permitting, you also get a chance to try boom-netting. This involves lying in a net that’s deployed from the back of the boat while it’s moving, getting dragged through the water. It’s surprisingly fun and something unique to this region. Boom-netting isn’t suitable for children under 5, and kids aged 5-12 need adult accompaniment.

Who Is It Good For?

This cruise suits people who want depth rather than speed. Seven hours is a long time to be on a boat, so you need to genuinely enjoy being on the water and don’t mind a slower pace. If you’re the type who gets restless after a couple of hours or finds boat travel boring, the shorter Hole in the Rock cruise is probably better.

History enthusiasts appreciate the Cream Trip route and commentary about the area’s maritime past. The inner islands section has less dramatic scenery than the outer trip to the Hole in the Rock, but more historical context.

Families with older children who can handle the duration find the variety keeps everyone engaged. The combination of outer island cruising, island stop, inner island history, and boom-netting breaks up the seven hours. Younger children might struggle with the length.

The marine mammal viewing guarantee is a safety net, though at 7 hours of cruising, your chances of spotting dolphins or other wildlife are pretty good.

The Seasonal Schedule

This cruise only runs from late October to late April (summer season). During peak summer (late December through March), it operates daily. Outside that window, it runs four days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday). If you’re visiting outside these months, it’s not available at all. Plan accordingly if this specific cruise is what you want.

Food and Practical Considerations

Food is not included. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard. The Otehei Bay Café serves full meals during your island stop. Seven hours is long enough that you’ll want lunch, so either plan to buy from the café or bring your own food.

The departure time (10am) and 7-hour duration mean you’re back around 5pm. It takes up most of your day, so don’t plan other activities before or after. That said, if you want a comprehensive Bay of Islands experience in a single trip, it delivers.

About this Activity

• Free cancellation – No penalty for changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
• Reserve now & pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible.
• Duration – 7 hours.
• Departure – Seasonal: Late October to late April. Oct-Dec & April: Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun. Late Dec-March: Daily. Departs Paihia 10:00am, Russell 10:10am.
• Suitable for – All ages, though long duration may be challenging for young children. Boom-netting requires ages 5+ (5-12 years need adult accompaniment).
• Marine mammal viewing guarantee – Free return trip if no marine mammals spotted (voucher valid 12 months, subject to availability).

What’s Included

• 7-hour comprehensive cruise covering outer and inner Bay of Islands
• Visit to the Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako
• Travel through the Hole in the Rock when conditions permit
• Cape Brett Peninsula and historic lighthouse viewing
• Licensed marine mammal viewing (dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife)
• Marine mammal viewing guarantee (free return if none spotted)
• 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
• Swimming, walking tracks, beach time at Otehei Bay
• Kayak and paddleboard hire available on island (peak season)
• Otehei Bay Bar & Café with full menu and drinks
• Historic Cream Trip route through inner islands
• Black Rocks volcanic formations viewing
• Marsden Cross historic site visit
• Boom-netting experience (conditions permitting, age restrictions apply)
• Informative commentary covering history, culture, and marine environment
• Purpose-built vessel with large viewing decks
• Drinks and snacks available for purchase onboard
• Family passes available, children under 5 travel free

Practical Information

Season: Late October through late April only. Daily departures during peak summer (late December to end of March). Four days per week (Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun) at start and end of season. Does not operate in winter months (May to September).

Getting there: Departures from Paihia Wharf at 10:00am and Russell Wharf at 10:10am. Both wharves are in town centers with easy walking access. Parking available nearby.

What to bring: Warm jacket (essential for 7 hours on the water), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, swimwear, towel, comfortable shoes. Bring layers as temperature varies between on-deck and sheltered areas. Consider bringing your own food or money for café purchases.

Duration consideration: Seven hours is genuinely long. You need to be comfortable spending most of a day on a boat. The variety (outer cruise, island stop, inner cruise, boom-netting) breaks it up, but it’s still a significant time commitment. Consider whether you or your group will enjoy this much boat time before booking.

Boom-netting: Weather and sea conditions determine if boom-netting happens. Not available on all sailings. Not suitable for children under 5. Children 5-12 must have adult accompaniment. If boom-netting is a priority for you, ask Fullers about conditions when booking, though they can’t guarantee it in advance.

Hole in the Rock access: The captain decides whether to travel through Motukōkako based on sea conditions and safety. Most days it’s possible.

Marine mammal viewing: Seven hours of cruising gives good odds of spotting dolphins, and possibly whales or seals. If you don’t see any marine mammals during the trip, you get a complimentary return voucher valid 12 months (bookings subject to availability on standby basis).

Food options: No lunch included. Onboard drinks and snacks for purchase. Otehei Bay Café serves full meals (breakfast, lunch items, snacks, coffee, alcohol). Check their menu beforehand. Alternatively, pack your own lunch to eat onboard or during the island stop.

Historic Cream Trip: The original Cream Trip was a mail and supply delivery service that operated in the Bay of Islands for decades, connecting island communities before modern transport. This cruise follows that historic route through the inner islands, passing sites like the Black Rocks and Marsden Cross. The commentary provides context about this maritime history.

How it compares: This is the longest and most comprehensive cruise in the Bay of Islands. If you want maximum coverage in a single day and don’t mind the time commitment, this is it. If you prefer a shorter experience or just want to see the Hole in the Rock, the 4.5-hour Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise covers the highlights more efficiently.

Nearby: This cruise takes up most of your day (10am to 5pm), so plan accordingly. Paihia and Russell have cafés, shops, and other attractions if you have time before or after.